Ethiopia hosts 1st annual seminar to boost Chinese language education Xinhua) 09:14, November 04, 2024 The first annual seminar on Chinese language education is held 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. ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- 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. 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) 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, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) People stand in line to vote early outside of Brook Hollow Library on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election ends on Friday, Nov. 1. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News People stand in line to vote early outside of Brook Hollow Library on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Bexar County voters posted record numbers in the first few days of early voting but then the excitement flagged, even as the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump intensified. About 47% of Bexar County's nearly 1.3 million registered voters cast ballots from the Oct. 21 start of early voting through Nov. 1. That total fell short of Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen's prediction of a turnout of at least 50% during the two weeks of early voting, which ended Friday. While we are having record turnouts those first few days, you'll see that it has dropped off, Callanen said hours before the early-voting sites closed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The early-vote total was nearly 10% lower than the 56.5% recorded in the 2020 presidential election, when early voting was a week longer than this year's contest. Bexar County's early-vote tally this year is in line with statewide totals. Nearly 48% of registered Texans cast their ballots during early voting, with large suburban counties outside Houston and San Antonio reporting the highest turnout numbers. In early voting alone, Comal County, anchored by New Braunfels, already reached its 2020 turnout total and thousands more voters are expected to show up on Election Day. Other leaders in early-vote turnout include San Marcos Hays County and Parker and Ellis counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Halloween slowdown? Nearly 575,000 voters hit the polls to cast ballots ahead of the Nov. 5 election, and 32,292 mail-in ballots have been certified so far, with more expected to trickle in, according to Callanen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the first day of early voting, Bexar County voters came out en masse like never before. The county collected 46,820 ballots that day, shattering the previous first-day record of 35,431 ballots in the 2016 presidential election. But the momentum stalled. Often the last two or three days of early voting draw crowds of voters. However, that didnt happen this year, Callanen said. She cited Halloween, which fell on the second-to-last day of early voting, and the cloudy weather as possible reasons some voters stayed home. We were surprised, she said. Normally these last two days sort of blow us out of the water. Are more voters than expected waiting to come out on Election Day? Advertisement Article continues below this ad That's sort of our big question mark, Callanen said. Are the early votes going to be a little bit down because they're planning to come on election day? Before early voting began, Callanen predicted 900,000 people would go to the polls, or about 70% of all registered voters. To hit that number, about 293,000 voters would need to visit polling sites on Tuesday. Thats nearly triple the number of Election Day voters in 2020 when many opted not to vote in person because of the COVID pandemic. Total turnout that year reached 63.6%, with 84,000 voters coming out on Election Day. But Callanen trimmed her prediction on Monday, saying she expects as many as 160,000 voters will vote Tuesday. That would put the overall turnout at 59%. The big day Voters can cast their ballots at any of the 302 voting centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Tuesday. Long lines are almost certain at the busier locations, Callanen said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have the staff. We have the clerks, Callanen said. You all just say a prayer, and Tuesday morning should open smoothly. Encino Branch Library, Northwest Vista College, Brook Hollow Branch Library and Semmes Branch Library saw the biggest turnouts during early voting, with each serving more than 20,000 voters. On the other end of the spectrum, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the Southside Independent School District's administration building and Somerset City Hall each served fewer than 4,150 voters throughout early voting. All of those locations will operate as Election Day polling sites. We want people to look at our numbers that are posted on our website and look to the smaller sites, Callanen said. See if you can drive five, 10 minutes longer to be able to walk right in. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Callanen said two or three monitors dispatched by the U.S. Department of Justice will be watching for voting rights violations, rotating among polling sites. But they won't be allowed inside the voting centers. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson told the Justice Department last week that state law does not allow federal monitors to enter polling sites. The monitors will stay 100 feet away from any polling location they visit, Callanen said. "They will be there observing," Callanen said. "They will go in just to tell the election officials inside that they are here." Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net. A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite. He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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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 Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. (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. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the worlds leading financial groups headquartered in Tokyo, has signed a MoU with Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund) for joint collaboration on opportunities of mutual interest to both MUFG and PIF. The MoU will promote regular engagement between MUFG and PIF, focusing on sectors in which MUFG has strong expertise, notably infrastructure and project financing, said the statement from the Japanese group. This will also include facilitating PIFs effort to explore opportunities in Japan in support of Saudi Vision 2030, it stated. Fumitaka Nakahama, Chief Executive and Senior Managing Corporate Executive, Global Corporate and Investment Banking, MUFG, said: "We are delighted to have signed this agreement with PIF. This MoU formalises our existing strong collaborative partnership and demonstrates our collective ambitions to deepen our working relationship. We look forward to facilitating PIFs evolving financing needs in support of their long-term goals." "This signing is testament to our ongoing commitment to Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region where we are supporting clients across a range of sectors along with facilitating access to investment opportunities in Japan," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), the digital bank backed by Mumtalakat, the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, and privately-held investment group Whampoa Group, has launched its corporate banking services. Operating under full regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain, SGB will offer comprehensive digital banking services to corporate customers in the digital economy to manage their traditional financial and digital assets on a single platform. Global clients can onboard through SGBs remote digital on-boarding solutions. SGB will extend its digital banking services to individual clients by the end of the year. In addition to regular corporate banking services, SGB will provide a real-time settlement network, digital assets custody and intuitive trading solutions, all underpinned by robust AML/KYC measures. This enables businesses to manage their finances flexibly whether they are traditional or digital assets facilitating their participation in the digital economy. New era Edmund Lee, Founding Chairman of the Board of SGB, stated: "We're building the foundation for a new era of global finance where traditional and digital worlds converge to enable businesses to operate anytime and anywhere. Noor bint Ali AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: "The launch of SGB marks a pivotal moment in deepening financial connectivity between Mena and Asian markets through Bahrain. As the digital economy continues to grow, our kingdom will serve as a gateway connecting Asian enterprises with opportunities across traditional and digital financial markets. SGB is a testament to Bahrains pro-innovation environment and our ability to attract and anchor ambitious global enterprises. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, commented: "SGB's launch demonstrates Bahrain's commitment to fostering innovation in financial services while upholding the highest regulatory standards. With SGB, Bahrain will serve as a crucial nexus that connects businesses around the world and bridges traditional and digital financial services." SGB is pioneering a new era of banking where everyone can easily access and manage digital assets alongside traditional assets within one integrated network. Underpinned by its compliance-first approach, SGB will serve as a vital link between mainstream financial services and the rapidly advancing digital asset economy, empowering the next billion users with access to the future of finance. --TradeArabia News Service Saudi Build 2024, the Middle Easts longest-running global construction trade fair, opened its doors today (November 4) in Riyadh, providing a platform to 600 exhibitors from 32 countries to access the lucrative opportunities offered by the $1.7 trillion Saudi construction market. Being held at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the premier trade event for the construction industry is showcasing cutting-edge technologies and industry solutions for the region. The exhibitions long history underscores its sustained success in propelling the industry forward. Thousands of industry leaders and professionals are expected to attend, positioning Saudi Build as a critical forum for business opportunities and knowledge exchange, said the organisers. The event aims to support the kingdom's goal of becoming a hub for international events. The key exhibitors will collaborate to explore solutions and innovations in the construction sector. Aligned with Saudi Arabia's growing building sector and its aspiration to be a key hub for international events like Expo 2030, the 34th Saudi Build focuses on transforming the sector through sustainability and smart technologies to shape an innovative future for the Kingdom, they added. The event, which is set to attract around 22,000 professionals, is being held alongside Saudi Elenex 2024. This year's exhibition will emphasise sustainability, advanced building technologies, and innovation for the future of Saudi Arabia. It comes at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is forecasting a rosy picture for Saudi Arabia with the kingdom's GDP set to grow by 4.7% in 2025, driven primarily by the booming construction sector. This sector boasts an impressive pipeline of projects worth $1.5 trillion, firmly establishing it as a leader in economic expansion..-TradeArabia News Service Versatile International, the Middle East's first fully integrated stone project management consultancy, said it has provided bespoke stone advisory services for the newly-revamped 5,000-sq-m Event Center at InterContinental Dubai Festival City for Al Futtaim Real Estate, thus marking a new era in luxury event spaces. This premier space space featuring state-of-the-art ballrooms, meeting rooms, and a promenade, which recently opened to the public, aims to elevate the experience for events of all scales in the region with its sophisticated design and prime location. In partnership with Al Futtaim Real Estate, Versatile International oversaw every stage of the stone project - from design consultation and material selection to co-ordinating suppliers and completing the final installation. A standout feature of the project is the use of 1250 sq m of Dakton tiles across its ballroom spaces, carefully selected to meet exacting standards for durability, aesthetics, and design. The project also included the rejuvenation of 1200 sq m of existing Crema Marfil stone floors. The quality stonework not only enhances the ambiance with its timeless elegance but also adds lasting value, making the Events Center ideal for hosting high-profile events. Welcoming the completion of the project, Marco Fahd, Group Chairman and CEO of Versatile International, said: "Were delighted to have partnered with Al Futtaim Real Estate on the stone requirements of the Event Center at InterContinental Dubai Festival City over the past year. This project has allowed us to bring Versatiles expertise in luxury stone design and project management to one of Dubais most prominent event spaces." "This collaboration showcases the impact of high-quality materials and precision in creating environments that elevate guest experiences and reinforce Dubais status as a global events hub," he stated. Spencer Lowres, Executive Director of Development - Mixed Use at Al Futtaim Real Estate, said: "The revamped Event Center at InterContinental Dubai Festival City represents our dedication to creating premier spaces that set new standards for event experiences in Dubai." The Event Center is part of the Emirati group's 15,000-sq-m event portfolio at Dubai Festival City, which also includes a 7,200-sq-m Festival Arena. "Working with Versatile International brought a high level of quality and precision to the project, and we look forward to our future collaborations as we continue to bring innovative, world-class venues to the region," he noted. With these advanced facilities, the revamped space is well-positioned to meet the growing regional demand for premium venues, further establishing Dubai as a global hub for high-profile events and conferences, said Fahd. Versatile looks forward to transforming more iconic locations, setting new benchmarks for luxury spaces in the Middle East, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Dubai will play host to the worlds most diverse academic talent and innovation gathering at Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity from November 18 to 21. Held under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and the patronage of HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the initiative is organised in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, a WAM report said. Alongside the Dubai Future Forum, the event will see professors and students from leading institutions worldwide showcase the top 100 projects offering tangible solutions to the pressing challenges faced by our planet and society today. Complex challenges The initiative aims to identify and empower projects capable of comprehensively addressing complex challenges. It seeks to foster collaboration with top graduates and distinguished professors from over 800 global universities across various fields, focusing on innovations that tackle challenges in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, civil society, mobility, water, and the environment. Participants are expected to present ideas and solutions capable of making a defining impact on the future. Notably, the Prototypes for Humanity initiative, launched and overseen by Sheikha Latifa is celebrating a decade of innovation. Over the years, it has effectively met its objectives, addressing global challenges through creative solutions. Building on this legacy, the recent launch of the Dubai Future Solutions initiative stands as a testament to its enduring impact and continued success. Sheikha Latifa highlighted Sheikh Hamdans longstanding support for initiatives and efforts aimed at promoting innovation and creativity and his directives to empower people actively engaged in shaping the future and driving excellence and how such efforts have significantly elevated the Prototypes for Humanity initiative and vastly expanded its potential. She stressed that building a robust innovation ecosystem begins with attracting the brightest minds, aligning international efforts, and channelling them toward developing creative solutions to serve communities and address future challenges. She noted that Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity advances impactful innovations from Dubai to the world, solidifying the citys role as a global innovation hub and a fertile ground for top talent across future-focused sectors. Spirit of partnership Sheikha Latifa said: This initiative embodies a true spirit of partnership and role integration among sectors, institutions, and individuals, all working toward a better world where innovation is at the heart of comprehensive, sustainable development. It creates a dynamic environment for leading academic talents to share solutions, projects, and ideas that bring positive societal change, transforming them into achievements that serve humanity. Key partners include Dubai Culture, DIFC, and the Hussain Sajwani Damac Foundation (HSDF), which has pledged AED100 million ($27 million) to drive innovation and new technological breakthroughs. The collaboration aims to strategically address complex global challenges while leveraging Dubais position as a hub for impactful innovation. Led by the Art Dubai Group, the Prototypes for Humanity initiative serves as a global platform for academics and stands at the forefront of worldwide initiatives and research aimed at achieving specific goals. Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity also allows innovators to scale their ideas and access crucial industry partnerships to realise them through a dedicated programme focusing on Dubai-based technology and commercial pilot projects with leading organisations. Of the 2,700 global applications received, 100 standout projects have been selected to be showcased during the four-day event at AREA 2071, Boulevard, Emirates Towers. On November 19, the initiative will announce the top five exceptional innovators, who will share between them an AED360,000 prize pool to further advance their research in critical areas. Global platform Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), added: Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity initiative provides a global platform that highlights the worlds most important innovations and embodies the significance of partnerships between government, private, and academic sectors. This collaboration supports talent and promising ideas while reinforcing the innovation ecosystem. The initiatives launch, alongside the third edition of the Dubai Future Forum, underscores the importance of enhancing local, regional, and global partnerships to design a better future for communities worldwide. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority and Chairman of the Board of Art Dubai Group, said: The initiative serves as a key platform for projects aimed at addressing humanitys most pressing challenges through concrete scientific solutions. Dubai holds a leading global position in transformational innovation, offering an ideal environment for innovators and brilliant minds to connect with industry partners in both the private and public sectors, which is essential for turning ideas into tangible realities. Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity serves as a key platform for tackling urgent global challenges through tangible, science-backed solutions. As a founding partner, we recognise how the initiative aligns perfectly with DIFCs commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem that positions Dubai as a global hub for talent and innovation. Together, we are creating opportunities that connect visionary thinkers with industry partners, ensuring that the creative solutions developed here can scale and deliver meaningful impact, ultimately contributing to a better future for all. Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of Damac, stated: Dubai, under the vision of its leadership, has become a global hub for talent, technology, and groundbreaking ideas. The Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanity initiative is a powerful platform to inspire young innovators to develop transformative tech-driven projects that can impact the world from here in Dubai. I am proud to support this initiative. Our commitment is to create an environment that nurtures the brightest minds and transforms cutting-edge innovations into meaningful outcomes that benefit humanity. 2,700 applications Tadeu Baldani Caravieri, Director of Prototypes for Humanity, said: We have received over 2,700 applications from leading universities worldwide, solidifying Dubai Future Solutions Prototypes for Humanitys reputation as the worlds most comprehensive convener of academic innovation. The diversity, depth and range of applications received covering all fields of sciences, technology and creative studies make the initiative reflect the current global state of innovation and how complex global issues are manifested, and addressed, by top academic talent. Over the past decade, we have established the worlds largest network of academic talent, uniting over 20,000 professors from more than 800 universities across six continents. Together, were raising awareness of academias essential role in driving progress and collaboratively developing solutions that create tangible impacts on peoples lives." In 2023, the top five awarded projects included groundbreaking innovations from the US, UK, Switzerland, and Kenya, showcasing advances in carbon-negative building materials, eco-friendly bioplastics, bio-engineered yeast, satellite monitoring for disaster-prone structures, and low-cost carbon separation techniques.--TradeArabia News Service Prosecutor Charles "Jeff" Mulliner testifies during a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Sept. 26. Mulliner recently announced his resignation. His last day will be Nov. 14. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News After three months on the job, the head of the civil rights division at the Bexar County District Attorneys office has resigned. Jeff Mulliner announced his resignation last week, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said. Mulliner, who was hired last year, was appointed chief of the Bexar County Civil Rights Division on July 31. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His last day will be Nov. 14. No reason for the resignation has been shared. "Out of respect for the privacy of Mr. Mulliner and his family, we cannot comment further than to say we appreciate the outstanding work he provided as a member of the Bexar County District Attorneys Office," Gonzales told the Express-News. In a statement, Gonzales said the office would be looking for a replacement immediately to avoid delays in pending cases. The division, which was approved for funding by the Bexar County Commissioner's court in 2020, handles cases related to officer-involved shootings, custodial deaths and allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The division, which reports directly to Gonzales, includes two prosecutors, an investigator and an advocate. Daryl Harris was the first head of the civil rights division. Mulliner would have been one of the prosecutors in the case involving three San Antonio police officers who face murder charges in the death of Melissa Perez, a woman undergoing a mental health crisis. He was a prosecutor for the case of James Brennand, the ex-SAPD officer charged with aggravated assault by a public servant and deadly conduct in the shooting teenager Erik Cantu. 3t, the industry leader in the provision of safety-critical training for high-hazard industries, has appointed Hani Sagr as its new Managing Director for the Middle East & North Africa (Mena). With over 15 years of senior leadership experience in the region and a proven track record across oil & gas, mining, and energy sectors, Sagr will lead 3ts mission to drive skills development and innovations in training and learning across Mena. Sagrs extensive regional expertise, developed through senior leadership roles at prominent organisations such as Schneider Electric, Schlumberger, Welltec and Eurasian Resources Group, positions him to deepen 3ts partnerships with key regional stakeholders. His background equips him with a unique perspective on regional dynamics, enabling him to drive strategic growth, foster collaborative opportunities, and fortify 3ts presence across the Mena region. Upskilling goals He will be integral to helping Mena meet its ambitious workforce upskilling goals, aligning closely with national priorities, including Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 and the UAEs vision of becoming a global innovation and technology hub. In his role, Sagr will also focus on advancing workforce readiness in renewable energy sectors, supporting the regions transition toward sustainable energy solutions and ensuring that local talent is prepared to meet the growing demand for skills in both traditional and emerging industries. Following 3t's recent acquisition of GTSC, the largest energy sector training provider in the Middle East, the company is set to deepen its impact across the region with its three training centres located in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This strategic combination leverages GTSCs comprehensive, industry-accredited training capabilities with 3ts cutting-edge training technologies, including immersive digital learning platforms, virtual reality scenarios and advanced simulators. Together, these resources position 3t to deliver unparalleled solutions that meet the evolving, critical safety needs of the region's energy sector. Sagr said: With the demand for skilled workforces at an all-time high, I am committed to ensuring that personnel in safety-critical roles across sectors like renewables and oil & gas achieve the highest standards of safety, compliance, and competence. Improving learning outcomes My role spans a variety of markets, and I am dedicated to aligning 3ts cutting-edge learning technologies to drive innovation and improve learning outcomes for individuals and industries alike. Across the region, we are focused on supporting national visions, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for innovation and technology. By upskilling the workforce and enhancing productivity, we will contribute to the digital transformation objectives of these nations, leading the charge in developing a future-ready workforce. Kevin Franklin, CEO of 3t, said: The appointment of Hani Sagr as our new Managing Director for Mena further showcases our commitment to the region following our recent acquisition of GTSC. With extensive sector experience and a deep understanding of the regional landscape, Hani is well-positioned to lead our initiatives in driving innovation and enhancing learning outcomes for local workforces. Our strategic tie-up of 3t and GTSC empowers us to leverage the combined capabilities of our businesses to have a significant impact on national visions, ensuring that personnel across safety-critical industries are equipped with the skills needed to meet growing demands.--TradeArabia News Service Both marketing (44%) and contact centre (42%) leaders name the lack of skilled employees as the greatest barrier to successfully leveraging AI. This is according to research by Sprinklr, the unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform for modern enterprises, which unveiled the results of new research on the 2025 AI priorities for enterprise marketing and contact centre leaders. Research findings are compiled in the new sponsored IDC Report: AI Everywhere Drives Intelligent Experiences for the Contact Centre and Marketing Functions and illustrate an interesting reversal of traditional narratives. Looking for efficiencies Marketing leaders are looking for efficiencies aligned with challenging predictions for marketing budgets in 2025. Meanwhile, contact centre leaders are most focused on digitising and modernising the customer service tech stack, aligned with the evolution of the contact centre as an integrated part of the customer and brand experience. "At Sprinklr, we recognise that AI and generative AI are not just technological advancementsthey are strategic imperatives we believe will define the future of customer experience. AI-native customer service platforms, such as Sprinklr's CCaaS, will have a significant edge over other solutions in these times, said Sprinklr CTO, Amitabh Misra. "Our research with IDC underscores the necessity for enterprises to embrace AI to create intelligent, empathetic experiences and operational efficiencies that will help drive customer satisfaction and business growth." The report surveyed more than 500 enterprise customer service and 500 enterprise marketing leaders on their future goals and priorities and how they plan to address these priorities through AI-led CX transformation in 2025. Key findings 73% of contact centre executives believe that autonomous 24/7 customer service and support will be the most impactful business outcome from AI-powered advanced/predictive analytics in 2025. 67% of contact centre executives believe that contextualised customer engagement during service interactions will be the most impactful business outcome from generative AI in 2025. 42% of respondents say that lack of skilled employees is the biggest barrier to leveraging AI for customer service in their organisations. Key findings from Marketing Respondents 76% of marketing executives believe that dynamic and personalised content and image creation will deliver the most impactful business outcome from advanced/predictive analytics in 2025. 72% of executives emphasise the need for a unified and integrated Voice of Customer programme to capture richer more expansive customer insights, thereby improving marketing effectiveness and customer journey outcomes. 44% of respondents say that lack of skilled employees is the biggest barrier to leveraging AI for marketing. AI and generative AI are revolutionising the value exchange between customers and brands and have the potential to have a truly transformative impact on future customer experiences, said Sudhir Rajagopal, Research Director at IDC. "However, many enterprises are only scratching the surface, focusing on efficiency rather than top-line value. To move from AI experimentation to AI adoption at scale, contact centre and marketing leaders must address foundational challenges related to AI-specific employee skills, implementation costs, and risks to customer trust by shoring up data quality and establishing strong AI governance before AI can deliver meaningful value to customers. Actionable guidance The whitepaper provides actionable guidance for enterprises to prepare for the era of AI Everywhere, including: *Get Customer and Operational Data AI-Ready: Enhance data infrastructure for trusted data sharing and establish disciplined data governance processes tailored for AI and GenAI capabilities. *Develop a Unified Customer Insights Fabric: Integrate customer data across functions to build a comprehensive portfolio of customer intelligence that informs contextualised journey outcomes. *Establish CX-Specific AI Governance: Implement AI governance to help ensure ethical practices, eliminate biases, and maintain customer trust in AI-driven interactions. *Focus on Cost-Effective Intelligent Experience Delivery: Prioritise AI investments that deliver tangible customer and business outcomes, and partner with technology providers that offer flexible pricing models and robust support services. *Address foundational challenges related to employee skills and training to effectively leverage AI investments.--TradeArabia News Service Dubai has followed in the footsteps of luxury capitals Paris, Milan and Geneva by hosting for the first time Crafted for Luxury, an insightful luxury event by Snapchat. For its inaugural edition in Dubai, Snapchat collaborated with The Business of Fashion (BoF) who brought their expertise to the UAE for the first time. The event explored the rapid growth of the luxury market in the region, with GCC locals leading the way. While the global luxury industry experiences a slowdown, the GCC luxury market is growing at twice the global rate. The UAE dominates in revenue, but Saudi Arabia, with 50% of the GCCs GDP and 60% of its population, presents the biggest opportunity for growth. Foundation of luxury market GCC locals form the foundation of the luxury market growth, as they are 1.6x more likely to be luxury shoppers compared to expats, therefore brands that understand and engage with the unique identities and traditions of the GCC are well-positioned to thrive. As such, Crafted for Luxury emphasised the importance of cultural relevance for brands seeking success in this market. 73% of luxury consumers believe brands should reflect the society they live in, however less than 15% of local luxury buyers feel represented in current advertising. This cultural disconnect presents a major opportunity for brands to better engage local audiences by embracing the unique identities and traditions of each GCC country. Hala Zgeib, Head of Luxury at Snap, said: To resonate with luxury shoppers in the GCC, understanding the cultural context is essential. Culture is the catalyst for growth, innovation, and influencing purchase. Snapchat has been ingrained in the lives of GCC locals for over a decade, offering brands the chance to build cultural credibility and genuine connections. We provide unique access to shoppers' inner circles of trust. This is particularly evident in Saudi Arabia, where 78% of luxury shoppers are influenced by their inner circle, compared to lower figures in the UK and US. Ideal platform She added: Crafted for Luxury serves as an ideal platform for thought leadership exchanges among luxury executives, and we look forward to hosting more of these forums. During Crafted for Luxury, BoF reinforced the critical need for luxury brands to adopt a hyperlocal approach when engaging GCC shoppers. In the State Of Fashion 2024 report from BoF and McKinsey that surveyed fashion executives, the Middle East was believed to be the frontrunner as the most promising market, with 51% net intent. In comparison, North America and China recorded 8% and 3% respectively, while Western Europe was negative 11%. Miglena Zivkovic, General Manager MAKE UP FOR EVER Middle East, LVMH spoke on the importance of Crafted For Luxury: We are living in one of the most exciting, diverse, and dynamic regions of the world. In the GCC, the importance of heritage and inner circle cross trajectory with fast technological progress and societal advancement, and it is up to us, the global brands, to find the sweet spot of communication and dialogue with our ever so glocal consumers of the region. With the help of our trusted partners at Snap, we are equipped with the right knowledge and understanding of the desires and needs of our GCC audience, and the evolving meaning of luxury for them. Culture a crucial catalyst Olfa Messaoudi, Chief digital and marketing officer, LOreal Middle East, commented: The Snap Crafted For Luxury data-driven presentation highlighted culture as a crucial catalyst for innovation, influence, and growth in GCC and particularly in Saudi Arabias luxury market. With Vision 2030 reshaping lifestyles and consumer behaviour, the insights emphasised how brands need to decode the unique cultural context to stay relevant. The growing spending power, particularly among dual-income households and women, along with the exponential rise of e-commerce, presents significant opportunities. To truly succeed, brands must not only adapt to the rapid market evolution but also integrate deeply with local culture and tap into the influential inner circles that shape trends and brand credibility. Snapchats platform offers a direct connection to these networks, making it a powerful tool for driving cultural relevance and fostering long-term brand loyalty in the region. The GCC luxury market continues to evolve, driven by a strong focus on culture, localisation, and a discerning audience that expects innovation and convenience. The insights shared at the Snap Crafted For Luxury event emphasised the importance of understanding the region's unique dynamics, especially in markets like Saudi Arabia, where 91% of consumers prioritise convenience, yet 15% still feel underrepresented in advertising. Its clear that while progress is being made, the emphasis remains on connecting with the 'inner circle', the close community that influences cultural trends. The discussion highlighted the need for Luxury brands to adapt and innovate continuously to maintain relevance in this competitive landscape, added Ramit Harisinghani, General Manager Luxury Tech, Chalhoub Group.--TradeArabia News Service Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has emphasised the importance of strengthening regional and global strategic collaborations and partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence, advanced technology, energy, and climate, to support efforts in finding effective solutions to emerging climate challenges. During a meeting at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, with over 80 global leaders in energy, technology, climate, and investment participating in the ENACT Majlis, Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the significance of intensifying global efforts among various stakeholders to explore effective ways of leveraging the diverse economic and social opportunities arising from the AI-Energy-Climate Nexus, reported WAM. Sheikh Khaled added that real progress in these sectors can be realised on the ground by fostering the exchange of expertise and knowledge among global partners engaged in these vital fields. Sheikh Khaled expressed the UAE and Abu Dhabi's commitment to embracing and strengthening sustainable practices and solutions across all sectors, emphasising the importance of leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and digital solutions, within the vital energy sector, alongside supporting innovative initiatives and projects in clean and low-emission energy, to drive global progress in harnessing artificial intelligence for the future of energy, while supporting the ongoing transition to clean energy options for a sustainable future. Sheikh Khaled highlighted the significance of themeeting, which gathers senior leaders in technology, energy, and climate, re-emphasising that it serves as a global platform for enhancing the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experiences across essential fields and reaffirming the meetings vital role in advancing sustainable development and supporting the global transition toward clean energy by aligning shared efforts and visions to apply AI solutions and technologies in these sectors, to achieve a tangible positive impact at local, regional, and global levels. The invitation-only ENACT Majlis, convened by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), was held under Chatham House rules with the theme AI and Energy, Powering a Sustainable Future. Rooted in long-standing Emirati traditions, the Majlis provided a forum for open, bold and solutions-oriented discussions. The ENACT Majlis followed the release of a joint report by Adnoc, Masdar, and Microsoft, Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future. It also took place on the eve of Adipec 2024, the worlds largest energy event, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi) from November 4-7 2024. Participants at the ENACT Majlis included Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Founder of BY-EQ; Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft; Jonathan Ross, CEO and Founder of Groq; Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder of Econet; Anima Anandkumar, Bren Professor atCaltech; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO ofGlobal Infrastructure Partners; Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance and Chair of Brookfield Asset Management; Luc Remont, CEO of EDF; Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell; Murray Auchincloss, CEO of BP; Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni; Dong Sub Kim, CEO of KNOC; Takayuki Ueda, CEO of INPEX; Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies; and Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and GCEO of Petronas. The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), one of the largest energy events, is opening its 40th edition today (November 4), hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Over 40 ministers and more than 200 C-suite executives and technology pioneers from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas have gathered in Abu Dhabi to foster collaborative action, innovation, and partnerships aimed at accelerating the energy transition. Under the theme Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy., Adipec 2024 will explore the crucial intersection of energy and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting next-generation technologies and AI solutions that are set to reshape the future of the energy sector. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President, and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony. Following this, a ministerial panel titled The New Global Leaders and the Energy Transition will feature energy ministers from the UAE, India, and Egypt discussing how emerging economies are influencing the global energy landscape while balancing challenges and opportunities in energy demand, technological advancements, environmental stewardship, and economic growth. The conference will include ten strategic and technical conferences, addressing critical aspects of the energy transition, such as energy security and affordability in the Global South, accelerating investment in low-carbon projects and alternative fuels, and the role of AI in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors.-TradeArabia News Service Jennifer Jenny Salinas discusses her journey with her vision loss and her role at Vibrant Works. Clint Datchuk Jenny Salinas displays some of the tools and equipment for those with vision loss that are sold at Vibrant Works. Clint Datchuk Jenny Salinas displays textured buttons sold at Vibrant Works, a nonprofit that works with people with vision loss. Clint Datchuk Jenny Salinas works at Vibrant Works operating a store selling specialized devices and items for those with vision loss. Clint Datchuk Jenny Salinas rarely needs her white cane to navigate the halls of Vibrant Works, where she operates a store selling specialized items for those with vision loss. Clint Datchuk Jenny Salinas rarely needs her white cane to navigate the halls of Vibrant Works, where she operates a store selling specialized items for those with vision loss. Clint Datchuk Jennifer "Jenny" Salinas has a BFF (thats Best Friend Forever), a constant companion. Every morning when she heads out the door, her must-have checklist includes her keys, phone and the BFF her white cane. Its kind of like a GPS (thats Global Positioning System) that helps her navigate the world with confidence. Its something that if I didnt have, I wouldnt have the full independence that I desire, Salinas said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Addressing a White Cane Awareness Day event Oct. 10 hosted by Vibrant Works, formerly known as San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, she described how her cane is more of a buddy than a tool. CEO Cindy Watson joined employees as they marched with their canes to celebrate their empowerment and independence. Family and supporters followed outside the Eads Avenue location, where the nonprofit provides programs and services. It was the Vibrant Works version of White Cane Safety Day, which is Oct. 15 and so designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. The local nonprofit is older, launched in 1933 to provide rehabilitation services and employment for people who are vision impaired and blind. About the author A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning. Watson, the first woman and blind person to head the organization, said independence is critical for those adapting to new environments and life with vision loss. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This day holds personal meaning for me, as I was diagnosed legally blind at age 9, Watson said. Ive had many years to adjust and I, too, had to overcome the reluctance to accepting the white cane life. Once I did, I felt unstoppable. It was so amazing and liberating to have the independence to get around and go about life. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who read the official proclamation, called the nonprofits work critically important for San Antonio. Salinas spoke of how her cane symbolizes strength, courage and motivation. Heres the truth sometimes life will test you, Salinas said. It will throw challenges your way that seem impossible. But thats when you find out what youre really made of. Since 2022, Salinas has worked as an administrative assistant in the Services Department at Vibrant Works. Before her vision decreased, Salinas went through assisted technology training to use its software. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These days, she works in the low-vision store, selling adaptive aids ranging from calendars to tactile bump dots used to help identify items. Her checkout register offers audible aid, emitting different beeps depending on the type of transaction. Salinas was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 2, a disease that had affected her eyesight by the time she was in kindergarten. Four years ago, her low vision grew worse. As she walked across a parking lot to a local International House of Pancakes, the sidewalk seemed the same level. Then, without warning, the ground slammed into her body shed fallen off the curb. She needed help. Training with Vibrant Works, she learned to use a white cane, but it was intense. She had to wear sleep shades that blocked the vision that remained. She can still see slivers of light, but she cant make out a persons face. Hours of training included crossing through crowds at a local mall. My trainer was so incredible, Salinas said. You need someone who is telling you Im right here, youre doing a great job. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ground to the cane then the cane to her hand is now part of her mind set, Salinas said. It lets her see whats three feet ahead of her. It also allows her to stand straight and lift her head up. As an indication of vision impairment, its also put her in the path of good folks who ask if she needs help and open doors for her. Salinas believes they recognize shes not helpless and knows what shes doing. An actor, she has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Texas State University. Working in theater productions led her to talk to Vibrant Works about the need to share a live audio description program for the vision impaired. When her own vision decreased, she felt excluded during live performances she wasnt in tune to audiences when they laughed or reacted to costumes and physical scenes on stage. Salinas mentioned the problem after she played an older woman in the show Senior Play at Jump-Start Theater in November 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vibrant Works has partnered with The Public Theater of San Antonio to audio-describe every final Sunday matinee performance of each play in its 2024-25 season at San Pedro Playhouse, including, A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, on Dec. 22. Kimberly Montford manages Vibrant Works audio program. She reviews scripts, attends dress rehearsals and notes the key visual cues, then uses a microphone and transmitter during live performances to narrate facial expressions, movements and costume changes. Theatergoers listen to the description through a single earpiece that allows them to simultaneously hear the actors, too. Not only do people with vision impairment get a fuller story, but they also are included in the conversation of art, Salinas said. Technology has played a big part in Salinas journey, but she said shed be lost without that pre-electronic accessory her cane. On a first-floor wall at the Eads location, a mural of Vibrant Works workers invites visitors to Gain a new perspective on vision loss. At the front, is a floor-to-ceiling photo of Salinas and her quote in large letters: Im proud of how unique I am. 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. Pham Nhat Minh Hoang, son of Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, is serving as CEO of newly-founded For Green Future (FGF) Services and Trading JSC, which specializes in electric vehicle rental services and whose charter capital is VND200 billion (US$7.9 million), according to the latest updates on the National Business Registration Portal. Vuong, chairman of Vietnamese multi-sector conglomerate Vingroup, is considered Vietnams wealthiest individual with a net worth of $4.1 billion, according to Forbes. FGF Services and Trading JSC was established four months ago with a recent relocation of its headquarters to Vinhomes Riverside, an urban area in Long Bien District, Hanoi. It focuses on the sale and rental of electric cars and aims to make electric vehicles more accessible, support green transformation, and contribute to Vietnams net-zero target by 2050. Twenty-four-year-old Hoangs new role at the electric vehicle company also marks his entry into the family business. According to Vingroups management report, board chairman Vuong and his wife Pham Thu Huong, who is its vice-chair, have three children, namely Pham Nhat Quan Anh, Pham Nhat Minh Hoang, and Pham Nhat Minh Anh, none of whom are on Vingroups executive board. The eldest son, Quan Anh, 31, made his first public appearance at a VinFast event in late 2023 as deputy general director of the carmaker's production division. By mid-2024, Quan Anh held 150,000 VIC shares, while Minh Hoang and Minh Anh owned zero VIC shares. Currently, Vuong holds a 17.87-percent stake in Vingroup with more than 691 million VIC shares. His wife owns approximately 170 million VIC shares, equivalent to a 4.39-percent holding. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! From his first run in 2016 to his loss to President Joe Biden in 2020, former President Donald Trump lost support from voters in many areas in Bexar County. According to data from the Texas Legislative Council, many of the places where Democrats gained the most ground are located north of San Antonios city center. The county as a whole went for Trumps Democratic challengers in both 2016 and 2020. Hillary Clinton won with 54% of the vote in 2016, a lead which Biden improved on by four points four years later. This wider margin was, in part, due to Biden flipping around 70 precincts that had at least 100 votes cast in both elections. Compared to Clintons run, Biden drummed up more support outside of San Antonios blue core in places like Alamo Heights and Castle Hills. Around Alamo Heights, Biden flipped several precincts, outperforming Clinton by anywhere from 5 to 10 points. The same was true of Castle Hills and its surrounding area. These changes in the north werent limited to the presidential race but can also be seen through Texas house districts becoming more competitive over this same period of time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The largest stretch of flipped precincts for Biden spanned from the citys airport to San Antonios Uptown Central neighborhood. These precincts had a couple thousand votes each and all went from favoring Trump in 2016 to wins for Biden in 2020. There were some exceptions to the blue wave. Five precincts that recorded more than 100 votes flipped from blue to red. Four were in the southern parts of San Antonio and one was a precinct encompassing Helotes. Not all gains were in flipped precincts. Biden also made ground in solidly Republican precincts around Hollywood Park and the Randolph Air Force Base. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shopping is a fun experience in Vietnam, up until the time you need to find something a little unusual. For me, things like oversized shoes, bicycle parts, and clothing are just a few items that I really struggle to find in Vietnam. More so, it is the difficulties of dealing with shop owners that do not regularly service expat clients that I find most disappointing. After living in Vietnam for many years, I must note that the majority of my shopping experiences have been good ones. I prefer to shop locally whenever I can. Price is not my top priority. I am more motivated by being able to see a product in person, try it out, and take it home immediately. Of course, big malls, such as Vincom and AEON, have brought Vietnam's retail sector into the modern age, and local markets still offer a shopping experience that is unrivaled across the Western world. Still, the structure of the retail sector in Vietnam is a little different than most Western countries. Low-demand items can be tricky to locate, making it challenging for expats to find certain goods in local markets. As an example, I recently decided to buy a fat bicycle. After a week of browsing bicycle shops, sending messages, and searching local websites, a bicycle shop owner said, You wont find it in Vietnam. You will need to buy it and have it imported. And he was right. I ended up buying the bicycle through a shopping platform from China. I have to wait 2-3 weeks for it to arrive, but I got the product I wanted even though it was not available in Ho Chi Minh City. While buying a bicycle turned out ok, other shopping experiences havent. On one occasion, I took a common bathroom item into a hardware store and asked, in Vietnamese, if they had one. I was told no and the shopkeeper just walked away, leaving me alone in the store. To my surprise, as I was leaving the store, I glanced to my right and saw a shelf stocked with the very item I had been looking for. It became clear that the shopkeeper had no intention of helping me, likely because I was not Vietnamese. At times, I also find myself a little embarrassed because I try to communicate in Vietnamese and English but find that shopkeepers are unable to understand me. I am well aware that my Vietnamese is far from decent, but some shopkeepers see a foreigner and immediately panic, thinking that it is impossible to communicate. The result is that you leave the store frustrated and empty-handed. On rare occasions, I have purposely been overcharged. One such experience came at a local store near my workplace. I purchased an item and paid the price I was told. At the time, I didnt think much of it because the item was reasonably cheap. A few weeks later, I needed to buy the same commodity a second time. This time, the shopkeepers daughter served me but gave me change. I asked her if she was sure that was the price. She said yes and that it had been that price since the store opened. Tourists are seen shopping at a mall in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre I concluded that her mother added 25 percent to the price for me, and this suggests there remains a small fragment of old-thought processes that believe it is ok to fleece a foreigner because they are perceived to be 'rich.' Post-pandemic, Ive heard of a few rare instances, primarily in the countryside, where a foreigner had entered a shop and the owner refused service. Although uncommon, it does happen for reasons only the business owner knows. A difficult situation, for sure. Despite some negative experiences, I've also had numerous positive ones that have made shopping in Vietnam enjoyable. It's a mix of the good and the bad that creates a unique shopping adventure. Unfortunately, the limited supply of low-demand items restricts what you can purchase from the otherwise excellent shop owners in Vietnam. I love shopping locally in Vietnam. I love the experience of interacting with the people and being part of the local community, but the fact is that most of my shopping for large items is done online through major platforms. The major platforms, which mostly supply Chinese goods, are reliable and mostly deliver a product that is fit for purpose. They have generated a reputation for delivering on expectation and are easy to use. The only point against online shopping was a very poor experience I had with obtaining a refund. An item I received was broken but the online shopping platform advised me to just put it in the trash rather than shipping it back to the factory. They still issued me a refund, but it was just 75 percent of the total purchase price and they would not even consider my complaint about receiving the full amount. There is no one perfect way to shop as an expat living in Vietnam. The fact remains that for some commodities, online platforms are the only option to get what you want. Other times, the local shops do offer good products at the right price. I suppose I just need to forget my bad experiences and place some trust in local sellers before choosing to shop online. Ill keep using online platforms since the merchandise I need for my hobbies and interests arent readily available locally. Still, I hope for a future where I can shop in person. I wish for a wider variety of products in Vietnam and hope that shop owners accept me as a local, even if I stand out a bit. Regardless of my use of online purchasing, for everyday stuff, I will continue to relish the joy of local shopping and being part of my wonderful community here in Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Association of Francophone Universities (AUF) and the University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach signed a framework agreement on Monday morning for the creation of an Integrated Francophone Space in Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the campus of the university, the facility, called Espace Integre Francophone in French, will house two specialized AUF units including a Francophone Career Center (Centre d'Employabilite Francophone - CEF) and a Francophone Digital Education Center (Campus Numerique Francophone - CNF 5.0). Professor Slim Khalbous, rector at AUF, said at the signing ceremony that the francophone space in Ho Chi Minh City will facilitate partnerships between universities and businesses and socio-political organizations with the goal of enhancing career prospects as well as entrepreneurial skills for graduates. As part of a global network of over 60 CNF 5.0 and CEF centers, including 10 in the Asia-Pacific region, the francophone space in Ho Chi Minh City will feature modern, adaptable facilities and technology to cater to AUF member universities, research institutions, and partners. It is expected to be a welcoming space for all francophone and francophile members of the French-speaking scientific community, he added. He expressed his hope of making this francophone space a platform for collaboration across the board, especially in educational technology and research transfer, the professor continued. On Monday afternoon, AUF and the citys Department of Information and Communications were scheduled to co-host an international conference on building a high-quality workforce for smart city development. Founded in 1962, AUF is one of the largest associations of higher education and research institutions in the world, with over 1,000 member institutions including universities, colleges, and scientific research centers in nearly 120 countries. AUF accompanies francophone universities to engage in broader economic, social, and cultural development issues. Established in Hanoi in 1993, AUFs Asia-Pacific Regional Directorate oversees a network of 86 institutions across 12 countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, and South Korea. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and other meetings in China starting Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. PM Chinh, along with his entourage, will participate in these events in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China from November 5 to 8, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. The GMS Summit is an important conference that promotes economic cooperation and sustainable development in the region. Attendees come from the six countries sharing the Mekong River, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and China, specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1992, with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), these six countries entered the GMS Economic Cooperation Program, designed to enhance economic relations among the countries in the region. Since 2022, with support from the ADB and other donors, the program has mobilized over US$21 billion to support the implementation of high-priority regional projects in agriculture, energy, environment, health, human resource development, information and communication technology, tourism, transport, transport and trade facilitation, and urban development, according to the GMS website. These projects serve the development of different economic corridors of the GMS, including the North-South Economic Corridor, the East-West Economic Corridor, and the Southern Economic Corridor. This year, besides the GMS Summit, PM Chinh will also attend the 10th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam Cooperation Summit, along with other working sessions. The ACMECS, also known as the Economic Cooperation Strategy, is an economic cooperation framework consisting of five countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, under the overarching goal of ensuring peace, stability and common prosperity. ACMECS is meant to boost competitiveness and stimulate economic growth in border areas of member countries. It focuses on expanding cooperation in agriculture and industry, creating more job opportunities, and reducing income disparities. These objectives are central to fostering a more integrated and prosperous region. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in Kunming, located in Chinas Yunnan Province, from November 5 to 8, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Society -- The central provinces and cities from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai will likely to experience widespread heavy rainfall through November 5, with some areas expected to receive precipitation of over 400mm. The intense rainfall may persist for several days afterward, the national weather center said on Sunday. -- Vietnam is expected to complete 243.5 kilometers of coastal roads by the end of 2024, according to a report by Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. -- A 46-year-old native of Dong Nai Province was arrested in a border area between Tay Ninh Province and Cambodia early on Saturday for transporting 158 kilograms of firecrackers from the neighboring country to Dong Nai for consumption. -- Hanoi police are investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred Saturday night, when a group of reckless motorcyclists speeding and weaving through traffic struck a female rider who was stopping at a red light, killing her instantly. Business -- Pham Nhat Minh Hoang, 24, son of Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, now serves as the CEO of the newly-founded FGF Services and Trading JSC. The company, specializing in electric vehicle rental services, has a charter capital of VND200 billion (US$7.9 million), according to the latest updates on the National Business Registration Portal. Lifestyle -- Legendary musical theater star Philip Quast, along with two fellow artists Anne Maree McDonald and Nicholas Gentile, will come to Vietnam for his concert The Road I Took held at the Cultural Friendship Palace in Hanoi on November 7, the Vietnam News Agency reported. World News -- 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, according to Reuters. -- Hundreds of residents of a Valencia suburb particularly badly hit by recent 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, Reuters reported. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! A woman in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City was alarmed to learn that a camera had been installed in the womens changing room at her local gym, sparking concerns over privacy and security. The gym member, identified as N.D., told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper she had frequented the gym since May, regularly using its lockers, restrooms, and changing facilities. It was only on October 29, she said, that other gym-goers informed her of the cameras presence in the changing room. I was in complete shock, she said, describing her reaction as she confirmed the cameras location. Positioned to face the lockers and cabinets, the device appeared to have a clear view of the area. When D. confronted the gym management, she was told the camera had been placed there to prevent theft. The manager reassured her that the footage is erased every 24 hours, and access to the recordings is restricted to accounting and administrative staff. Female members of a gym in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City are worried as they often change clothes within a camera view in the changing room. Photo: Truc Quyen / Tuoi Tre The gym's response did little to reassure D., who has since warned other members of the surveillance device in the women's changing area. Her concerns have resonated with fellow customers, many of whom were unaware of the camera and have expressed shock upon learning they may have been under surveillance while changing. Several patrons voiced anger that the gym had not provided any notification or posted signs indicating the cameras presence, calling the lack of transparency a serious invasion of privacy. According to the gym manager, identified as T.V., the camera was installed solely to protect customers' valuables. V. explained that the measure was taken after a woman reported losing over VND100 million (US$3,953) in cash and valuables from her locker, and the gym had no way to verify what had happened. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The new Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi is set to reopen its door on Wednesday after three days of closure in preparation for the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army. The museum officially opened to visitors on November 1, offering free admission until the end of December 2024. Throngs of locals and tourists flocked to the museum on Saturday to explore the newly-built splendid property. All of its corners, including indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, were filled with visitors. Both children and adults were amazed by the exhibits on display at the museum. Many groups of veterans from Hai Phong City and Nam Dinh Province in northern Vietnam showed up at the museum early on Saturday morning. Several schools also took their students to the museum for exploration and learning the same day. The museum welcomed nearly 12,000 visitors from morning to noon on Saturday, said Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, head of the museum's public relations and education department. Thousands of people arrive at the new Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Hundreds of students are present at the Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre The exhibition area of the Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi is crowded with visitors, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre After two days of its opening, a representative of the museum announced that it would temporarily shut down from November 3 to 5 for propaganda efforts for the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024). The museum, whose main building features four stories and covers an area of 23,198 square meters, is home to over 150,000 exhibits, including four national treasures, namely two MIG-21 aircraft, a T54B tank, and a map. Other exhibits include aircraft of various types, tanks, weaponry, and artifacts. The property's two squares, which span over 20,000 square meters each, house historic aircraft, tanks, weaponry, and war relics. The museums exhibition areas focus on six themes related to the nations establishment, protection, and development. The museum is equipped with modern technologies such as 3D mapping and 3D films. Automated narration software detailing Vietnams heroic wartime victories is also available to guests. Originally situated on Dien Bien Phu Street in Ba Dinh District, the museum was relocated to a 38.6-hectare property straddling Nam Tu Liem Districts Tay Mo and Dai Mo Wards. Students visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Both adults and children are interested in visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Crowds of tourists and locals fill the Vietnam Military History Museum in Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, November 2, 2024. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Put this one down as further evidence of Seven News boss Anthony De Ceglie than of Eddie McGuires intent to jump ship The Australian Financial Review reports De Ceglie recently met with Nines-own Eddie McGuire when recently in town for his Melbourne Press Club address. The article suggests the Seven News boss was sounding out McGuire for a potential late night talk show. Whilst Im not sure that a talk show strictly falls under a News & Current Affairs domain, it doesnt mean the discussion never happened. After all, McGuires own JAM TV already produces content for the network, even if he recently referred to them as Channel Copycat and list cloggers. McGuire, who anchors todays Melbourne Cup coverage for Nine, may not be entirely happy with the network he once ran, but it would take a lot to unseat him to the rival network. At least it shows some new ideas being tossed about by Seven. Heres one for free maybe just give the gig to Larry Emdur? HA NOI Viet Nam is expected to be among the top three Southeast Asian countries in terms of industrial competitiveness by the end of this decade, as outlined in an action programme issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) this week. The programme follows the Resolution No 29 of the 13th Party Central Committee, on further promoting the industrialisation and modernisation of the country until 2030, with a vision to 2045. As per the programme, the goal of the industrial sector's share in GDP should exceed 40 per cent, with the manufacturing and processing industry alone accounting for around 30 per cent of GDP. The average per capita value added in manufacturing and processing industries per capita is expected to reach over US$2,000. The proportion of labour in the industrial and service sectors is hoped to reach over 70 per cent. To achieve this goal, the country aims to establish several large-scale industrial corporations and enterprises with international competitiveness in basic, priority and key industries. Additionally, the country plans to build and develop several domestic industrial clusters with international competitiveness, mastering some production value chains. Top priority will also be given to developing export markets for industrial products especially key ones by taking advantage of free trade agreements that Viet Nam has signed, supporting exporters to overcome technical barriers in import markets and gradually fostering exports of processed industrial goods to new outlets. Facilitating supporting industries in areas such as smart electronics, cars, textiles and garments, mechanical and automation, biotechnology and hi-tech industries, along with applying import management measures by the commitments that Viet Nam has made to support the development of important national industries, will be also included. Meanwhile, the country will also pay keen attention to perfecting the legal framework to develop other major industries including metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical, energy and digital technology, in addition to developing raw material areas for industrial sectors typically garment and footwear. Viet Nams index of industrial production (IIP) surged 8.6 per cent year-on-year in the first nine months of this year, extending the sector's recovery, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced in its monthly report. The nine-month IIP growth was driven by the manufacturing sector (up 9.8 per cent), electricity production and distribution (up 11.1 per cent) and water supply and waste-wastewater treatment (up 9.9 per cent). Meanwhile, the mining sector fell 6.4 per cent. Some key industries with strong growth over this period included steel, up 27 per cent, oil and gas (20 per cent), fabrics (16 per cent), NPK fertiliser (13 per cent) and car manufacturing (12 per cent). The GSO noted that the number of workers in industrial enterprises as of September 1 increased by 1.1 per cent month-on-month and by 5.2 per cent year-on-year. As of September 30, the inventory index for the processing and manufacturing industry was estimated to increase 5.2 per cent compared to the previous month and 8.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. VNS A person votes at a polling site for the presidential primary election on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Atlanta. Brynn Anderson/AP The claim: An Oct. 31 X post shared a video of a person trying repeatedly to select the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, for president and vice president in the 2024 election. The Kentucky voter using the voting machine tried to make this selection by finger-tapping the small check box in the top left corner of a text field featuring Trump and Vances names. After multiple tries, one of the persons taps instead selected the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. "Some voting machines in Kentucky are NOT ALLOWING voters to select President Trump," the X post said. "Instead, when they tap Trump, Kamala Harris ends up being selected." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Podcaster Joe Rogan amplified this video on X, where it has received millions of views, asking people if it was "Broken machine or election fraud?" PolitiFact ruling: Pants on Fire. Kentucky election officials investigated a problem with a voting machine and found it to be an isolated incident. The voter tapped a small check box in the corner of the text field that included the presidential and vice presidential candidates names, inadvertently selecting the wrong candidates. Discussion Kentucky election officials emphasized that this incident was isolated and it does not show fraud or widespread election interference. Laurel County Clerk Tony Brown, a Republican, posted on Facebook at 1:43 p.m. on Oct. 31 that he was alerted to an incident that day in which one of the ballot marking machines malfunctioned. He wrote that the machine had been taken out of service and the county contacted the state attorney generals office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We checked it and couldnt make it recreate the incident reported," Brown wrote. "We had no complaints prior to or after the complaint. We have left the machine in full view and are awaiting further directions." At 5:13 p.m., Brown gave an update on the situation, after the attorney generals office had visited the vote center to inspect the device. "In full disclosure, after several minutes of attempting to recreate the scenario, it did occur," Brown wrote in a Facebook post. "This was accomplished by hitting some area in between the boxes. After that we tried for several minutes to do it again and could not." Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, a Republican, posted on X that his offices Department of Criminal Investigations responded quickly to the Laurel County complaint. The departments detectives recommended that the county clerk change out the voting machine. "All Kentucky voters can have confidence that our elections are secure and any potential issues will be addressed quickly," Coleman wrote on X. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brown explained on Facebook that the voting machine in the viral video is a ballot marking device, which marks blank ballots by how voters select options on the screen. Voters can review their selections before submitting their ballot. If voters are satisfied with their choices, they can print the completed ballot and place it in the scanner. If voters make a mistake or theres an error with the ballot, voters can "spoil" that ballot and receive another one. Kentucky law allows voters to spoil up to two ballots per election, Brown wrote. Brown also shared a video of a county official testing the same voting machine used in the viral video. The official tried tapping the small check box, as the person in the viral video had, but it didnt work. When the official tapped the center of the candidates name field, the box turned green to show it was selected. "These ballot marking devices are set for a voter to touch inside the whole box with the name of the candidates. In the video posted you can see us going back and forth through the names with no issues," Brown wrote. "There were no claims of any issues with the device prior, and none since it went back into service." Brown and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican, confirmed that the voter who had the problem was able to cast her ballot, which was correctly marked and printed with her chosen candidates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "There is no vote-switching," Adams wrote on X, adding that people should get their voting information from "legitimate sources." James Young, a former Kentucky election administrator and registered Republican, echoed this, posting on X that the viral video showed no fraudulent activity or "vote flipping." He wrote that the errant ballot selection appeared to happen because of where the voter had tapped the screen. "If you look closely, the voter is attempting to press the small check box located within the text box. Consistently, the voter gently presses their finger on the thin border, which at times can cause an adjacent text box to highlight instead of their intended choice," Young wrote. "Had the voter pressed the center of the text box, this would not have occurred." HA NOI A wave of cheap goods on Chinese e-commerce platforms, such as Taobao, 1688, Shein and Temu, has forced Vietnamese businesses to enhance their competitiveness in the domestic market. The latest platform to come into Viet Nam in early October was Temu - the international version of online retailer Pinduoduo, China's second largest e-commerce platform. Products at Temu are sold at very low prices, with many promotional packages, so the platform has already proved popular with many Vietnamese customers. One of the highlights of these platforms is the competitive prices, leaving domestic businesses facing stiff competition with the storm of cheap goods. o Huu Hung, CEO of Accesstrade Vietnam Company, said that those e-commerce platforms bring shopping opportunities for local consumers, but also create challenges for domestic production and business enterprises in the long term. That forces the domestic manufacturers to improve the quality of goods and promote investment in logistics, Hung said. Nguyen Thi Chau, director of V.N.F Garment Company based in HCM City, said that China e-commerce platforms sell goods directly from the factory to customers, cutting more than 50 per cent off the intermediary stage, meaning the selling price will be much cheaper than the price in the store. Therefore, on the domestic market, those making local goods or importing from other countries, face more difficulties in competing with Chinese products. In addition to price, the goods should be safe and of good quality, but it would be hard to offer such extremely cheap prices and also high quality. The development of cross-border e-commerce is an inevitable trend, so the Vietnamese e-commerce market will be even more fierce. However, to ensure the sustainable development of domestic enterprises, appropriate protection measures are needed. According to a representative of the Vietnam Logistics Service Enterprise Association, to cope with the influx of cheap Chinese goods into Viet Nam, Vietnamese enterprises need to focus on product quality and after-sales services, while improving the logistics system to reduce costs and increase competitiveness. HCM City Department of Industry and Trade has also requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to prevent and strictly handle violations, including applying sanctions, or suspending operations for the platforms having many violations. The department has also proposed to strengthen the inspection of regulatory compliance of international e-commerce platforms, creating a fair competitive environment for Vietnamese companies. In addition, it is also necessary to issue regulations on tariffs and customs procedures for imported goods through e-commerce platforms. This is to ensure benefits for the national budget and create fairness for domestic enterprises. Hung added that the competition situation at present is an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to build brands, produce goods that are competitive enough to sell on e-commerce platforms and increase sold goods when taking advantage of opportunities from cross-border e-commerce. At the same time, if choosing a low-cost strategy, businesses must change production to optimise costs and prioritise local raw materials. Nguyen Binh Minh, executive committee member of the Vietnam E-commerce Association, recommended that authorities need to create a legal corridor to strictly manage cross-border e-commerce activities. They should strengthen inspection and supervision to prevent counterfeit goods, fake goods and tax evasion through e-commerce to protect consumer rights and ensure fairness for domestic businesses. Recently, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien directed agencies under the ministry to strengthen State management of e-commerce. Specifically, the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy is required to coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen communication and guide consumers to be cautious when shopping online on cross-border e-commerce platforms. Customers are being warned not to conduct transactions with platforms that have not been confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and register at the E-commerce Management Portal. In October, the ministry reported to the Prime Minister its proposals that the Ministry of Finance needs to study a plan on monitoring and managing imported goods via e-commerce platforms that do not comply with Viet Nam's laws and regulations. The General Department of Market Management has also been asked to coordinate with the General Department of Customs and relevant agencies to strengthen supervision for detecting and handling of warehouses of cross-border e-commerce platforms that have not been granted licences to operate. VNS HA NOI There is a concern about risks that can arise as real estate credit has increased sharply in recent years, particularly by the end of September, when the real estate credit growth was higher than the general credit growth of the entire economy. In a recent meeting of the National Assembly, State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)s Governor Nguyen Thi Hong said real estate loans by the end of September this year were VN3.15 quadrillion, up 9.15 per cent compared to the end of last year. The rise was also 0.15 per cent higher than the general credit growth rate of the entire economy. Notably, real estate business credit by the end of September 2024 increased by 16 per cent, while consumer real estate credit increased by only 4.6 per cent. This caused the proportion of real estate business credit to surge to 40 per cent, while the proportion of real estate consumer credit to decline to 60 per cent. Nguyen Quang Huy, a financial expert from Nguyen Trai University, said the SBV has introduced many management policies to control credit flows into real estate, but real estate credit growth remained higher than the general credit growth of the entire economy. Therefore, risk control will face many challenges. Excessive growth in real estate credit will put pressure on the monetary and financial policies. According to Huy, most of the products offered in the real estate market are in the high-end segment. Real estate prices have increased significantly since the beginning of this year, largely due to scarce supply and strong support from credit flows. Real estate prices have increased too quickly, which can cause a bubble, especially when real demand cannot keep up the rising price. When most of the credit is focused on the high-end real estate segment, potential bad debts can easily arise if the economic growth shows signs of slowdown or the real estate market encounters difficulties, Huy said. According to the financial expert, high-end real estate projects all require large amounts of capital so real estate developers often need high debt ratios. If demand in the high-end real estate segment declines, the developers may have difficulties in paying off loans that creates great pressure on banks. Real estate is also the main collateral of enterprises and individuals for bank loans. When real estate prices increase too much and do not truly reflect the true value of the property, the value of the collateral may not be enough to compensate if there is a risk of bad debt. According to experts, a strong focus of capital flows on real estate will reduce investment capital for other production and business sectors that hinders the overall development of the economy. To control credit risks and ensure the safety of the banking system, experts emphasised the need for strong management measures from the SBV to limit the amount of credit to the high-end real estate segment and encourage credit to mid-range and affordable segments to meet real demand and increase liquidity. VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Trade Office in Canada has taken part in the 2024 MIBIExpo, an international investment promotion exhibition, in Montreal, to enhance cooperation and connections between the two countries. MIBIExpo serves as a forum to promote business opportunities and connect Canada with the world, creating mutually beneficial partnerships. This years event focused on five key areas, namely business investment, real estate, immigration, education and tourism. Viet Nams participation aims to foster connections and create an ecosystem under existing free trade agreements between the two countries, as well as the upcoming ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement. This is the first time the Viet Nam Trade Office has attended an overseas industrial and energy investment promotion exhibition, Tran Thu Quynh, trade counsellor of Viet Nam in Canada, told Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Canada. According to her, at the event, Viet Nam aims to attract partners with similar advantages under free trade agreements and complementary benefits. Viet Nam and Canada are particularly well-matched in this area, able to support each other and optimise production processes and supply chains, and through MIBIExpo 2024, the Southeast Asian nation hopes that many investors from the Francophone region will discover business opportunities in Viet Nam, said the trade official. Aref Salem, a Montreal City Councilor for Saint Laurent district, highlighted the forum could connect Montreal businesses with Vietnamese counterparts, noting that while Montreal serves as a gateway to North America, Viet Nam is a gateway to Southeast Asia. Salem remarked on Viet Nams impressive growth and market potential, suggesting that Montreal-based companies expand into Viet Nam. Given that Asian communities often build trust before conducting business, this forum can lay the foundation for mutual understanding and confidence. Viet Nam and Montreal now have direct shipping links via the Hai Phong port, facilitating logistics and supply chains. Known for its cultural diversity, Montreal is well-positioned to connect communities and foster business opportunities. Viet Nams participation in the exhibition offers new opportunities to expand business and investment cooperation with the Montreal region, while also strengthening trade links between Viet Nam and Canada and throughout North America. VNS HCM CITY From this month until early 2025, leading US investment funds and over 30 businesses will visit HCM City to seek investment opportunities and implement signed agreements, reciprocal visits following a state-side visit from Viet Nam. The HCM City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) announced the city's People's Committee has just organised the 2024 HCM City Autumn Forum in the US. The week-long event featured various investment promotion activities in three major US cities, including Santa Clara, New York and Boston. The event started in Silicon Valley, where HCM City representatives engaged with US partners on strategies for semiconductor and microchip technology development, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness in key industries. The discussions garnered valuable insights and recommendations for workforce development. In New York, HCM City leaders and hundreds of US partners discussed prospects for transforming the city into a modern financial hub and explored investment opportunities with leading US financial institutions. The dialogues emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation in establishing the city as a prominent financial centre in the region. The series concluded in Boston, where businesses met with professors and scholars from Harvard University, MIT and other prestigious institutions to discuss ideas for creating a next-generation scientific library. This initiative is anticipated to establish a foundation for the city to become a knowledge hub for Viet Nam and the region in the near future. Throughout the seven days of the forum, numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between HCM City entities and US partners. Following the forum, in mid-November 2024, top US investment funds will travel to HCM City to hold workshops and share IPO experiences, contributing insights for the establishment of a financial centre. By early 2025, over 30 US businesses are committed to returning to Viet Nam to implement signed agreements and further connect with the HCM City business community. VNS HA NOI Shunsin Technology Viet Nam Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Foxconn, is applying for an environmental permit for its US$80 million investment project in Bac Giang to manufacture and process chips. The project will span a total planned area of 44,343.8 square metres within the Quang Chau Industrial Park. The facility is being designed to manufacture electronic components, specifically integrated circuit boards, with a production capacity of 4.5 million units per year. All products will be exported to the US, EU and Japan. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, under review by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Shunsin will contribute $20 million to the project, while $60 million, or 75 per cent of the investment, will come from loans and fundraising. Shunsin aims to finalise permits, including construction approval, by December, followed by facility construction and equipment installation through May 2026. The project will start trialling in June 2026 and expects to be fully operational by December 2026. The company states it will use advanced closed-loop technology, already implemented at its plants in China. The production lines will feature high automation levels, advanced technology and robust safety measures for workers, ensuring long-term operational stability and enhanced productivity. At full capacity, the project will require about 1,450 employees, including 35 foreign experts. Foxconn, the worlds largest electronics and computer component manufacturer headquartered in Taiwan (China), is expanding its investment footprint in Viet Nam. The major supplier for tech giant Apple began operations in Viet Nam in March 2007 with initial facilities in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, later expanding to Quang Ninh. VNS Dr Mattias Larsson* In an article on July 3, 2023, I wrote about a foreign family where all four members were infected by dengue at the same time. The children were admitted due to fatigue and haemorrhagic fever with bleedings in the nose, gum and skin due to decreasing platelets. They were treated with IV fluid replacement until they could drink enough themselves. By monitoring the progress and seeing to that they had had enough fluid replacement, the worst symptoms could be prevented. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, has become one of the fastest-spreading tropical diseases, significantly impacting global public health. Rapid urban growth, climate change, and increased travel have all accelerated the diseases spread, leading the WHO to list dengue as a top ten global health threat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 100-400 million dengue infections occur worldwide each year. Dengue is caused by four virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Immunity to dengue is complex, and partial immunity to one serotype can lead to severe illness upon exposure to another serotype, a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The second infection with dengue is commonly the most severe and may lead to haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock, a life-threatening condition. Viet Nam is one of the high endemic countries highly vulnerable to dengue epidemics with over 360,000 reported dengue cases and approximately 150 deaths in 2022. Tropical and sub-tropical climate, along with rapid urbanisation and high population density, creates ideal conditions for dengue transmission, contributing to severe outbreaks, with cases spiking from May to November during the rainy season each year. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrives in urban settings, making large cities like Ha Noi and HCMC prime areas for dengue transmission. Now we can introduce Qdenga, a tetravalent live attenuated dengue vaccine that provides immunity against all four dengue virus serotypes! This is crucial for Viet Nam as all four serotypes circulate often simultaneously. This broad protection lowers the risk of ADE, offering more complete immunity. Approved for use in many countries including the European Union, Japan and Thailand, now also in Viet Nam, Qdenga can be administered from the age of 4 years and regardless of prior dengue exposure. This distinguishes it from earlier vaccines, which were only recommended for individuals who had previously been infected with dengue due to safety concerns for those without prior exposure. Qdenga is given in two doses with three months between. A few people may experience side effects, the most common being pain and rash at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, weakness and a light fever. Qdengas efficacy for both dengue-exposed and dengue-naive individuals makes it suitable for populations new to urban centres like Ha Noi and HCM City. As migration from other countries as well as rural to urban areas increases, the number of dengue-naive individuals in these cities grows, increasing the risk for epidemics. Vaccinating these groups helps prevent outbreaks and reduces the likelihood of severe cases. For those of you that recently moved to Viet Nam from non-dengue endemic areas as the temperate regions as Europe and North America have an enhanced benefit from Qdenga vaccination. The vaccine will prevent first and second, usually more severe, infections. FMP, who was early with Qdenga vaccination in Viet Nam for the diplomatic community, provides Qdenga vaccination for all people above 4 years of age in our clinics in Ha Noi, HCMC and a Nang for competitive prices. Welcome! Family Medical Practice *Dr Mattias Larsson is a paediatric doctor at Family Medical Practice and associate professor at Karolinska Institute and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German and speaks some Spanish. Family Medical Practice - FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCM City, Ha Noi and a Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services. In HCM City, we have clinics in Districts 1, 2, and 7, along with the Care 1 - Executive Health Check-Up Centre and internationally accredited *9999 emergency ambulance services. HA NOI Sixteen international and Vietnamese fashion designers and brands will display their latest collections at the Aquafina Viet Nam International Fashion Week (AVIFW) Fall/Winter 2024 held in Ha Noi from November 13-16. The event is part of the 10th anniversary celebration of Viet Nam International Fashion Week (VIFW), beginning with the AVIFW Spring/Summer 2024 held in HCM City in June. We have gone through a long decade for Vietnamese fashion to achieve accelerated progress. Since the AVIFW was first held in 2014, the Vietnamese fashion industry has changed and gained trust and support from not only the domestic market but also the international market," VIFW President Trang Le said at a press conference in Ha Noi last week. "Numerous designs and collections by Vietnamese fashion designers have appeared at prestigious fashion weeks and events worldwide. The AVIFW Fall/Winter 2024 will send a message of 'Fashion Evolution' to mark a significant decade of Vietnamese fashion and open up a new vision for Viet Nams fashion industry in the journey towards sustainable development. Lets get ready for challenges and turn Viet Nam into a country with a developed fashion industry. The fashion week in Ha Noi will open with a new ready-to-wear collection for women called Giot Nuoc Thuan Khiet (Pure Water Drop) by o Manh Cuong. The collection reflects the strength of youth and energy through images of droplets. Small drops can make a ripple in the water, Cuong said. Cuong, 43, studied at the University of Industrial Fine Arts in Ha Noi and gained a fashion degree in France. His famous shows include The Muse, Le Jardin, Butterfly, Sea of Memory, The Twins, La Vie en Rose, Love, Countryside, The Little Black Dress, and Life in Colour. Cuong founded his clothing brand SIXDO in 2020. He debuted at the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 and appeared at the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025. He also presented his collection at the Shanghai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025. The show will also feature international designers Fredrick Lee from Singapore and Priyo Oktaviano from Indonesia, and Vietnamese designers uc Hung, Thuy Nguyen, and Adrian Anh Tuan. Designer uc Hung, who has been in the industry for over 30 years, will bring a collection named Co Mot Mua ong Nhu The (Theres a Winter Like This) highlighting Vietnamese culture and quilting techniques. "Co Mot Mua ong Nhu The will be a fashion story about modern shaping techniques based on Vietnamese culture and quilting techniques, conveying the spirit of the times, Hung said. He combines warm and cool colours in his collection to bring both a sense of intimacy and luxury to fashion lovers. It promises to dazzle audiences on the opening night of the AVIFW Fall/Winter 2024, he added. The AVIFW Fall/Winter 2024 will attract hundreds of international and Vietnamese models such as Thanh Hang, H'Hen Nie, and Huynh Tu Anh. The event will take place at the Quan Ngua Gymnasium in Ba inh District. VNS BINH THUAN A cultural exchange event connecting Lao and Cambodian students studying in Ho Chi Minh 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 on November 2 and 3, the annual event saw about 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 Duc 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. VNA/VNS TOKYO A Vietnamese eloquence contest was held at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) in Japan's Chiba prefecture last weekend, drawing 21 students from eight universities, colleges, and high schools that teach the Vietnamese language across Japan. Opening the 18th edition of the contest, Iwai Misaki, head of the KUIS Department of Asian Languages, said that the competition creates a playground for students to demonstrate their presentation and communication skills in Vietnamese, thereby enhancing their practical language skills for future studies and careers. She expressed her hope that many participants from this contest will become bridges of friendship between the two countries in the future. Vietnamese has been taught in KUIS since April 2001. Vu Thi Lien Huong, First Secretary from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, hailed the role of Japanese universities, colleges, high schools teaching Vietnamese in connecting students to share their learning experience and promoting the Vietnamese culture in Japan. Kasuga Atsushi, a teacher from the KUIS Department of Asian Languages, said he found the language skills of contestants have been much better, adding the contest is a good chance for contestants to exchange and improve their Vietnamese skills. Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ando Fuma, a fourth-year student at Osaka University who won the special award at this year's contest, said that he plans to return to Viet Nam after graduating to work as a translator for an information technology company. Within the contest's framework, Vietnamese students studying Japanese in KUIS had a chance to meet and exchange with their Japanese peers through cultural and music programmes. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs freshly ended six-day trip to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar has produced important outcomes, demonstrating the growing relations between Viet Nam and the three Middle-East countries, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told the Vietnam News Agency. The visits to the three countries are of great significance, affirming the new mindset and new strategic vision as well as high determination of Viet Nams leaders in taking relations with the three key countries in the Gulf region into a new phase of stronger and more comprehensive development, deeper trust, and more opportunities, according to Son. He stressed that the visits elevated the relationship between Viet Nam and these three countries in particular, and the Middle East - North Africa region in general. The official upgrading of relations with the UAE to a comprehensive partnership has opened up new development space for bilateral ties, expanding Viet Nam's comprehensive partnership network to 13 countries. Meanwhile, Viet Nam agreed with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to promote the early elevation of relations to a new height in the coming time, thus creating momentum for the comprehensive development of friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and these countries, creating leverage to strengthen Viet Nams relations with other important partners in the Middle East - North Africa region. At the same time, the visits once again demonstrated Viet Nams strategic vision, strong commitment, and drastic actions in promoting multifaceted cooperation with the Middle East region. They have broadened the door for Viet Nam's exports, while attracting high-quality investment capital from leading investment funds and corporations in the world, expanding cooperation in priority areas of Viet Nam such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, clean energy, green transformation, digital transformation, innovation, and Halal industry development, bringing specific and practical benefits for the country's development in the coming time. Pointing to major outcomes of the visits, the FM said that during the trip through the three Middle East countries, the PM engaged in nearly 60 activities, including talks and meetings with senior leaders, ministers, leaders of major corporations and investment funds of the three countries. PM Chinh was the keynote speaker of the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia. He also delivered a policy speech at the UAEs Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, addressed the Viet Nam - UAE Business Forum, attended the launching ceremony of Vinfast's showroom in the UAE and the opening ceremony of FPT's office in Saudi Arabia. During the trips, members of his entourage also had dozens of meetings and working sessions with partners, Son added. The visits were a success, with all goals achieved, producing important results, contributing to strengthening and enhancing friendly relations and cooperation with the three countries, Son affirmed. He said that leaders of these nations welcomed the Vietnamese PM with many special exceptions, indicating that they highly valued their relationships with Viet Nam in their "Look East" policy and regarded Viet Nam as a key partner in Southeast Asia. The leaders expressed admiration for Viet Nam's heroic history and hailed the countrys development potential, achievements, and rising position and role. During meetings with the Vietnamese PM, leaders of the largest investment funds and major corporations from the three countries showed their interest in and highly valued Viet Nam's development potential, affirming their intention to send delegations to Viet Nam immediately to explore investment and business opportunities. Regarding the main results of the trips, Son said that several important documents were adopted, including the Joint Statement on upgrading the Viet Nam-UAE relations to a comprehensive partnership, the Joint Communique between Viet Nam and Qatar, and 33 cooperation agreements across various fields such as trade, investment, finance, energy, innovation, measurement and quality, education and training, sports, and business collaboration. These agreements lay the foundation for further strengthening cooperation between Viet Nam and the three countries. Secondly, the visits help deepen political trust and strengthen the positive personal relationships between high-ranking leaders of Viet Nam and the three nations, with their meetings and contacts affirming the commitments to develop bilateral relations in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner. Thirdly, they yield significant breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE marks Viet Nam's 17th free trade agreement, aiming for a bilateral trade volume of US$20 billion in the coming time. With Saudi Arabia, both sides agreed on a trade target of $10 billion and to promote the Middle East nation as one of the top investors in Viet Nam. Regarding Qatar, both nations expressed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade, exploring the establishment of a joint trade working group, considering the possibility of setting up a Vietnamese product showcase centre in Qatar, and enhancing cooperation in the financial sector. Fourthly, Chinhs trips create new momentum and open up numerous opportunities for cooperation between Viet Nam and the three countries across various sectors, including emerging and promising fields. In addition to reinforcing traditional areas such as security, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange as a solid foundation for long-term friendship and cooperation, Viet Nam identifies innovation, green transition, digital transformation, and the development of the domestic Halal industry as key pillars for future collaboration. Fifthly, in Saudi Arabia, the PM attended the eighth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative, themed Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow, where he delivered a message about Viet Nam's dynamism and readiness to engage with other nations in sharing investment initiatives for sustainable and prosperous development. During his meetings with the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Egypt, and the Crown Prince of Jordan, they engaged in comprehensive discussions about enhancing relations and exploring measures to foster development in line with the potential and aspirations of Viet Nam and these countries, stated Son. The official went on to say that to materialise these results, it is necessary to intensify cooperation in all areas, and maintain regular and specific exchanges with the designated points of contact as agreed upon during the visits. He stressed the need to implement the signed agreements and commitments made by the high-ranking leaders, including the CEPA, and develop specific action plans to ensure the implementation progress and effectiveness at the highest level; and continue improving the investment and business environment and facilitating cooperation between Vietnamese enterprises and those from the three countries. Attention should also be paid to promoting people-to-people exchanges as well as cultural, educational, and tourism activities to foster mutual understanding; creating the best conditions for the Vietnamese community living, working, and studying in these countries to stabilise their lives and serve as a strong bridge of friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and the three nations, said Son. The official expressed his confidence that with strong determination, the outcomes of the PM's visits will be effectively put in place, contributing to advancing the friendship and comprehensive collaboration between Viet Nam and the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, thereby bringing about tangible benefits to their people and businesses, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the regions and the world, and propelling Viet Nam into a new era -- the one of the nations rise. VNA/VNS The High Resolution Rapid Refresh model depicts a broke line of strong and severe thunderstorms developing along and east of Interstate 35 Monday evening as a cold front moves through Hill Country. WeatherBELL A cold front is forecast to bring a variety of severe weather threats to areas in and around San Antonio Monday. Widespread severe weather doesn't appear likely in San Antonio, however, this doesn't mean you should let your guard down. As Texas enters its second "severe season," Monday's cold front should serve as an important reminder to be vigilant on days where strong storms are possible. A cold front will approach the San Antonio area through Monday and it could bring with it the potential for damaging winds and large hail. Gerry Images Severe storms possible The risk of showers will visit San Antonio in two waves. Morning commutes could be slower due to a scattering of early morning showers, mainly near and north of Interstate 10. Any early morning downpours that develop will be relatively isolated in nature and shouldn't pose much of a severe risk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Temperatures ahead of Monday's cold front top out in the upper 80s during the afternoon. Unseasonably warm and muggy weather should result in a broken line of thunderstorms developing late Monday afternoon as the cold front enters Hill Country. Ingredients will be present for at least an isolated strong or severe storm to develop in time for Monday's evening drive, especially near and east of Interstate 35. This map shows where severe storms are forecast Monday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. The dark green color, shown from San Antonio to Austin, represents a level 1 risk on a 1-to-5 scale for severe weather. A level 2 risk stretches from north of Austin to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Damaging wind is most likely from storms Monday, though large hail can't be entirely ruled out. This image was captured Sunday afternoon and does not reflect the latest forecast information. Storm Prediction Center / Pivotal Weather The Storm Prediction Center, an arm of the National Weather Service, places the risk of severe storms in San Antonio at a 1 on a 1-to-5 scale, the lowest threshold for severe weather. Chances of severe weather increase near and north of Austin, where a level 2 stretches from the capital city to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and includes the risk for a few tornadoes. The highest risk of severe weather Monday will be found across far northeast Texas and eastern Oklahoma, where the atmosphere supports the potential for large and violent tornadoes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The cold front will push out of the San Antonio area Monday evening, taking the risk of severe weather with it. Texas enters second severe weather season Texas experiences a second severe weather season in the late fall, similar to spring, due to strong cold fronts crossing the state more frequently. These fronts are driven by warm air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cold air from the north. The result is rapidly rising air that often results in severe thunderstorms. This severe weather is further influenced by the jet stream, which dips deeper into the Plains by late fall, enhancing atmospheric instability and providing wind shear necessary for storm rotation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas sees a secondary "peak" in severe weather during November. This peak results in seven tornadoes across the state on average, according to data from 1999 to 2023. Storm Prediction Center Texas' large size and proximity to the Gulf make it particularly vulnerable to severe weather outbreaks in November, recording an average of seven tornadoes in this month, second only to June. Drying out for Election Day A much drier air mass will arrive just in time for Election Day on Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Temperatures are still going to be a bit warmer than normal, but few of us are likely to complain with low humidity and temperatures falling back into the 70s. Mostly sunny skies should greet you Tuesday if you didn't get a chance to vote early. HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs upcoming visit to China carries major diplomatic and strategic importance, marking his attendance at the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit as well as visits to Yunnan Province and Chongqing City. Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai at the interview with Vietnam News Agency said the trip has several key implications. Firstly, in light of the increasingly complex international and regional landscape, PM Chinhs presence at the 8th GMS Summit, alongside the Vietnamese delegation, reinforces Viet Nams independent, self-reliant, peaceful and multilateral foreign policy, showcasing its proactive and effective engagement in international integration and multilateral diplomacy. Secondly, the Government leaders participation reaffirms Viet Nam's commitment to sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, including the GMS. Initiatives proposed by Viet Nam at the summit are expected to strengthen the GMSs core areas of collaboration, such as infrastructure connectivity, climate change adaptation and sustainable water management. The third objective underscores the shared interests and friendship between Viet Nam and other GMS member countries along the Mekong River. The Vietnamese delegations presence will help fortify relationships between Vietnamese localities and neighbouring countries, Mai added, noting that geographical proximity and convenient transport links make local cooperation a vital element of the GMS partnership. During his stay in China, PM Chinh is also expected to engage in key activities in Yunnan Province and Chongqing City, Mai shared, underscoring the continuity of high-level exchanges between the two countries. By fostering cooperation between localities on both sides, this mission aims to boost the effectiveness and quality of collaborative efforts, ultimately benefiting people in both nations. This comes as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of Viet Nam-China diplomatic relations and the 'Viet Nam-China People-to-People Exchange Year' in 2025. Mai further elaborated that PM Chinh, along with GMS leaders, is expected to adopt the summits Joint Statement and the GMS Innovation Development Strategy 2030, which will recognise six key documents on investment, environment and climate change, digitalisation, gender equality, health and the digitalisation of trade. These outcomes will foster new momentum for sub-regional cooperation and for the GMS partnership in particular. The strategic directions set by the GMS Summit are expected to contribute effectively to ASEAN community-building and to shaping a regional structure with ASEAN at its centre, Mai said. In terms of bilateral engagement, the trip is anticipated to deliver practical and concrete outcomes. It will serve as an opportunity to implement the consensus reached by high-level leaders during General Secretary To Lam's official visit to China in August 2024, with Yunnan Province, Chongqing City and Vietnamese localities encouraged to strengthen mutual understanding and collaborative mechanisms to tap into each other's strengths, the diplomat explained. Additionally, this mission will help prioritise actions to bolster cooperation in economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. It will further allow both sides to promote public awareness of the traditional friendship and promising cooperative future between the two countries, reinforcing the Viet Nam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and building a stronger foundation for a shared future. In discussing the cooperation potential of Yunnan Province and Chongqing City with Viet Nam, Mai highlighted Yunnans geographic proximity to Viet Nams Northwest provinces, positioning it as a gateway linking China with South and Southeast Asia. This proximity has facilitated robust exchanges and cooperation between Yunnan and Vietnamese localities, with initiatives such as annual meetings between regional Party Secretaries and the Economic Corridor Cooperation Conference, which includes major cities and provinces in Viet Nam and Yunnan. These collaborative efforts have yielded significant outcomes in border management, transportation connectivity, port development, and cultural and tourism exchanges. In trade, Yunnan and Vietnamese localities have facilitated customs clearance and trade operations, leading to a 30.31 per cent increase in bilateral trade to US$2.09 billion in the first eight months of 2024. Looking ahead, Yunnan and Vietnamese localities plan to expand cooperation in delegation exchanges, economy, trade, investment, border management, transportation connectivity and tourism, according to the ambassador. Shared cultural ties and historical friendships further support humanistic exchanges, fostering greater understanding and friendship, particularly in border regions. Meanwhile, Chongqing City serves as a major economic hub in western China, with strengths in independent governance, economic openness, transportation and logistics and as a central link for the international rail route from China to Europe. With a prominent industrial base, particularly in car and electronic manufacturing, Chongqing also boasts rich tourism resources. Viet Nam and Chongqing share a historic bond, with ties to President Ho Chi Minhs revolutionary activities in the city. Trade cooperation between the two has grown significantly, with Viet Nam being Chongqings largest ASEAN trading partner since 2019. Bilateral trade reached $3.03 billion in the first seven months of 2024, with Viet Nams exports to Chongqing totalling $1.88 billion. Investment cooperation has also deepened, with Viet Nam having five projects in Chongqing worth $8.1 million, while Chongqing has invested in 22 projects in Viet Nam, totalling $296 million, Mai explained. Mai emphasised that both Viet Nam and Chongqing have substantial potential to strengthen cooperation further. Areas for growth include expanding local exchanges, enhancing strategic connectivity and infrastructure, boosting bilateral trade in key sectors, attracting high-tech industrial investment in areas such as green and digital transformation and deepening people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, the two sides are exploring new flight routes between Chongqing and Vietnamese localities to capitalise on tourism potential, the ambassador said. VNS HA NOI Deputy Defence Minister, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Pham Hoai Nam hosted a delegation of officers from the Ministry of Defence, the Self-Defence Forces, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) of Japan, in Ha Noi on Monday. The Vietnamese official spoke highly of the close coordination of the Japanese Ministry of Defence and the SPF with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence in implementing the exchange programme between Vietnamese and Japanese field-grade officers over the past seven years, saying that the activity has contributed to strengthening the friendship, cooperation, mutual understanding, and trust between officers of the ministries, the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) in particular, and between the two peoples in general. Nam highly valued the principles and objectives of the SPF, especially its contributions to sustainable social development; active support for countries in the region, including Viet Nam, in fostering international connection, exchange, and cooperation; and assistance in building schools for children in remote and ethnic minority areas, as well as providing prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs for people with disabilities. Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between organisations and associations, considering this an effective channel of cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, he stressed, expressing his hope that the SPF will continue to foster cooperation and support Viet Nam in terms of education, health care, environment, and human resources training, particularly in humanitarian activities such as assisting people with disabilities, war veterans, and victims of Agent Orange. Defence cooperation between the two sides has been promoted in many areas, achieving significant progress, Nam said, adding that they proactively support each other at multilateral defence forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus. With diverse activities, the exchange programme between Vietnamese and Japanese field-grade officers, initiated and supported by the SPF, has helped officers from both countries gain a better understanding of the culture of the two countries, creating favourable conditions for cooperative activities, Nam said. He affirmed that the Vietnamese ministry supports and will continue to facilitate the effective implementation of the programme. Major General Aoi Kei from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), who led the delegation, said he hopes the cooperative relationship between the two sides will be increasingly strengthened, especially in the fields of defence and security. He expressed his belief that this years exchange programme will contribute to strengthening the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between officers and soldiers of the two ministries, and between the VPA and the JSDF. VNA/VNS HA NOI The 15th National Assembly (NA) continued the ongoing 8th session on Monday, with deputies expressing concerns over wastefulness in the public sector, while discussing socio-economic development. During the session, many deputies voiced their agreement with the Government's report on achievements in 2024 and plans for 2025, which highlighted several notable accomplishments. GDP for 2024 is estimated to reach 6.8-7 per cent, with many targets being met or surpassed. Infrastructure development has been strongly promoted, showing clear breakthroughs. Regarding limitations, deputies largely agreed with the issues raised in the Government's report and provided additional suggestions and recommendations for efficiency and waste reduction, particularly in public administration. Deputy Chairwoman of the NA's Committee for Judicial Affairs, Mai Thi Phuong Hoa, noted that both the Party and the State have been deeply committed to waste reduction efforts. The Politburo's Directive No27-CT/TW, issued on December 25, 2023, emphasised strengthening the Partys leadership in promoting thrift and combating waste. The NA has issued Resolution No 74/2022/QH15 on November 15, 2022 to reinforce policies and legislation for practising careful spending and fighting waste. Most recently, the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption and Negative Practices has been given new responsibilities for preventing wastefulness. Additionally, the deputy mentioned that a recent article by Party General Secretary To Lam conveyed a strong message, encouraging public sector officials to reconsider how resources are used and managed. According to Hoa, there are still some officials who undervalue waste prevention in management activities, not viewing it as a serious social issue. Some even believe waste is merely about ineffective management and use of State funds and assets. In reality, there is also waste in terms of opportunities and time, which, according to experts, represents the greatest intangible loss for society. Hoa pointed out that recently, several projects have been specifically identified by the central steering committee as prime examples of waste. Another reason, as noted by the deputy, is that penalties for wasteful actions have been established, but lack a strong deterrent effect. The Law on Thrift Practice and Waste Prevention outlines personal accountability, the responsibility of leaders and measures for handling violations related to waste, yet these provisions are mainly warning and cautionary in nature. The Penal Code includes two articles addressing actions that lead to waste. Article 179 covers the crime of negligence causing damage to the assets of State, organisations or businesses and Article 219 covers violations in the management and use of State assets resulting in loss and waste. In practice, however, these laws are rarely applied to address waste. Instead, offenders are often accused under other offences. While offenders are punished, this approach lacks a strong emphasis on the deterrent and educational aspects of waste prevention. Expressing concerns over the management, exploitation and conservation of mineral resources, deputy Pham Van Hoa from the southern province of ong Thap highlighted that minerals are valuable, non-renewable resources of the country and are gradually depleting. He emphasised the need for efficient management and careful use of these resources. The deputy mentioned that in certain highland areas, valuable minerals are mixed with materials like soil, rock and coal ash that are left unused and discarded, leading to waste. He suggested that the Government and relevant ministries develop solutions for repurposing waste materials like soil and rock from mines and coal ash from power plants as regular construction materials. For materials like sea sand, he recommended thorough research to ensure its use does not harm the environment. Also during the session, deputies focused their discussions on several key issues such as proposing special mechanisms to support regions affected by storms and floods, finding solutions to improve the quality of education and workforce training, and accelerating the implementation of national target programmes. VNS HA NOI Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs ao Ngoc Dung, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan provided insights into their respective sectors and addressed pressing concerns raised by lawmakers at the eighth session of the 15th National Assembly on Monday. Minister Nguyen Kim Son announced the proposed amendments to Decree 127 concerning State management responsibilities in education. This includes evaluating which administrative body should oversee continuing education and vocational training centres. By the end of November, the ministry plans to hold a national conference with directors of all centres to address management and operational bottlenecks, he said. Son also underlined the need to identify challenges in training a workforce that meets the demands of foreign-invested enterprises, advocating for planning and proactive measures to ensure the workforce is adequately prepared for emerging and pillar technological fields. Meanwhile, Minister ao Ngoc Dung highlighted the development of a scheme aimed at cultivating a semiconductor workforce by 2030, with a vision to 2050, and another for the hi-tech industry. He underscored the necessity of effective policies to attract a quality workforce into the public sector. In higher education, he called for a focus on scientific research and identified university autonomy as a breakthrough. Looking ahead, he proposed building a national policy framework on preventing population aging and adjusting the replacement birth rate, starting from 2025. Minister Le Minh Hoan, for his part, reported that the ministry has submitted two decrees to the Government, aimed at supporting agricultural production affected by natural disasters and production losses caused by animal diseases. The ministry has also redesigned its policy to increase aid for affected farmers while preventing policy profiteering. About sustainable fisheries development, he noted that the Prime Minister recently issued a dispatch outlining urgent tasks and solutions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in preparation for an upcoming session with the European Commissions fifth inspection delegation. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health has proposed a policy to encourage the transfer of new and innovative drugs, aiming to create more opportunities for patients. According to the ministrys Drug Administration of Viet Nam (DAV), innovative drugs in Viet Nam account for only about 3 per cent of the total but represent up to 22 per cent of the value and are primarily imported. Only a few medicines have been researched and produced domestically, or have had initial technology transfer for production. The main reason is that most domestic pharmaceutical production facilities are currently small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have not prioritised investment in research, production, or the transfer of these drugs due to the substantial demand for financial resources, time, and high-quality human resources. Investment in research and development also remains modest, focusing primarily on conventional drugs, not on research and production of modern pharmaceutical formulations, optimisation of formulas and production. According to DAV General Director Vu Tuan Cuong, Viet Nam encourages the production of generic drugs to ensure essential medicines, and that is why enterprises have not focused on researching and producing hi-tech drugs, new drugs, specifics, or innovative drugs. He underlined the need to develop incentive mechanisms and policies to attract enterprises and investors, thus promoting investment in researching and developing new technologies for producing priority drugs as proposed in the draft amendment to the Pharmacy Law. According to DAV, domestically produced drugs currently account for 70 per cent of the quantity used but only about 45-50 per cent in the value. The draft amendment to the Pharmacy Law has proposed regulations to encourage the production of innovative medicines and hi-tech dosage forms, rather than focusing on the production of generic drugs. The authority reported that Viet Nam has 230 pharmaceutical factories that meet GMP-WHO standards, with 20 of them meeting GMP-EU standards. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies Viet Nam's pharmaceutical industry at Level 3, indicating its capability to produce generic drugs and partially self-sufficient in certain pharmaceutical products. In 2023-2024, the pharmaceutical market is hoped to reach US$6.5 - 7 billion, with imports accounting for $3.5 billion. Under the national strategy for developing Viet Nams pharmaceutical industry to 2030, with a vision to 2045, the country aims to become a key hub for the manufacturing, processing, and technology transfer of brand-name drugs, particularly in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the strategy seeks to elevate the domestic pharmaceutical industry to WHO Level 4, with its export value expected to reach $1 billion by 2030. The strategy also targets domestic medicine production to meet about 80 per cent of the countrys demand, representing 70 per cent of the market value, and to produce 20 per cent of the raw materials needed for the domestic drug production. VNS HCM CITY Two gold trading firms in HCM City have been fined VN200 million (US$7,800) for selling unverified gold on platforms such as TikTok and Zalo. The HCM City Management Department identified these firms in Hoc Mon District and, along with local police, conducted inspections that led to the confiscation of four gold jewelry items worth over VN100 million. The action is part of a broader initiative by the department to monitor e-commerce activities. In October, officials seized numerous other unverified goods, imposing total fines of VN350 million and confiscating items valued at over VN210 million. There has been a surge in groups trading 24K gold on social media, with one group having over 65,000 members and daily transactions at prices exceeding market value by VN1 to VN3 million, reaching up to VN92 million per tael, according to local authorities. In addition, certain social media accounts are promoting the purchase of rings from brands such as Bao Tin Minh Chau, DOJI, and PNJ at higher prices. Market authorities have previously inspected gold trading and jewelry sales due to significant fluctuations in gold prices. A shortage of SJC gold bars and rings in official channels has spiked demand in the unofficial market, but experts have warned of potential risks. In May, the State Bank of Vietnam inspected major companies, including SJC, DOJI, PNJ, and Bao Tin Minh Chau, along with two banks (TPBank and EximBank), to ensure compliance with gold trading regulations and anti-money laundering measures. VNS HCM CITY The HCM City Peoples High Court on Monday began deliberations regarding property tycoon Truong My Lans appeal against her death penalty verdict rendered at a trial earlier this year for massive fraud. The court will review the request of the Van Thinh Phat chairwoman for a reduced sentence, as well as the appeals of 47 other defendants, during a three-week session attended by 100 legal representatives. In her five-page handwritten appeal, Lan said the death sentence imposed upon her was excessively severe and harsh. She urged the court to adopt a more lenient and humane approach. In pursuit of my passion for business and my aspiration to contribute to society by developing world-class projects for Viet Nam, I have made significant personal sacrifices, affecting both my happiness and that of my family, stated her appeal. Lan expressed that she has endured considerable distress due to the pressures of negative public perception. Each night, I find myself tormented, questioning why my family and I are subjected to these circumstances, she wrote. Lan was sentenced to death in a trial in April for embezzling US$27 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), equivalent to 6 per cent of Viet Nams GDP in 2023. Lan also received a life sentence in a separate trial last month for fraudulent appropriation of assets through counterfeit bond issuance and illegal cross-border money transfers, among others. Recent data from authorities showed that at least 42,000 victims, who bought the fake bonds issued by the bank, suffered significant financial losses, shocking the nation and inciting rare protests from affected individuals. The court mandated that Lan compensate the entire amount of the fraud. Lans husband, Eric Chu, and her niece, Truong Hue Van, received sentences of nine and 17 years, respectively, for their roles in abetting her actions. o Thi Nhan, the head banking inspector of the State Bank of Viet Nam, was convicted of accepting bribes totaling $5.2 million from Lan and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Nguyen Cao Tri was found guilty of defrauding Lan out of VN1 trillion and received an eight-year prison sentence. He has since returned the full amount. VNS According to the ministrys Drug Administration of Viet Nam (DAV), innovative drugs in Viet Nam account for only about 3 per cent of the total but represent up to 22 per cent of the value and are primarily imported. Only a few medicines have been researched and produced domestically, or have had initial technology transfer for production. TAY NINH Tay Ninh Province has helped Cambodian rescue teams in putting out a fire at a casino in Tbong Khmum Province, saving four trapped employees on November 3, said the provincial police on November 4. At 8.30am, a fire broke out on the top and seventh floor of a casino in Ponhia Kret District. The Cambodian fire fighting forces sent three fire trucks to the scene, but they were unable to extinguish the blaze and so sought assistance from the bordering Tay Ninh Province. The Tay Ninh police force sent 15 officials and three fire trucks over the border into Cambodia. At the scene, three bedrooms on the floor were ablaze, with the fire covering around 80m2. Smoke and toxic fumes had spread to the fourth, fifth and sixth floors. The Tay Ninh fire fighting police rescued four injured people, who had been trapped on the fifth and sixth floors. The fire was put out at 1.30pm. The Cambodian authority expressed their gratitude to the Tay Ninh fire fighting force. According to the initial investigation, the cause of the fire was due to an electrical problem within one of the bedrooms. VNS KUALA LUMPUR The Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-track rail project (Gemas-JB EDTP), which is expected to halve the journey time between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru once it links up with the already up-and-running Padang Besar-Gemas line, has missed yet another deadline. Initial plans to progressively extend the existing line that begins at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Padang Besar and travels southwards through Gemas have met headwinds in Johors district of Segamat. Segamat is slated to be the first of a new 11-stop stretch covering major districts in the southernmost state including Kluang and Kulai and terminating in Johor Bahru. The electric train service (ETS) on the 26km stretch from Gemas to Segamat was supposed to commence in October, having already been delayed in July, but missed the deadline for the second time. Once launched, the stretch would be the first part of the Gemas-JB EDTP, estimated to cost RM9.5 billion (S$2.8 billion). The most recent delay is due to issues with the electricity supply for running the trains, The Straits Times has learnt. One official source directly involved in the project said the team is working on the final phase of testing the electrification of the train, and as a result missed the October deadline. These tests are essential and must pass to ensure safety during train operations, added the source, on condition of anonymity, as he is not cleared to speak to the media. The source said train service in the Gemas-Segamat stretch is now expected to start after mid-November. YTL Construction and joint venture partner SIPP Rail are building the Gemas-JB link. Another government source told ST that the current delay is due to YTL Constructions inability to complete the technical aspects of the electric feeder line at Segamats Genuang Railway Station, which has prevented the overhead line from being energised. This has prevented the train service from venturing further south in the state of Johor, noted the source. A feeder line typically carries high-voltage electricity from the main power supply to feeder stations. At these stations, the voltage is stepped down before it is delivered to the railways overhead system, which directly supplies the electric trains. While the laying of tracks on the Gemas-JB stretch is 95 per cent complete, according to the source, other works that are still ongoing involve the testing of the electrification of the trains. The 192km extension project has also missed several deadlines. When it first began in 2017, completion was expected by October 2021. However, it has faced significant delays for more than three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and complications in the land acquisition process, with squatters refusing to vacate the required land. A new deadline has been set for April 2025. YTL Corporation and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) did not respond to ST queries about the delays. The ETS is part of the ambitious EDTP line that was announced back in 2011, to upgrade the KTM single-rail line on peninsular Malaysias west coast by laying new, double-rail tracks powered by electricity. It is operated by Malaysian railway company Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM). The EDTP line was launched during the prime ministership of Najib Razak. While it has not received as much publicity as the East Coast Rail Link joining Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan and the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail, the EDTP, which, when fully rolled out, will replace diesel trains with electric ones, is viewed by government officials as an important project. Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said in March 2023 that the MOT and the state government had reached an agreement that the Gemas-JB EDTP is one of two projects that should continue to be given priority. The other is the JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. The Gemas-JB EDTP portion is the final stretch of the electrified train route that will, among other things, improve freight capacity by rail between Malaysias Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelapas, allow for easier travel between JB and other urban centres in central Johor, and lead to potential urban development in some areas, researchers at ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute said in a July 2020 paper. Paired with the RTS Link, the Gemas-JB rail project could be an alternative to the controversial KL-Singapore High Speed Rail, as both the lines aim to link the Republic and KL, say experts. The faster ETS service would also enhance connectivity by complementing the RTS Link that is slated to open by January 2027. It can cut travelling time from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur to 4 hours, from around seven hours currently by diesel train, KTM told ST. By car, one would have to drive roughly four hours without any stops to cover the same distance between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Once the electric rail project is completed in 2025, KTM told ST, it is expected to serve around 3,000 passengers a day from JB to KL. In the first 10 months of 2024, 63,607 people used the current diesel train service on the Gemas-JB route. THE STRAITIMES/ANN The LyondellBasell Houston Refinery is on track to close by the first quarter of 2025. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer LyondellBasell is on track to close its Houston refinery and exit the refining industry by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The companys refinery, which produces transportation fuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, began operations in 1918 and is believed to be the oldest refinery on the Houston Ship Channel. Its impending closure marks a milestone for Houstons energy transition from fossil fuels, but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of the roughly 1,000 people who work at the site. The multinational chemicals company, headquartered in Houston, is weighing several potential reuses for the Houston site, LyondellBasell CEO Peter Vanacker said during during a third-quarter earnings call Friday. Those include repurposing it to recycle plastic waste into cracker feedstocks, as the company is already pursuing in Germany, or retrofitting it to produce renewable and bio-based feedstocks, Vanacker said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We continue on our path to close the refinery by the end of the first quarter of 2025, another strategic milestone for (LyondellBasell). Were exiting a volatile, low-margin business to focus our resources and opportunities for sustainable value creation, Vanacker said, according to a transcript provided by Capital IQ. LyondellBasell executives have also floated the possibility of converting the refinery into a hydrogen facility, though Chief Financial Officer Michael McMurray said in August that hydrogen projects are probably challenged without subsidies, according to a Capital IQ transcript of the company's second-quarter earnings call. McMurrays comment came in response to a question from an analyst about whether LyondellBasells plans are contingent on funding from the Department of Energy, which could be at risk with former President Donald Trump regaining the presidency. LyondellBasell plans to to begin shutting down the first crude and coker train at the Houston refinery in January, said Kimberly Foley, the companys executive vice president of global olefins and refining. The company expects to begin shuttering the second crude and coker train, the gasoline-producing fluid catalytic cracking and other ancillary units in February. The company intends to retrain and redeploy as many affected employees as possible, she said. Nonetheless, some employees will end up leaving our company and we will comply with all applicable laws and support our people as best possible. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SEOUL - South Korea is mulling over a ban on smartphones in schools, as the government weighs in on a Bill proposed by the ruling party that would prohibit students from using personal digital devices during class. According to the National Assembly and education circles on Nov 3, Representative Cho Jung-hun from the People Power Party introduced a Bill in August to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to restrict the use of smartphones in schools, adding an Article on guidance on students use of cellphones. Students shall not use smart devices on school grounds. However, one can use it when permitted by the school principal and teachers for educational purposes or to respond to emergencies, the article states. Such a proposal comes amid growing concerns over young students dependence on smartphones, leading to various mental health issues, the lawmaker explained. With games and short-form stimulating videos popular among young people, smartphone dependence has increased in recent years, leading to depression and anxiety disorders. Joint research from Hanyang University Hospital on some 50,000 teenagers found that those who use smartphones for more than four hours a day are more likely to develop mental health problems. Prolonged smartphone use was linked to a range of mental and physical issues, including neuropsychiatric disorders, insomnia, blurred vision and musculoskeletal disorders. The research also revealed that teens who used their smartphones for more than four hours a day were found to have higher levels of stress as well as higher rates of drug use, and were more likely to suffer from suicidal impulses than teens who used their smartphones for less than four hours. Recent data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service supports the claim, as the number of psychiatric visits for those under the age of 18 has skyrocketed 65 per cent over the past four years. About 250,000 students visited hospitals in the first half of 2024 alone, accounting for 80 per cent of the total in 2023. With studies showing evident side effects of smart devices, the National Human Rights Commission reversed its longstanding stance in October, dismissing a complaint filed in 2023 that collecting and storing students cellphones during school hours is a violation of human rights. In 2014, the committee ruled that collecting students cellphones violates the freedom of students, saying that while it acknowledges the negative effects of cellphones, they are not just communication devices, but have many positive aspects that help people communicate with others. This time, however, the human rights watchdog noted that human rights violations caused by allowing cellphones in class, such as illegal filming of classes, outweighed the human rights violations caused by the simple collection of the devices. The violation of teachers teaching rights and students learning rights due to conflicts and disciplinary controversies caused by the use of cellphones outweighed human rights guarantees of allowing cellphone use. It was also judged that students were too preoccupied with their phones to interact properly with other students. Following the National Human Rights Commissions recent decision, the government is expected to speed up the process of passing the Bill, as politicians and parents agree on the need to limit students smartphone use. In recent years, social networking services have adversely affected the development of students intelligence, cognition and mental health, and students have been defencelessly exposed to harmful and illegal content and cyber (sexual) violence, the Education Ministry said, adding that it strongly agrees with the purpose of the amendment to legally restrict students from using smart devices on school grounds. Ahead of the nationwide implementation of digital textbooks using artificial intelligence in 2025, education authorities are weighing in on limiting smartphone use in schools as necessary to address concerns about overdependence on digital devices. Some parents also welcomed such restrictions, claiming this is not just a regulation, but a solution that will protect our childrens lives and recover real childhood, in a teacher-parent joint statement in September. Meanwhile, banning smartphones has become a global trend, as countries such as France, the United States and the United Kingdom are already implementing policies to reduce digital overdependence. France is currently piloting a smartphone ban in some schools to create lockers to separate phones, and is considering expanding it to all primary and secondary schools in 2025. In September, California enacted a law that restricts or bans students from using smartphones in school, mandating schools to establish a policy by July 2026 to prohibit or restrict student use of smartphones in school and to review the policy every five years. However, there are also concerns about restricting students smartphone use through laws rather than school rules. Representative Ko Min-jung from the Democratic Party of Korea said: I think it fails to recognise students as independent entities. They should be encouraged to make rules within the school or create a plan among themselves through student self-governance activities. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK JAKARTA The number of foreign visitors to Indonesia exceeded 10 million as of September, inching closer to the full-year target of 14 million, according to the Southeast Asian country's Central Statistics Agency. It reported that from January to September, international arrivals rose by 20.28 per cent year-on-year, totaling 10.37 million. However, the figure remains below pre-pandemic levels. By the same period in 2019, the country had recorded over 12 million foreign tourist arrivals. In September alone, Indonesia welcomed 1.28 million foreign tourists, a year-on-year rise of 19.53 per cent but a 4.5 per cent decrease from August. Neighbouring countries Malaysia, Australia, China, and Singapore remain among the largest contributors to Indonesias international visitor numbers. The average spending per foreign tourist was recorded at US$1,375 per visit. The agency's Acting Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti said that this amount is lower than the previous quarters average foreign tourist spending of $1,443. In addition to foreign arrivals, domestic tourism has seen a surge, with 757.96 million trips by local tourists in the nine months leading up to September, marking a 21 per cent increase from the same period last year. The hotel occupancy rate for January through September averaged 51.33 per cent, reflecting a significant recovery in the tourism sector from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. VNA/VNS Jean Henry Laboyrie, managing director Delta Context Green logistics is important because the Vietnamese government has placed targets to reduce CO2 emissions in the industry as well as the transport sector. It is good for Vietnams environment and is also good for export. If the Vietnamese government and industries have a clean environment and clean logistics, its good for companies around the globe. We are focusing on waterway systems and ports to enhance this, and it is also like other industries such as garments and textiles, in which we need to have quality control for labour conditions. In Europe and North America, people appreciate the green factor and good conditions for labour. They dont like it if the country where the goods are coming from does not take care of the climate or the environment. We are concentrating on waterway infrastructure and have a very concrete aim towards greening. We are also using IT tools and digitalisation for our operations. To encourage more foreign investment into green logistics in Vietnam, the government should create exclusive plans and make them more attractive for the private sector, such as tax incentives or subsidies. For instance, for waterways and logistics, you have to promote it. At the moment there is underfunding, but it is also not very well promoted as an alternative. In the Netherlands, we have special set-ups to promote the waterway sector. It is about taxes, subsidies, and promotion. Those are elements in which the government can play an important role. Major providers are welcome in Vietnam, but they have to show their added value and bring in technology that is suitable for the country - not only in the physical and institutional setting, but also for the culture as a whole. Ben Anh, group CEO, ITL Corporation With an average annual growth rate of 14-16 per cent, Vietnams logistics industry is currently under pressure from generating large amounts of emissions, especially in transportation and warehousing. Applying green logistics solutions not only help reduce emissions, but also increases competitiveness when international customers and partners are prioritising logistics service providers that aim at green logistics and have a complete service ecosystem. Technology such as the Internet of Things, AI, blockchain, and big data helps track and manage goods, increase transparency and enhance customer experience. The combination of green and smart logistics not only contributes to building an effective supply chain, but also creates long-term sustainable value for the Vietnamese logistics industry, expanding opportunities to participate deeper in the global supply chain. To attract investment in green and smart logistics, Vietnam needs to build a clear and attractive legal environment and preferential policies. The government can implement tax and financial support policies for businesses investing in green infrastructure and smart technology. Implementing policies to support businesses in innovation, along with promoting digital transformation, will be an important factor in attracting investment. Vietnam needs to promote synchronous infrastructure development. Limitations including overloaded airports, limited waterway transportation, and heavy dependence on roads also contribute to affecting consumer spending and investment decisions. Victor Wai, head of Commerce Southeast Asia Maritime & Transport Business Solutions Green and smart logistics are essential in the development of Vietnams logistics industry. It should be a high priority project on the governments agenda, given that the population is growing and theres a great demand for energy and more efficient use of energy. So it will be crucial to greenify the logistics sector. From the government perspective, there are economic objectives that need to be achieved from a sustainability angle. So there could be a viability gap that needs to be filled by the government to make a project feasible for the private sector to participate in. We already have several projects in Vietnam. One of the key projects that we completed early in 2024 was to support T&T group and YCH Group to develop a multimodel logistics hub in the northern province of Vinh Phuc That project is financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). We also look at the sustainability angle, whereby the logistics hub can aggregate all the activities there to reduce redundant truck movements or to improve connections for cargo owners. The challenges for enterprises to adapt green and smart logistics in Vietnam are based on securing funding, because international financial institutions like the IFC, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank have strict requirements on sustainability targets. Those targets need to be addressed comprehensively for them to bankroll those projects. Indonesian Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid (right) holds a meeting with Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams. (Photo: antaranews.com) Jakarta As many as 19 Australian companies have expressed an interest in investing in Indonesia's technology sector, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said on October 31. Speaking to media after her meeting with Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams, Meutya said that their discussion focused on potential areas for their cooperation, particularly information and technology sector. This is very positive (development) along with the increasing role of the digital sector in Indonesia's economic growth, she said. According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), during the 2019-2024 period, Australian investments in Indonesia totaled at least 1.96 billion USD. In 2023, Australia was Indonesia's 10th largest source of foreign direct investment, equivalent to about 500 million USD. According to Meutya, the two sides also discussed promoting cooperation in cyber security, solutions to respond to risks and threats from cyber security. In addition, the issue of cooperation in digital transformation was also discussed in an effort to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan 2025-2029. For her part, Ambassador Penny said she hopes that cooperation between Australia and Indonesia can continue and be strengthened further. The cooperation established between the two countries in the communications and digital sectors has so far included the Australia Award scholarship programme for artificial intelligence training, visits by Australian technology companies to Indonesia, strengthening Southeast Asian economic strategies, and cybersecurity training. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh officially reported to the National Assembly (NA) last week that after the economy grew by 6.82 per cent in the first nine months of the year, it is expected to reach 6.8-7 per cent for the whole year, which will surpass the NAs original target of 6-6.5 per cent. The government has identified areas for boosting investment, Photo: Le Toan This will help position Vietnam among the countries with the highest economic growth in the region and globally, PM Chinh said. Vietnams economic potential and outlook are highly regarded by many leading international organisations. For example, while the World Bank forecasts Vietnams economy to grow by 6.1 per cent this year, it projects lower growth rates for other regional nations, such as Singapore 3 per cent, Thailand 2.4 per cent, Malaysia 4.9 per cent, and Indonesia 5 per cent, according to the governments report submitted to the NA on the countrys economic performance. In addition, Fitch Ratings recently upgraded Vietnams credit rating to BB+ from BB with a Stable outlook, while Moodys has rated Vietnam at Ba2 with a Stable outlook, and S&P has also ranked the country at BB+ with a Stable outlook. Other organisations have also made positive predictions for Vietnams economic growth this year, including HSBC 6.5 per cent, the Asian Development Bank 6 per cent, the International Monetary Fund 6.1 per cent, and FocusEconomics (6.3 per cent). In 2024, it is estimated that 14 out of 15 economic targets will be met or surpassed (see Table). Per capita GDP is projected to reach $4,647 if GDP growth exceeds 7 per cent. PM Chinh also reported that in 2025, the government aims for GDP growth of 6.5-7 per cent, with efforts to achieve a higher rate of 7-7.5 per cent. The consumer price index is expected to rise by around 4.5 per cent. The government has identified boosting the disbursement of public investment and construction of infrastructure projects as one of the key solutions to achieving higher economic growth this year and next. Disbursement of public investment and national infrastructure projects must be accelerated, PM Chinh said. These will act as a catalyst to attract more investment, improve living standards, and make it easier for businesses to transport goods, reducing costs and time. Future directions The Ministry of Finance estimates that the total sum for public investment in 2024, including funds transferred from previous years, will reach nearly $32.3 billion. However, in the first nine months of this year, public investment disbursement hit only 47.3 per cent of the initial plan, lower than the 51.38 per cent recorded in the same period last year. Two weeks ago, PM Chinh issued a public directive to expedite public investment disbursement in the remaining months of the year. While praising 13 ministries and 40 localities for exceeding the national average disbursement level, he criticised 31 ministries and central agencies for falling short. The government has set a target to achieve at least 95 per cent of the disbursement plan in this year. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), a 1 per cent increase in public investment disbursement corresponds to a 0.058 per cent increase in GDP growth. Furthermore, every $1 of public investment disbursed is estimated to stimulate $1.61 of investment from the non-state sector. The government has also directed that in 2025, public investment disbursement must be kicked off right from the beginning of the year, particularly for programmes, projects, and works of national importance including national target programmes and projects connecting localities and regions, and those of national and international connectivity. The government will concentrate more on completing the nations key infrastructure systems of national importance, especially strategic projects involving transport infrastructure, energy, and response to climate change, PM Chinh stated. Key infrastructure projects to be improved and completed next year include upgrades and expansions of several expressways, the opening of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Terminal 2 at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The main projects of Long Thanh International Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai are also set for completion. Moreover, the government has tasked the completion of 3,000 kilometres of expressways and the start of construction on the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Haiphong railway. Investment procedures for the high-speed North-South railway project, with an estimated initial cost of $67.34 billion, are to be completed in 2025. Projects of importance In August, the 500kV transmission line project from Quang Trach to Pho Noi was inaugurated and put into operation. This project has total investment capital of about $916.6 million invested by National Power Transmission Corporation under Vietnam Electricity. It has a scale of two circuits of 500kV transmission line, about 519km long. The starting point is 500kV Quang Trach switchyard in the central province of Quang Binh, and the ending point is 500kV Pho Noi substation in the northern province of Hung Yen. This project is of strategic importance to national energy security, contributing to help reduce power shortage in the northern region of the country. The government has implemented many policy measures to expedite disbursement of public investment and enhance effective execution. However, experts have suggested that in order to sustain progress, more systematic steps are needed to improve legal and regulatory processes for successful implementation. Addressing these issues proactively throughout the project cycle could unlock Vietnams full public investment potential, driving sustainable economic growth and development. The government has also tasked the MPI with researching amendments to key laws on public investment, investment, bidding, public-private partnerships, and enterprises, as well as regulations that are no longer suitable to reality. These amendments will be compiled into a multi-law revision proposal led by the Ministry of Justice. Concerted efforts towards public investment acceleration Despite concerted efforts made by the government, the outcomes of public investment disbursement in July were still below expectations. Tran Manh Ha, director of the Department of Expenditure Control under the State Treasury, elaborates with VIR's Manh Bon on the challenges behind and recommends measures to troubleshoot the bottleneck Tra Vinh efficient in propelling public investment Leveraging diverse measures, Tra Vinh province has seen inspiring results with public investment disbursement in the year to date, and hopes to achieve more than 95 per cent of the government-assigned plan. Despite the challenging economic environment, provincial authorities in Kien Giang province have made efforts to remove obstacles for investors and businesses in a timely manner. This, coupled with investment promotion and business support activities, has transformed Kien Giangs investment attraction into a bright spot in 2024. Reform across infrastructure, the digital realm, and more will create major spillover effects for the locality, Photo: Truong Thach Vu According to Kien Giang Peoples Committee, 11 new projects were granted investment registration certificates in the first three quarters, with registered capital of $227 million, up $200 million on-year. Almost 100 ongoing projects have had their capital adjusted. In total, the province has granted approval to 745 valid projects, with a total capital of over $24.8 billion. Among them, 361 have been put into operation. In terms of foreign direct investment attraction, Kien Giang gave the green light to two ventures costing a total of $18.2 million: a seafood production and processing initiative by New Tech Surimi Co., Ltd. and a facility for farming, breeding, processing, trading, and exporting fish, seaweed, and other aquatic products by Australis Vietnam Seafood Co., Ltd. Up to now, Kien Giang is home to 56 foreign-invested projects by investors from 19 countries and territories. The projects are in tourism, agriculture, processing industry, manufacturing, oil and gas transportation, trade, and services, with a total capital of $2.8 billion. Among them, 44 projects have already been put into operation, with a total realised capital of $812.5 million. Besides positive results in investment attraction, the province also saw improvement in its business environment. In the first nine months of 2024, Kien Giang boasted nearly 1,100 newly established enterprises with a total registered capital of more than $339.7 million. Kien Giang ranks third in the Mekong Delta region in both the number of newly established enterprises. Up to now, the province is home to 12,445 enterprises in operation, with a registered capital of $8.4 billion. In the first nine months of 2024, the province continued to achieve positive results in socioeconomic development, with 6.76 per cent growth in regional GDP, total retail sales of goods reaching nearly $4.7 billion, and exports reaching $686 million. Several economic indicators also recorded strong growth in the first nine months. Kien Giangs industrial production value saw an on-year increase of 12.9 per cent. The number of tourist arrivals climbed 15.5 per cent, of which international tourists were up 57 per cent on-year. Mobilising resources According to the Department of Planning and Investment of Kien Giang province, efforts are being made to lure investment and expedite the disbursement of capital. To facilitate the goal, the provinces special working group will step up operations to streamline investment procedures, provide information, and remove obstacles for businesses and investors. At the same time, the province is also accelerating procedures for selecting investors to implement projects. In particular, Kien Giang is focused on the synchronous and effective implementation of provincial planning for the rest of the decade. The plan outlines the orientation of forming four sub-regions (the Long Xuyen quadrangle, Western Hau River, U Minh Thuong, and the island region), three economic corridors (the West Coast economic corridor, the North-South economic corridor, and the Giang Thanh-Ha Tien border corridor), and three dynamic cities (Rach Gia, Phu Quoc, and Ha Tien). This is coupled with promoting administrative reform in line with digital transformation. The province also calls for projects with modern, environmentally friendly technology, ensuring green growth and sustainable development goals. It also seeks to develop Phu Quoc Economic Zone and Ha Tien Border Gate Economic Zone into multi-sector, multi-field, and dynamic economic zones connecting with regional and international development. According to the provincial planning for 2030 and beyond, to achieve an average regional GDP growth target of 7 per cent annually during this decade, Kien Giang province requires a total social development investment capital of approximately $28.12 billion. Among that, capital demand for the 2021-2025 period is $10.4 billion. The state sector funds account for almost one-quarter of the total capital, or $2.54 billion. Non-state sector funds are 74.3 per cent, or $7.73 billion. In the 2026-2030 period, capital demand is $17.7 billion; state sector funds make up for 23 per cent of the total ($4 billion); and non-state sector funds are 76 per cent ($13.5 billion). Boosting value and efficiency Kien Giang is seeking to channel all of its resources to implement the provincial planning. Among them, the province will make efficient use of public investment capital, which is a premise to draw in all social resources. This will create a breakthrough in investment attraction to develop synchronous and modern infrastructure, ensuring overall connectivity, its leaders said. The province is also transforming the development model of industries, fields, and localities towards increasing value and efficiency. Priority is given to infrastructure projects that create major spillover effects. The provinces key transport infrastructure will be prioritised to improve regional and intra-regional connectivity associated with economic development corridors and dynamic urban areas. This is coupled with the development of infrastructure for healthcare, education, culture, sports, and social security. Meanwhile, urban technical infrastructure in cities and main development triangles have been identified in the provincial planning to engage investment capital sources and ensure a reasonable and effective investment structure. Priority sectors for investment attraction include agriculture, fisheries, deep-processing and high-tech manufacturing factory clusters, industrial and economic zone infrastructure, and land reclamation and artificial islands. Other top areas of focus revolve around trade and services, water and waste treatment, energy, and tourism, based on the provinces potentials and strengths. In particular, Kien Giang province will roll out the red carpets for large economic groups with strong financial potential and prestige in the business community. Kien Giang endeavours for quality The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is facing new opportunities in its strategic vision to unlock development, with the prime minister approving provincial planning earlier in November. Kien Giang works hard on supervising origin tracing of fish catches The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has focused on strictly monitoring the output and origin tracing of catches at fishing ports in the locality in preparation for the 5th inspection of the European Commission (EC) on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing at the end of the second quarter of 2024. Photo: SCG LSP is a wholly owned subsidiary in Vietnam of SCG Chemicals Public Co., Ltd., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SCC. LSP is currently working with authorities to acquire necessary certificates and permits. Funding of this project will preliminarily come from SCCs internal sources. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. By utilising imported ethane from the United States as a raw material, LSP can significantly enhance its competitiveness through lower feedstock cost and flexibility, while also lowering carbon emissions. LSPs olefins process is designed for gas feedstock flexibility. As such, the majority of the investment for the project will go towards handling and storage of the ethane feedstock, which requires temperature as low as -90 degree Celsius. Once completed, LSP will be able to utilise ethane as much as two thirds of the total feedstock, in addition to propane and naphtha. LSP had its commercial operation date on September 30, following at $5.2 billion investment and a comprehensive testing period. In light of the existing petrochemical trough with historical low margin, and the current volatile global economic environment, LSP is closely monitoring the market situation and will adjust the run rate of its operation during this challenging period for petrochemical business. The size of this investment is approximately 2.4 per cent of the total assets of SCC in consolidated financial statements as of June 30, brining the combined total of acquisitions over the past six months to 4.25 per cent. SCG launches its first SCG Low Carbon Super Cement in Vietnam SCG, ASEAN's leading conglomerate, has announced the launch of SCG Low Carbon Super Cement in Vietnam to contribute to the Vietnamese target of net zero by 2050. SCG announces Q2 operating results with sustained growth SCG announced its operating results for the second quarter of 2024 on August 1, highlighting increased sales and profit compared to the previous quarter, driven by the economic recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia. Thailand seeks to promote digital training, Source: freepik.com Individuals who take DEPA-certified digital courses or train with its certified partner networks will be able to deduct 100 per cent of their registration fees for digital courses from their personal income tax up to a total of 100,000 THB (2,920 USD). DEPA is working with the Revenue Department to introduce this new tax incentive for individuals in 2025, effective for a period of five years. Its President Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said the agency hopes all 10 million taxpayers will enjoy this benefit. The agency has already promoted similar tax incentives to encourage companies to upskill employees in terms of digital knowledge as part of its policy of bolstering the country's competitiveness by developing a digital workforce for the future. Businesses that send employees for training on DEPA-certified digital courses or to train with members of its certified partner network can deduct 250 per cent of the training expenses from their corporate income tax. They can also deduct 150 per cent of the first 12 months' salary of their staff who are new graduates in digital fields from their corporate income tax. Nuttapon said DEPA is accelerating its efforts to promote Thailand's digital workforce through its digital skills roadmap, aiming to enhance digital knowledge and skills for all Thai citizens. The DEPA 2025 digital skills roadmap focuses on preparing individuals for new careers in nine emerging industries, including gaming, animation, and digital farming, and promoting advanced digital skills in the professions in which Thailand currently faces a labour shortage such as data and artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain engineering, 5G, quantum computing, and cloud innovation. The agency aims to provide basic digital literacy to 1 million people via an online channel. It also wants to provide training on skills pertaining to the nine future careers to 80,000 graduates in the workforce, and six digital skills to 20,000 people. China, Laos plan to build connectivity development corridor with Thailand China and Laos have signed a joint statement aimed at elevating bilateral cooperation, focusing on the ambitious development of a connectivity development corridor between the two countries and Thailand. In 2023, Vietnam's digital economy contributed over $20.5 billion in e-commerce revenue, and exports of digital products reached $117 billion. As the country continues to make strides in the tech sector, NAB Vietnam stands out as a prime example of how international businesses are leveraging local talent to shape the future of technology. National Australia Bank (NAB), one of Australias largest financial institutions, has been at the forefront of digital transformation. In 2019, NAB strategically expanded into Vietnam by establishing the NAB Innovation Centre. This decision was driven by Vietnams exceptional tech talent and innovation-focused workforce, enabling NAB to accelerate its global digital transformation journey and find relevant skills and capabilities the bank needed. This expansion has helped NAB tap into deeper talent pools and improve its ability to serve and support customers 24/7 - complementing Australian-based colleagues leveraging multiple global time zones. In just five years, NAB Vietnam has positioned itself as a key contributor to the countrys tech ecosystem. By 2024, the Centre employed over 1,500 technologists, including software developers, security specialist, and digital designers, working on delivering cutting-edge solutions to NABs 10 million customers worldwide. Beyond its technological achievements, NAB Vietnam has been focusing on creating an inclusive and innovative workplace culture. The centre has implemented numerous programmes to support the development of its employees, from cloud certifications to leadership training. This commitment has earned NAB Vietnam prestigious accolades, including 'Great Place to Work' at the HR Asia Awards and 'Corporate Excellence' at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Enterprise Awards. Panellists and moderator at the NAB Innovation Summit for Leaders 2024. Photo: NAB Vietnam In line with its mission to foster innovation and support the growth of Vietnams tech sector, NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam (NAB Vietnam) organised its inaugural Innovation Summit for Leaders on October 18 at its premises. The event, themed 'Future of Digital Transformation', brought together a distinguished panel of experts and offered an exclusive platform for over 60 industry leaders to share insights on emerging trends and explore future strategies. Howard Silby, general director of NAB Vietnam, opened the summit by emphasising the immense potential of Vietnam for international investment in digital transformation. There is a huge potential for foreign companies to invest in digital transformation in Vietnam. Vietnam has an exceptionally talented tech workforce and as more companies like NAB demonstrate the ability to serve global markets, others will follow, Silby said. This potential is evident in NAB Vietnam's own experience. Since its establishment in 2019, NAB Innovation Centre has harnessed the expertise of local tech workforce, particularly in areas such as cloud computing, software development, and data analytics, which have been instrumental in helping NAB deliver pioneering solutions to their global customer base. Frank Luong, chief information officer of OCB Vietnam, reinforced the importance of agility and continuous innovation in the face of rapid technological advancements. Its essential for organisations to remain agile and continuously innovate in a rapidly changing digital landscape. We should emphasise collaboration and communication, foster cross-functional teams, and encourage open communication channels, he explained. Frank further highlighted the significance of creating a culture of experimentation and learning to help organisations adapt and thrive. Expanding on the disruptive role of AI and how organisations should adapt, Linh Thai, CEO of Skills Bridge Vietnam, called for companies to prioritise AI education. There should be AI classes teaching how to use AI to do the base manual work, but then incorporating the human judgement to make the work truly unique and value-adding. She emphasised the value of offering AI training programmed to equip the workforce with the necessary skills, enabling organisations to effectively integrate AI into their operations and remain competitive. Thanh Nguyen, chief technology officer at McKinsey Vietnam, stressed the need for clear goal-setting and evaluating outcomes in digital transformation initiatives. Answering what value and impact the initiative is going to bring to your business is a crucial step of measuring success, Thanh noted. His focus on goal alignment highlighted the significance of strategic planning in achieving meaningful results from digital transformation efforts. Howard Silby, general director of NAB Vietnam, presenting at the summit. Photo: NAB Vietnam NAB Vietnams role in advancing digital transformation is a testament to the broader trends reshaping industries across the globe. The Centres innovation-first approach has not only strengthened its own operations but has also contributed significantly to the growth of Vietnams technology sector. As the digital revolution continues to gain momentum, events like the NAB Innovation Summit for Leaders provide invaluable opportunities for thought leaders to collaborate and share insights. With industry experts driving the conversation, businesses in Vietnam and beyond are well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. With a talented workforce and clear vision for sustainable growth, NAB Vietnam is set to remain one of the leaders in the innovation and digital transformation, setting a strong example for others in the industry. NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam expands with new office in Ho Chi Minh City National Australia Bank (NAB) opened a new office in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on April 25 to support the growth of its investment in Vietnam and help to continue delivering great digital experiences for its customers. NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam awarded for 'Corporate Excellence' at Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2024 NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam (NAB Vietnam) has been honoured with the prestigious Corporate Excellence award at the gala ceremony of Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 taking place on October 3 in Ho Chi Minh City. Marissa Luck is a senior real estate reporter at Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at marissa.luck@houstonchronicle.com. Previously, Luck covered commercial real estate in Texas for CoStar News; real estate for Austin Business Journal; energy for Houston Chronicle; and business news for The Daily News in Longview, Wash. Shes won awards from Society of Professional Journalists and National Association of Real Estate Editors, and her byline has appeared in numerous publications nationally. Originally from Hawaii, Luck grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied international political economy at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She now lives in Midtown Houston. Travel agencies ramp up preparations for tourism products after China announces visa-free treatment for 9 more countries 09:17, November 04, 2024 By Liu Yang and Ni Hongzhang ( Global Times A tourist from Pakistan takes a selfie at Hongyadong scenic area in Yuzhong district, in southwest China's Chongqing, July 8, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. (Photo: Xinhua) Travel agencies from home and abroad are ramping up preparations for tourism products to China, after the country announced on Friday that it had decided to give visa-free treatment to another nine countries including Slovakia, Norway, and South Korea on a trial basis. Industry participants noted that the move is a powerful proof of China's commitment to continuously expanding opening-up, which will further boost the country's inbound tourism and related sectors including the catering industry, and promote more cultural exchanges between China and the world. To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decided to give visa-free treatment to more countries by extending the policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea on a trial basis, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these countries can be exempted from visa requirements to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes. "The visa-free policy has an obvious effect on boosting inbound tourism. We have started to design and enrich our existing products, standing ready to welcome visitors from the aforementioned countries," said Chen Kai, manager of Beijing Botrip Tour Holiday Co, which specializes in inbound tourism. Chen told the Global Times on Sunday that since March, the number of inbound tourists that the company has received has maintained a high growth rate, far exceeding that before the pandemic. The visa-free policy for nine more countries will further boost China travel, Chen said. "European tourists, in particular, who often are in transit, will have more interest in traveling within China stimulated by the policy," Chen noted. "Following the announcement, we have strengthened cooperation and communication with local travel agencies in visa-free countries, in a bid to provide support for services both domestically and internationally," Xu Xiaolei, a marketing manager from CYTS Tours Holding Co, told the Global Times on Sunday. Xu noted that the company will design better travel products for foreign tourists, allowing them to understand the diverse and rich Chinese culture and tourism opportunities. For instance, in addition to popular travel cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, the company will provide products for some niche leisure travel destinations. Moreover, Yonhap News Agency, a South Korean media outlet, reported on Sunday that the South Korean tourism industry is full of anticipation for a growth in demand for travel to China. One South Korean travel agency, Hana Tour, said in an interview with Yonhap that the visa-free policy has reduced the cost and time needed to obtain a visa for travel to China, and the company anticipated a resurgence in the travel boom to China. Participants in the tourism industry believe that, driven by this policy, there will be an increased demand for travel to China among those aged 20 to 40, who previously did not pay much attention to traveling to China. As a result, various travel agencies are expanding their China travel products to cater to the diverse travel needs of all age groups, the report said. Chen believed that with the arrival of more overseas tourists, China's tourism industry will further recover and grow, and related industries such as catering, accommodation, and transportation will also be boosted. "The expansion of visa-free policies has been warmly welcomed by many countries and tourists, demonstrating China's ongoing commitment to continuously expanding its opening-up to the world," Xu said, noting that the move will further promote cultural exchanges, and this is something that tourism market entities are happy to see. According to the National Immigration Administration, in the third quarter of this year, the number of foreign nationals entering China through various ports reached 8.186 million, a year-on-year increase of 48.8 percent. A total of 4.885 million entered through the visa-free policy, marking a year-on-year gain of 78.6 percent. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) A spread of Persian and Mediterranean dishes from Herand's Kitchen. Herand's Kitchen Herand Tahmasian waited nearly 60 years to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant. In 2019, Tahmasian left London for Los Angeles, where there's a demand for Persian food. He only knew a few friends and some extended family in California. None of it stopped him from finally opening Herands Kitchen in 2021. But earlier this year, Tahmasian closed Herands Kitchen in Glendale and moved to Houston to be closer to his son, Shant Tahmasian, and his grandchildren. Now 63, he is reopening the Persian-Mediterranean restaurant this week in the Heights area at 2601 Baylor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hes like a poster child of the American dream, Shant said. Hes hoping to do the same in Texas, where people are bigger foodies. HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants Herand is of Armenian heritage but was born in Iran, Shant said. He married a Greek woman, and they raised two children in London. The food served at Herands Kitchen reflects what Herand often cooked for his family: a mix of Persian and Greek dishes. Koubideh, a kabob often made from finely ground beef or lamb, was as common at the table as tzatziki served with bread and salads. Over the years, Tahmasian had saved up money working contract jobs, selling cars and cooking in restaurants. When he opened Herands Kitchen, the Armenian chef was finally able to cook his own food for the public. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Herand's Kitchen is located at 2601 Baylor in the Heights area. In the Heights area, which the Tahmasians felt could use more Mediterranean options, Herands Kitchen is a counter-service restaurant. The more casual style felt more modern and less common for similar Persian-Mediterranean establishments, Shant said. They turned the roughly 1,500-square-foot historic building, which was to slated to be acclaimed Houston chef Monica Popes Telegram Tearoom, into an airy space brimming with sunlight. The indoor dining room seats 67 people and the patio has room for about 20 more. Hes a bigger risk taker than I am, said Shant, who moved to Houston in 2018. I feel like at this stage in his life, he felt he had nothing to lose. MORE FROM BAO ONG: TikTok food critic Keith Lee shares his plan to move to Texas with some 16 million followers Advertisement Article continues below this ad The open kitchen is designed so Herand can face the dining room as he prepares the roughly 20 savory dishes on the menu; desserts like Persian-style ice cream, sorbet and baklava are outsourced. Beef koubideh from Herand's Kitchen. Herand's Kitchen The beef koubideh is one of the popular dishes. Herand molds each metal skewer with the minced beef before it sits on a gas-fired grill. Other kabobs like the boneless chicken and salmon are also available and served with saffron-tinged rice or white rice studded with barberries. A souvlaki wrap, made with chicken or pork, nods to the Greek influence on the menu. About a half dozens salads, including a best selling roasted beet salad at the former L.A. location, are also available. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Firefighters tackling blaze at Wrexham Industrial Estate This article is old - Published: Monday, Nov 4th, 2024 Firefighters are tackling a blaze on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. North Wales Fire Rescue Service posted on social media confirming that crews are in attendance at a fire in the area. A spokesperson for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to the incident on Redwither Road at 3:19pm. Residents who live near to the Wrexham Industrial Estate to avoid the area and to close their windows and doors. More information when we have it. A new report from the Nevada State Police provides new details about a fatal crash on US-50A in Lyon County. At around 2:15 p.m. on October 24, the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol was called to a crash at US-50A and Wedge Lane in Lyon County. Investigators have found that a 2007 Toyota 4Runner was traveling eastbound on US-50A towards Wedge Lane. A 2005 Toyota Tacoma was stopped at the stop sign on northbound Wedge Lane at the US-50A intersection. The Tacoma entered the intersection to make a left turn onto US-50 when the 4Runner struck the left side of the Tacoma. The driver of the Tacoma, 79-year old John Jackson, and the passenger, 78-year old Laura Jackson, both of Fernley, succumbed to their injuries and died on the scene. This crash is still under investigation by the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Northern Command West Traffic Homicide Unit. Seeking help or community support immediately after a pregnancy or infant loss is not easy. The nonprofit Missing Pieces aims to help. Massonstock/Gatty Images Missing Pieces support group co-founders, Emily Gamboa and Jamilah Robinson, at support group's 5k in October for Pregnancy Loss Awareness month. Emily Gamboa Middle school students from St. Marks Episcopal School volunteer to make ornaments for Missing Pieces care packages. Emily Gamboa Seeking help or community support immediately after a pregnancy or infant loss is not easy. The nonprofit Missing Pieces aims to help. Monkey Business Images/Stockbrok/Getty Images/Monkey Business It wasnt until a passerby noticed Emily Gamboa crying on a park bench that she learned that support for mothers who lose their pregnancies is out there. The support group the stranger mentioned became a lifeline for Gamboa, who lost two babies back to back in 2018. She wishes it didnt take so long to find it. I just never felt that that should be the way somebody finds support, Gamboa said. I needed that information earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When you hear theres no heartbeat; its life-changing. After the doctor shared that news though, resources on where to find help didnt follow, Gamboa said. Its like that for a lot of mothers who experience pregnancy loss, she said. Gamboa didnt want any more mothers to find themselves hopeless after receiving life-changing news, going home to face the grief. In 2021, she founded the Missing Pieces Support group with Jamilah Robinson to help Houstonian mothers know theyre not alone in the experience. The space, Gamboa said, has allowed grieving mothers a place to speak freely about their experiences, without having to tip-toe around the subject. They also receive help from therapists and doulas free of cost at the group sessions. When Ariana Ford experienced a second pregnancy loss in 2019, she wasnt keen on the idea of therapy. But she gave Missing Pieces a shot, after her best friend, who was pregnant at the same time as Ford, nudged her to start volunteering. She is now events coordinator for the support group. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the exercises Ford did was to write a letter to the children she lost. Its an experience that has stuck with her. It was pretty painful. But after I did it, I just felt like I could tackle anything, really, if it came my way, Ford said. Seeking help or community support immediately after a pregnancy or infant loss is not easy. The care packages, filled with chocolates, tea boxes and cards, that the support group sends grieving mothers, are shelf-stable for a reason, Gamboa said. Although the first few years were a slow dance of figuring out how to run a nonprofit, Gamboa said more mothers have been coming and sharing in the past year. She attributes the change to a larger cultural shift in attitudes towards mental health and openness about pregnancy loss. Even as I tell my story, people are more willing to ask me more about it, versus, three years ago, when I said, I've had two losses, they just move on. That has shifted, Gamboa said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She remembers celebrities including Michelle Obama opening up to the public about their experiences with pregnancy loss. But despite seeing greater cultural awareness about pregnancy loss, Gamboa said, a familiar feeling still colors the healthcare experience for many women who lose their babies: Its feeling like their doctors dont really empathize with their struggles, beyond the physical. We do have doctors who do their job, but theres no care for the person, and thats something I experienced. When I had my first loss, my doctor was like, Theres nothing we can do and gave me a pamphlet, said Ariana Ford, events coordinator for the support group. There should be services out there that check on Mom not just baby is OK because Mom is worrying enough about that, Gamboa said. Houston received an F grade for the state of Maternal Health in March of Dimes' 2023 Report Card for maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and the state received a D-. Houstons pre-term birth rate is 12.1%, which is slightly higher than the already poor national average of 10.1%. For Black mothers, the infant mortality rate is 1.8 times higher than the state average. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jennifer Torres, senior executive director of March of Dimes, said women feeling unheard in the doctors office can be not only emotionally damaging, but a physical danger as well. We hear so much that women are not being heard by their healthcare provider. They may be showing signs of hypertension or preeclampsia during their pregnancy and dont know how to advocate for themselves. So theyre going home, and they may give birth prematurely. It happens so suddenly, Torres said. A Texas Department of State Health Services cause and timing of death analysis for 407 pregnancy-related deaths between 2016 and 2019 found that 65% of deaths occurred 61+ days postpartum. On top of that, the 2024 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report found that there was some change for preventability in 80% of the pregnancy-related deaths tracked in 2020. Farah Amro, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with UTHealth, said theres a lot of important work left to do to bridge gaps in maternal healthcare, especially when it comes to postpartum care, which is a particularly vulnerable time for mothers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Amro recommends that mothers try to build a rapport with their physician and select one theyre comfortable with. Bringing someone who can help speak up for mothers at the doctors office is also a crucial step, Amro said. More than one million Nevadans cast their ballots during early voting with even more expected to come on Election Day. The Nevada Secretary of State's office reports that 53.5% of eligible registered voters cast their ballot during early voting. Over one million votes were cast between mail-in, EASE (Effective Absentee System for Elections) and in-person ballots. Breaking that down: Nearly 38% were Republicans Nearly 34% were Democrats More than 28% were non-partisan or third party More Republicans voted during early voting than any other party. This year's early voting was held from October 19 to November 1. Nevada has more than two million active registered voters. Washoe County saw an in-person turnout of 90,712 voters and just over 105,000 mail-in ballots totaling around 59% of registered voters. Those who still plan to vote in person can do so on Election Day at one of the 55 Vote Centers around the county. Vote Centers open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and every voter in line by closing time will be allowed to vote. Vote Centers have digital voting booths as well as ballot drop-boxes for those who have already filled out their mail-in ballot and wish to drop it off. All locations can be found on the county website or in Sample Ballots mailed to every registered voter. Washoe County also has wait-time tracker on its website that shows how long a voter can expect to wait in line in real time. When voters arrive at a Vote Center, they will begin at the Intake Station, using new Poll Pads to confirm their information and sign in. These new Poll Pads provide real-time registration information so there is no delay in confirming valid registrations. Learn what they are and how to use them here. Washoe Countys Ballot Room has an observation booth to allow up to eight people at a time to observe ballot processing. Observers must sign up in the Registrar of Voters Office, and observers will be rotated out to maintain a balance of party representation. The public can also watch the Ballot Room on the countys livestream on YouTube. Four cameras are strategically placed to enhance observation of the mail ballot process. Mail-in ballots can be filled out and returned through the mail or dropped off at any of the countys Vote Centers on Election Day. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Registrar of Voters Office within four days Saturday, November 9 in order to be counted. Nevada is one of seven battleground states where the result in this weeks presidential election is expected to be very close; along with Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. You can look at Nevada's stats below- +2 Election Day 2024 information and voter resources Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar is announcing the beginning of Early Voting for the 2024 Presidential Election with additional resources for voters. Washoe County contributed to this report. A voting machine at the Harris County Election Technology Center in 2021. More than 249,000 registered voters in Montgomery County made their way to polls to cast ballots before Election Day, topping early turnout in 2020. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer More than 249,000 registered voters in Montgomery County made their way to polls to cast ballots before Election Day, topping early turnout in 2020. While 249,526 of the countys 456,477 registered voters took advantage of early voting, that number represents just 54.6% of registered voters compared to 2020 where 64.2% of the countys 369,164 registered voters cast early ballots. Since November 2020, Montgomery County has added 87,313 voters to its rolls, which is a 24% increase. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Early voting kicked off Oct. 21 and ended Friday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. To find your precinct, visit the county elections website. According to information from Montgomery County Election Central, there have been 249,526 early ballots, including 9,736 by mail. In 2020, there were 237,186 early ballots, 22,963 of which were mail-in ballots. The increase in mail-in ballots for 2020 was due to COVID-19. Election Administrator Suzie Harvey said polls were busy and there were some delays with long lines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Early on, there were some complaints about the wait times," Harvey said. To address long waits line, the county found extra space at polling locations and added more equipment to allow more people to vote at the locations, she said. Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Gwen Withrow said she was pleased with voter turnout. It really exceeded what we thought we would get, Withrow said. It looks like everybody is excited to vote which is a good thing. Withrow said this election is critical for Montgomery County Republicans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We really have been waiting a long time to put a Republican back into the White House, Withrow said. I think everybody is looking forward to that. Former HCSO Sgt. Garrett Hardin hugs his wife after a jury found him not guilty for killing Roderick Brooks during an on-duty attempt to arrest him in connection to a nearby theft at a Dollar General Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Former HCSO Sgt. Garrett Hardin is photographed in the courtroom after a jury decided he is not guilty for killing Roderick Brooks during an on-duty attempt to arrest him in connection to a nearby theft at a Dollar General Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Former HCSO Sgt. Garrett Hardin, center, and his defense attorneys reacts to a jury found him not guilty for killing Roderick Brooks during an on-duty attempt to arrest him in connection to a nearby theft at a Dollar General Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Defense attorneys Daniel Werlingerk, from left, Lisa Andrews, Justin Keiter talk about their client and former HCSO Sgt. Garrett Hardin not guilty for killing Roderick Brooks during an on-duty attempt to arrest him in connection to a nearby theft at a Dollar General Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Former HCSO Sgt. Garrett Hardin hugs his wife after a jury decided he is not guilty for killing Roderick Brooks during an on-duty attempt to arrest him in connection to a nearby theft at a Dollar General Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Garrett Hardin, a former Harris County sheriff's deputy, stands in the courtroom during the murder trial against him on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Houston. Hardin faces a murder charge in connection with a July 2022 shooting death of Roderick Brooks. Brooks was accused of shoplifting from a Dollar General. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A jury acquitted a former Harris County sergeant on trial for murder on Monday following a week of testimony over whether he killed an accused shoplifter in self-defense during a July 2022 theft arrest. Cheers erupted in support of Garrett Hardin, who hugged loved ones and several law enforcement officials with him as the jury delivered their verdict. Family members of Roderick Brooks, whom Hardin shot while trying to arrest him, quickly left the courtroom. The jurors deliberated for nearly four hours after prosecutors made a last-ditch effort to show Hardin used unwarranted deadly force and had ample time to aim a fatal shot into the back of Brooks' neck as he continued to hold onto the Axon-made Taser during their struggle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hardin declined to discuss the acquittal in detail as he left the courtroom. "I've had a rough ride I'm done," Hardin said. The prosecutors alleged the sergeants account of pain caused by the Tasers loose wires wedged between him and Brooks was also not as extreme as described, with one state lawyer going as far to shock himself briefly in front of the jury. Hardin's lawyers remained adamant since before Hardin's indictment on a murder charge that he fatally shot Brooks in self-defense because he activated the Taser during their struggle and appeared poised to do so again. A grand jury indicted Hardin in October 2023 in connection with Brooks' death more than a year earlier as Hardin attempted to arrest him after a report that he stole several bottles and bags of laundry detergent from a nearby Dollar General. Hardin lost his job last December. The jury was never told of his employment status, but throughout the trial, Hardin wore a pin in the shape of a sheriff's office star on the lapel of his suit jacket. Daniel Werlinger, one of Hardin's attorneys, said officers like Hardin rarely return to law enforcement after an acquittal. Hardin, whose peace officer license remains active, wants time to consider his next move. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Why would you ever want to do this job if you have to go through this hell when you are called to do what needs to be done on any given day," Werlinger said. A civil lawsuit related to Brooks' death is still pending against him. Lawyer laments lack of Black jury members After the trial's end, Werlinger and his two co-counsels, Lisa Andrews and Justin Keiter, all former Harris County prosecutors, criticized the indictment against Hardin as a reflection of outgoing District Attorney Kim Ogg. "It just goes to show you that a grand jury can indict a ham sandwich and Kim Ogg can indict every police officer and peace officer she wants to, but a jury, thank God, has the final say," Keiter said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ogg, who briefly spoke with her prosecutors and Brooks' family as the jury deliberated, did not return to the 262nd District Court to address the jury's verdict afterward. The prosecutors declined to discuss the acquittal, other than to say they respected the jurys decision. Members of the Brooks family observed most of the proceedings since the trials start though did not say anything publicly during the trial or after. Justin Moore, a lawyer for the family, lamented after the jury's verdict that none of the jurors were Black, as Brooks was, and they took too little time to deliberate the evidence against the former deputy. Hardin's lawyer said race had nothing to do with the evidence in the case. His client previously expressed dismay that he took Brooks' life, his attorney said. "Garrett Hardin is absolutely torn up about it it haunts him," Keiter said. Defense: Hardin was fighting for his life The lawyers during their respective arguments walked jurors through their own take on how the shooting unfolded. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prosecutors, instead of outlining evidence in their case, began the trial by showing Hardin's body-worn camera footage of him chasing Brooks to a gas station in the 15000 block of Kuykendahl Road and blasting his Taser at him. One prong latched onto his clothing, while the other appeared to hit the ground. Brooks appeared unfazed by the device. Hardin, while still wielding the Taser, then tackled Brooks to the ground in an attempt to arrest him, a moment that an expert witness for prosecutors characterized as his first unreasonable act that led to the killing. The device fell alongside them. Brooks grabbed the sergeants Taser, a pivotal moment that Hardins lawyers say was indicative that the deputy acted in self-defense. Brooks managed to pull the trigger on the device. The lawyers contend Hardin felt pain as he sat on top of Brooks' back as wires from the Taser were sandwiched between the two men. The deputy believed Brooks was about to use the device again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Defense attorneys suggested Hardin had an earlier moment to shoot Brooks as he attempted to wrangle control of him but he chose not to. Additional testimony from an Axon employee at trial showed the devices laser point then became visible on the pavement in the moments after Hardin felt pain and before he ultimately opened fire, striking Brooks in the back of the neck killing him instantly. Andrews said Hardin made a choice to protect himself. We welcome the first industry-led Project Guardian report on tokenisation in the asset management sector, delivered through Project Guardians asset and wealth management workstream. Read the report: Guardian Funds FrameworkLink is external In the report, firms set out an ambitious, phased vision for the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in asset management. The report also discusses potential industry and regulatory standards needed to: scale tokenisation use-cases enable firms and investors to benefit from the technology We will continue working with Project Guardian members and the sector to support the development and adoption of asset tokenisation. In 2025, we are going to collaborate with the Monetary Authority Singapore (MAS) to explore the regulatory considerations for tokenisation within the asset and wealth management sector. Our review will consider: regulatory and supervisory principles that could apply to tokenisation use-cases to support consumers and the integrity of our markets any potential regulatory barriers to continuing maturity of tokenisation concepts Our work in Project Guardian We are a member of Project Guardians policymaker group and are taking part in the asset and wealth management workstream. Throughout 2024, the MAS, FCA and broader Guardian policymaker group have worked with Singapore, UK and international firms within the Guardian membership to develop the use-cases explored in this report, including at the Point Zero Forum in Zurich. The FCA and the Treasury are also observers on the industry-led Technology Working Group of the governments Asset Management Taskforce that is considering the implementation of fund tokenisation in the UK. Read more about our work on tokenisation Actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, celebrated for her performances in Guilty, Ray, and Monica, O My Darling, is preparing for a Diwali unlike any other. Currently filming for an upcoming web series, she recently traveled to Chhattisgarh to begin the project, meaning her Diwali festivities will take a back seat during the day. However, she has arranged to return to Mumbai by the evening to spend quality time with her family, balancing work commitments with festive traditions to make the most of the occasion. Reflecting on her unique situation, Akansha expressed mixed feelings about being away during such a special time. She said, I will definitely miss my family during the preparations for Diwali, but Ive managed to arrange my schedule to be home by the evening. Its a bittersweet feelingI feel blessed to be doing what I love most, which is my work. At the same time, I cherish the moments spent with my loved ones, especially during the festivities. In addition to her current projects, Akansha is excited about her South debut in MaayaOne, where she stars opposite Sundeep Kishan. Aptech Ltd, a pioneer in the non-formal vocational training business in the country today is pleased to announce the appointment of Atul Jain as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. In his capacity as MD & CEO, Atul will spearhead Aptechs strategic vision, driving sustainable business growth while fostering innovation and adapting to an ever-evolving market landscape. With a commitment to upholding Aptechs legacy of excellence, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the companys brand and outreach strategies, while cultivating a culture of integrity and creativity. Working closely with the Board of Directors, Atul will oversee the alignment of Aptechs operations with its mission and values, ensuring growth and success. Speaking on this appointment, Atul said, "I am deeply honoured and grateful to the Board of Directors at Aptech Ltd. for this incredible opportunity. Leading Aptech at this critical juncture is both a privilege and a great responsibility. My focus will be on empowering our teams, fostering collaboration, and leading the charge towards operational excellence. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and deliver exceptional value to all our stakeholders, ensuring Aptech not only meets its goals but defines the future of the industry." Atul holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT-Delhi and an MBA from IIM-Calcutta. With over three decades of expertise in sales, marketing, operations, and business strategy, he has led transformational change across institutional and B2C segments. Prior to joining Aptech, he has held senior leadership positions in many industries including Orient Electric Ltd. and Samsung Electronics India & Korea. Atuls leadership acumen has also been recognized through his contributions to industry bodies, including his tenure as Chairman of CIIs Indian Fan Manufacturers Association (IFMA) and other industry associations like CEAMA and Delhi Management Association. CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) are partnering on a cross-platform campaign dedicated to showcasing inspiring success stories from around the world. This campaign will offer a dynamic blend of advertising, branded content, and sponsorship solutions, bringing Hyundai Motors brand vision of "Progress for Humanity" and its entrepreneurial spirit of innovation to life through stories that will engage and inspire CNN global audiences. The campaigns branded content component includes two films produced by CNNICs global brand studio Create that aims at enhancing awareness of Hyundai Motors ongoing support and presence in the world of sports. The first film features Laura Enever, an Australian professional surfer, Guinness World Record holder, and Hyundai brand ambassador, who is actively raising awareness for female surfers and promoting the sport of surfing. Through a cinematic documentary approach, the film will highlight how Laura empowers the next generation of female surfers to pursue their dreams. The partnership also includes Hyundai Motors exclusive sponsorship of a new editorial series, Visionaries. The show content will air across CNN Internationals TV, digital and social platforms from November through April to spotlight extraordinary individuals and inspiring leaders in the fields of art, business, technology, and sport. The series will tap into CNNs high-profile roster of correspondents and anchors to personally guide viewers on this journey. Visionaries will provide a platform for these remarkable people who have pioneered change and continue to shape a better world, aligning with Hyundai Motor's mission to elevate the quality of life. We are excited to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company on this inspiring campaign that underscores our shared commitment to spotlight the diversity of inspiring leaders across different fields of importance who have each pioneered change for the better," said Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial. "Through our authentic storytelling and a rich mix of branded content and the editorial series, we hope the compelling stories we shared will inspire CNNs global audiences and spark meaningful conversations." Airing on 2nd November, the first episode of Visionaries features Olympic legends Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles discussing handling pressure on the world stage, along with former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi on balancing motherhood and leadership. The Reliance-Disney mega merger is reaching its completion stage. The joint venture deal between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) and BTS Investment 1, has received the approval of the European Commission. The European Commission has given its go ahead stating that this deal will not raise competition issues in the European economic area, given the limited exposure of these companies within these markets. As per media reports, the merger between Reliances Viacom18 and Disneys Star India is expected to be concluded in November, following the receipt of the final approvals of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Competition Commission of India, and the National Company Law Tribunal. Also read: Reliance-Disney merger to command 40-45% of the TV market: Harsha Razdan The merger, valued at $8.5 billion, envisages to combine the entertainment businesses (along with certain other identified businesses) of Viacom18, part of RIL group and Star India Private Limited (SIPL), wholly owned by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC). As a result of the transaction, SIPL, currently a wholly-owned entity of TWDC through its subsidiaries, shall become a joint venture (JV), which will be jointly held by RIL, Viacom18 and existing TWDC subsidiaries. On February 28, 2024, Star India signed a definitive agreement with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Viacom18 Media Private Limited to establish a joint venture. This merger will integrate their entertainment, sports, pay TV, free-to-air networks, direct-to-consumer services, library content, and certain production businesses. Netflix has registered strong FY2024 growth in India. The OTT streaming platforms net profit rose by 49% to Rs 52 crore for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, from Rs 35 crore in FY2023. Netflix also reported a 29% growth in its revenue grew at Rs 2,845 crore in FY24, up from Rs 2,214 crore in FY23. The growth has been attributed to Netflixs expanding subscriber base, which stands at approximately 12 million subscribers, as per industry reports. This growth is a result of a variety of measures undertaken by the OTT platform, including upping the investment in content, launching mobile-specific subscription plans, and cracking down on password sharing. In its Q3 results this year, too, Netflix continued to ride a wave of success, with its advertising-supported tier witnseeing a 35% jump in memberships compared to the previous quarter, while it added 5.1 million new subscribers, bringing its total to a record 282.7 million. Revenue rose by 15% to $9.83 billion, while net income increased 41% to $2.36 billion. Looking ahead to 2025, Netflix expects to grow revenue between $43 billion and $44 billion, with a focus on improving its core content offerings and expanding its advertising and gaming ventures. As part of this shift, the company plans to discontinue reporting on subscriber numbers next year, moving its focus to revenue and profitability metrics. Platform 8, a one of a kind OTT platform, today has released a new web movie, Dugga Dugga featuring Amrita Chattopadhyay, Badsha Maitra, Fahim Mirza, Moyna Mukherjee, Joyitri chowdhury, Arka Prabha Bhattacharya, Samiha Dey, Akashdeep Dasgupta. Dugga Dugga tells a captivating story set against the backdrop of Kolkatas vibrant Durga Puja. The film explores the diverse shades of family bonds, love and the weight of societal expectations. The movie highlights the journey of a young lady named Anamika, who has been estranged from her father due to a tragic accident. She returns to Kolkata when her father falls ill. Her journey for closure becomes complex as she confronts her possessive partner, Srijan, and forms a new connection with Rudra, a compassionate psychiatrist. With an unexpected pregnancy and the judgments of society, Anamika is forced to make difficult choices, grappling with the delicate balance between personal freedom, family, and tradition. The movie, Dugga Dugga released on Platform 8 is a heart touching narrative with which every young women can easily relate to. The film brings on the screen the complexities of human emotions, the changing shades of human bonds and the longing of a woman for her liberty and her divine forgiving nature. With its compelling narrative and cultural depth, this film is a perfect addition to our growing collection of unique Bengali content, said Priyanka Bardia, Director, Platform 8. My role in Dugga Dugga has been quite special as through this particular character I have explored a new genre. The story is about the realistic facts and incidents that occur in the day to day life of an ordinary girl. It entails about the power of time and the realization of a woman about the value of the presence of a fruitful love in her life, said the actor, Amrita Chattopadhyay. Directed by Jiit Chakraborty, Dugga Dugga features a talented cast including Amrita Chattopadhyay, Fahim Mirza, Badsha Maitra, Moyna Mukherjee and others. The films music is composed by Amit Chatterjee with vocals by Ikkshita Mukherjee. The story is by Aritra-Ayan and brought to life with a screenplay by Abhinandan Dutta who promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience to the cine lovers. Platform 8 is exclusively streaming Dugga Dugga from 12th October, 2024, marking a significant addition to its catalogue of Bengali regional films. With a focus on bringing culturally rooted and compelling stories to a global audience, Platform 8 aims to deliver original Bengali content that resonates beyond regional boundaries. Apart from Dugga Dugga, the other forthcoming web films and series of Platform 8 are; Gnojamil, Nishit Sen and Morali. The talented actress Radhikka Madan has begun shooting for the highly anticipated actioner Subedaar, which also features the legendary Anil Kapoor. The film helmed by the acclaimed filmmaker Suresh Triveni, features Radhikka Madan in the character of Shyama, the daughter of Anil Kapoors character, Subedaar Arjun Maurya. As Radhikka Madan has now headed to Lucknow, the team will be filming some important sequences of 'Subedaar' in Lucknow. It will be interesting to see Radhikka in the role of Shyama, the determined and courageous daughter of Arjun Maurya. The father-daughter duo chapter of the film is said to bring emotional dynamic on screen. "Subedaar is a joint production by Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), with Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni as producers. This Amazon Prime Video original film promises a unique blend of action, drama, and emotion, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and set to bring a unique cinematic experience to viewers worldwide. Radico Khaitan, one of the pioneering producers of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), brought Diwali, the festival of lights to one of the worlds most iconic landmarks: Times Square, New York City. The maker of Rampur Indian Single Malt, in its awe-inspiring 3D display wove together tradition and innovation to display Indias rich cultural heritage in the heart of the Big Apple. This bold tribute to Indias festival of light wasnt just about showcasing a brand it was about evoking the spirit of Diwali, symbolising prosperity, joy, and the warmth of togetherness. With golden amber liquid flowing through the 3D display, the Company created a spectacle that connected Indians around the world with their roots, bridging oceans to remind the diaspora that, no matter where they are, the light of Diwali binds them to their heritage. This unforgettable celebration at Times Square is a proud nod to the depth of Indian culture, reminding audiences worldwide of the timeless allure of Indian festivals. Times Square is a symbol of energy, diversity, and global connection, and theres no better place to celebrate Indias festival of lights. Our Diwali display is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of Indians everywhere, and an invitation to the world to experience the beauty of our heritage. As we bring our brands to international markets, we are proud to carry forward the essence of India in every bottle, every celebration, said Mr Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan. Radico Khaitan has not only made its mark in India but is also carving a significant global presence, carrying forward Indias legacy of fine craftsmanship. With its flagship Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky in seven distinct variants, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, the globally launched Sangam World Malt Whisky, and the newly introduced Kohinoor Rum, Radico Khaitan stands as a true ambassador of Indian excellence in spirits. Each offering is a testament to Indias artisanal heritage, blending ancient traditions with a contemporary appeal that resonates with consumers across the world. From the shelves of New York to the bars of Europe, the company is showcasing Indias spirit-making prowess with products that honour their roots and bring a taste of Indias luxurious traditions to a global audience. Radico Khaitans commitment to Indian heritage extends beyond products to championing Indias culture and values on the global stage. With its Diwali presence in Times Square, Radico Khaitan didnt just light up a billboard; it lit up Indian pride on an international scale, bringing Indias festive grandeur and heritage to one of the most celebrated stages in the world. Radico Khaitan at a Glance: Radico Khaitan Limited (Radico Khaitan or the Company) is among the oldest and one of the largest manufacturers of IMFL in India. Earlier known as Rampur Distillery Company, Radico Khaitan commenced its operations in 1943 and over the years emerged as a major bulk spirits supplier and bottler to other spirit manufacturers. In 1998 the Company started its own brands with the introduction of 8PM Whisky. Radico Khaitan is one of the few companies in India to have developed its entire brand portfolio organically. The Companys brand portfolio includes Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies, Sangam World Malt Whisky, Spirit of Victory 1999 Pure Malt Whisky, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Royal Crafted Whisky, Happiness in a Bottle: A Happily Crafted Gin, Morpheus and Morpheus Blue Brandy, Magic Moments Vodka, Magic Moments Remix Pink Vodka, Magic Moments Dazzle Vodka (Gold & Silver), Magic Moments Verve Vodka, 1965 The Spirit of Victory Premium XXX Rum and Lemon Dash Premium Flavored Rum, After Dark Whisky, 8PM Premium Black Whisky, 8PM Whisky, Contessa Rum and Old Admiral Brandy. Radico Khaitan is also one of the largest providers of branded IMFL to the Canteen Stores Department (CSD), which has significant business barriers to entry. The Company has distilleries situated in Rampur, Sitapur and Aurangabad, Maharashtra which is a 36% joint venture. The Company has a total owned capacity of 320 million litres and operates 43 bottling units (5 owned, 29 contract and 9 royalty bottling units). It is also one of the largest exporters of Alcoholic beverages from India, with brands available in over 102 countries. University of Houston Student Center on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Prospective students participate in a tour at the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer A woman walks through campus Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Rice University in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer University of St. Thomas freshmen move into their dorm to start the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer University of Houston was one of several local schools to see large gains in freshman enrollment this year, deviating from national trends in higher education as the first-year cohort lost students for the first time since 2020. University of St. Thomas, Prairie View A&M University, Houston Community College and Lone Star College joined UH in posting freshman increases, according to early semester class data. Some schools across the region recorded less significant boosts in first-time collegegoers, while a few aligned more closely with the decrease reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Still, the group found that overall postsecondary enrollment rose marginally in Texas and the U.S. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was not clear why most Houston institutions beat the broader freshman enrollment drops that occurred between fall 2023 and fall 2024. Admissions offices around the country had experienced a year of uncertainty, first with the overturning of affirmative action and then with students' difficulties completing a new federal financial aid form. And an "enrollment cliff" loomed, with the college-aged population expected to peak in 2025. Clearinghouse officials cautioned against blaming the freshman decreases on any one event, but the research organizations yearly preliminary fall enrollment report shows some correlations between income levels and the type of institutions students attended the most. Freshman declines were also steeper at four-year public and private nonprofit institutions than at community colleges that tend to cost less, a finding that held true in the Houston area. A drop in the number of 18-year-old freshmen accounted for most of the nationwide losses, though they were offset in overall enrollment by rising numbers of older returning students as well as high school students co-enrolled in college courses. Jonathan Feinstein, Texas director at the education equity advocacy group, EdTrust, said he hopes the freshman declines are more of a blip than the start of longer-term changes in college-going demographics. In Texas, the college-age population remains steadier than in many states and an enrollment cliff appears less imminent, according to K-12 enrollment figures posted by the Texas Education Agency. That transition is really an important time, Feinstein said. If we are seeing that we're losing students who graduated from high school last year, and now we're into the fall and they're not showing up in our enrollment data, I do think that that's a trend we want to make sure doesn't persist. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Freshman declines hit 4-year institutions harder Across the country, overall postsecondary enrollment was up almost 3% from fall 2023, according to National Student Clearinghouse. Executive Director Doug Shapiro said the increase is good news, with growth in bachelor's, associate's, graduate and certificate programs. But he called a 5% drop in freshman enrollment "startling," with the most significant losses at four-year institutions that serve low-income students. At comparable community colleges, freshman enrollment rose slightly, he said. The declines took place across all racial and ethnic groups, according to the data. Future years could potentially yield more high school graduates going straight to college, but historical data shows that the students lost this year are unlikely to come into higher education in the next year or two, Shapiro said. "The prospects are low for expecting a rebound next year among those same freshmen," he said in late October. "That will continue to weigh on total undergraduate enrollment numbers." Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Texas, the extent of freshman enrollment changes varied across four-year institutions, though nationwide, the numbers were down almost 9% in publics and 7% in private nonprofits, according to National Student Clearinghouse. Houston-area schools mostly fared well. Rice University, Texas Southern University and Houston Christian University's freshmen populations rose by roughly 2 percentage points. Meanwhile the University of Houston enrolled its largest ever freshman class at 6,260, up 11% from the class before. Prairie View A&M's freshman class added almost 400 people, up 18% for a total of 2,313 first-year students. Almost 770 first-time students enrolled at the University of St. Thomas, a private Catholic institution, up 14% from last year. "Between 2019-2024 the University of St. Thomas-Houston has seen steady and impressive enrollment growth, with record-breaking numbers in both overall enrollment and freshman cohorts, even despite challenges posed by COVID-19," said Steffani Aquila, director of communications. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some institutions in Houston saw drops more in line with universities nationally. Sam Houston State's freshman population decreased 9%, and University of Houston Downtown's decreased 22%. Texas A&M University's 9% decline was intentional and part of an effort to curb enrollment growth that has outpaced the physical capacity of the school, officials said. Community colleges across the country saw smaller freshman declines, down less than 1% from the year before. Locally, San Jacinto College's first-time-in-college population decreased by about the same rate. Lone Star College's increased by 11% and Houston Community College's increased by 15% over last year. First-year student Madhav Narayan said he saw the importance of going to college right after high school. With only a week left before the start of the semester, he enrolled in HCC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I didn't want to lose a year," said Narayan, who recently moved from Florida. "I just graduated in July from high school. I feel like losing a year, I would lose all my academic progress." Overall growth Total enrollment this fall was up across the board, an almost 3% increase nationally and a 2% increase in Texas, according to the Clearinghouse report. The rates were similar at Houston-area four-year institutions, including Texas A&M, Prairie View, University of Houston, Rice, Texas Southern and Houston Christian. University of St. Thomas grew its student body to 4,353 students, up 12% from 3,890 students last year, marking one of the largest increases. Houston Community College also added almost 3,500 students this fall to hit a headcount of 53,253, up 7%. For HCC and other two-year institutions that experienced massive losses during the pandemic, the enrollment growth has helped bring them closer to pre-2020 numbers. Chancellor Margaret Ford-Fisher said Friday that she expects the institution's focus to soon turn to older students, who are closer to Houston's median age of 35 and needed to help sustain the student body. Immigration debates are not new to Alabama, but the issue has played a large role in both national and state elections, now one day away. Local officials in a handful of Alabama towns have confronted what they called baseless accusations and hurtful rhetoric about Haitian migrants and other new arrivals in recent months. A key question: How is immigration changing Alabama schools? AL.com took a look at migration and school enrollment trends across the state, over periods of 10 to 25 years up to 2023, the most recent year of available data. What we found shows a complex picture of immigration in Alabama. Scroll down to see local data and trends. Figures continue to ask questions about both national and state immigration. In September, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall met with law enforcement in Talladega County, following unfounded claims from former President Donald Trumps campaign about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, eating their neighbors pets. In October, Gov. Kay Ivey and Lt. Gov Will Ainsworth publicly criticized the federal migrant asylum program , which allows people from certain countries to come to America for two years as long as they have a financial sponsor. Caroleene Dobson, Republican candidate in the closely watched 2nd Congressional District, recently said she wants to push for legislation to require more information about migrant workers. She said undocumented immigrants are flooding our public school classrooms, emergency rooms, and other public facilities. While the country has seen recent spikes in migrants crossing the southern United States border, recent research suggests that only a small share of Americans live in communities that are seeing significant shifts. The same is true in Alabama, according to census data. In fact, many counties have seen declines in their foreign-born population especially among school-aged-children in the past decade. Congregants attend Eglise Porte Etroite, a Creole-language church which has gone from seven attendees to close to 300 in under 15 years, in Albertville, Ala., Sept. 29, 2024.(AP Photo/Safiyah Riddle) Where communities have seen shifts, such as Albertville, it can take time to separate facts from rumors. Local officials told AL.com they had seen no increase in crime since a small group of Haitian immigrants arrived. These workers are coming in to pay for taxes, theyre paying in for our system, and theyre making it possible for you and me to receive Social Security, to receive our retirement benefits, Hector Baeza, the federal programs director at Gadsden City Schools, told AL.com. Baeza, who started working at the small, north Alabama district in the mid-1990s, has seen the systems English learner population grow from just over 100 students to more than 700 this school year. Typically, about 20-30% of English learners are students who have recently arrived to the United States or who are children of migrant workers. Theyre coming in and theyre providing for their family, but theyre also providing for me, he said. It just takes all of us together to be able to be a productive country. Immigration in Alabama, by the numbers Foreign-born immigrants make up about 4% of Alabamas population, compared to 14.3% nationwide, according to 2023 American Community Survey data. Thats up from 3.5% in 2022 a big jump after nearly a decade of slow growth. About 98,000, or 9.6%, of Alabama children under 18 have one or more parents who were foreign born, up from 2.1% in 1990. Just 1% of Alabama children, about 13,500, are also foreign born, according to the latest census surveys. Experts say that more and more migrant workers from Mexico and Central America are likely coming to Alabama from states like Florida and Texas, possibly accounting for changes in the older population. What we are seeing is not so much births, but definitely migration, said Rafael Gonzalez, a program director with the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. Thats whats pushing it, and thats mostly around that age between 16 to 54 which is primary working age. Gonzalez said that many migrants are driven by economic opportunities, particularly in industries like agriculture and construction. Still, birth rates among Hispanic immigrants, who make up the majority of foreign-born residents in the state, skew higher than those of native-born residents, Gonzalez noted. That could mean schools may continue to see a climb in English learners. And while its difficult to gauge more recent population shifts, he and other advocates are urging state officials to embrace future growth by bolstering language support and access to more high-skilled jobs. What happens with levels of educational attainment that are not so great for the jobs that are out there is that it tends to also drive down the median household income of an area, he said. I think were in a good position to be able to anticipate those problems, because Alabama hasnt grown like these other states, but its poised to grow. Where has immigration grown in Alabama? Where has it declined? More Alabama immigrants also are becoming naturalized citizens. In 2022, 42% of all foreign-born Alabamians were naturalized, compared to 31% in 2012. But Gonzalez and other researchers urge some caution when looking at annual census survey data, rather than 10-year household counts. Undocumented immigrants may feel especially wary about self-disclosing any personal information to the government. It tells the story of a population that tends to be a little bit in the shadows and likely not to want to kind of out themselves, Gonzalez said. Where that becomes kind of problematic is you cant really articulate a clear picture of where that population is from year to year. Even with those caveats in mind, experts are sure of one key fact: much of the growth is concentrated in pockets across Alabama. Franklin County in North Alabama has the states largest share of immigrants, who make up 8.7% of the population. It is followed by Marshall and DeKalb County, where immigrants make up about 7% of the population. From 2012 to 2022, 27 counties have seen declines in their immigrant population, with Monroe, Henry and Coosa County seeing the steepest dips. Greene, Pickens and Sumter County have seen some of the largest changes in the share of immigrants who now live in those areas, while Madison County has seen the biggest overall increase, with about 10,000 more foreign-born residents calling the county home. Impact on school systems Theres a lot of rhetoric about recent immigrants and how they affect school systems, said Umut Ozek, a researcher with RAND who has looked at the effects of English learners in new destination states that have seen bigger populations of immigrants arrive in recent years. But much of those debates typically take place in empirical vacuums, because theres no research to test those different hypotheses and anecdotes. Some studies have shown that new arrivals have helped revitalize neighborhoods , boost local economies and contribute to the academic and social development of their peers. In Gadsden, immigrant students are drum majors, school ambassadors, and star athletes, Baeza said. Nancy Blanco, an ESL and world languages coordinator at Birmingham City Schools, said she has seen many of her English learner students outperform their peers once theyve grasped the English language. In recent years, Birmingham schools have enrolled a growing proportion of immigrant students and refugees. Its something that inevitably gets politicized, but at the end of the day were just trying to do our best for children who are our students, she said. And we have to remember that these are children who deserve and are legally entitled to every opportunity that their native English-speaking peers have. We all want the best for our kids, she added. And often, our immigrant families come with a really strong sense of family, faith, and are excited for the opportunities that they will have to work and contribute to the community, and are excited for the opportunities that their kids will have to learn and advance in their education. Officials estimate that nationwide, the amount of people coming into the U.S. is only slightly higher than those leaving the country. What we have seen in the past ten years or so is that the net immigration rate is practically zero, said Oscar Jimenez-Castellanos, an endowed professor and executive director for the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education at the University of Georgia. There have been a lot of folks that actually have returned to their home countries, he said. So thats something really interesting to take a look at it debunks that myth of an invasion. About the data: The Alabama Education Lab took a look at citizenship and migration data, as well as English learner enrollment in schools to understand the scope of immigration trends in the state. Data for EL students was compiled from federal and state education statistics from the 1998-99 school year to 2022-23. We used 2009 to 2022 five-year estimates from the American Community Survey to analyze county-level immigration patterns and included new 2023 one-year estimates to look at broader state and national trends. Nov. 5 is election day with millions of people around the country heading to the polls to cast their ballots. Leading off the ticket is the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Polls open at 7 a.m. in Alabama and will close at 7 p.m. State law requires employees be allowed to take time off to vote if they provide reasonable notice to their employers. The law covers municipal, county, state and state primaries and elections but does require employees to ask for time off and be registered and eligible to vote. There are other limitations on the law. The time taken off to vote cant exceed 1 hour. Employees whose shifts start two hours after the polls open or end at least an hour before they close arent eligible to take off work, either. Alabama is one of 30 states that require employers to give workers time off to vote. Election Day 2024: Get sample ballots for every Alabama county Poll start times for other states Polls in a handful of states open at 6 a.m., including Kentucky, Louisiana and Missouri. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina open at 7 a.m. Arkansas opens polls at 7:30 a.m. All times are local. Harris vs Trump latest presidential poll: Who is winning today, one day ahead of election day? There are a lot of great burger joints in Alabama. So many, in fact, that sometimes some of the best places can slip through the cracks. Luckily for us, This is Alabama recently asked its followers on Facebook where to find the states most underrated burger, and they had plenty of suggestions. From decades-old spots where you can score a classically-good cheeseburger to newer restaurants offer one-of-a-kind burgers and more, we cant wait to try em all. Until then though, heres a look at nine underrated burgers suggested by readers. You read the full list on the This is Alabamas Facebook page. Hamburger King in Montgomery has one of the best burgers in Alabama. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com) Hamburger King 547 S. Decatur Street in Montgomery Hamburger King in Montgomery came up early and often in our responses, and if youve ever been to the lunchtime institution, you can understand why. Regulars have been gathering there for 50 years to get an old-school burger dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onion and a slice of classic American cheese. Sounds simple, right? Yet Hamburger Kings burgers serve up enough flavor, you dont even need fries with em. Read more: Alabamas Best Cheeseburger finalists: Hamburger King in Montgomery The Belly burger combo with fries at the Big Chief Drive-in, a restaurant in Glencoe, Ala., that serves burgers, fries, hot dogs and more. (Mary Colurso | mcolurso@AL.com) Big Chief Drive In 600 Main Street West in Glencoe If you want to feel like you traveled back in time while having a cheeseburger that tastes like it could be homemade, head to Glencoes Big Chief Drive In. Located in an old A-frame that has been around since the 60s, Big Chief offers a nostalgic place to grab a delicious, classically dressed hamburger that many of its loyal customers like to wash down with a milkshake made from its signature grape ice cream. Known for miles around for its hickory-smoked barbecue and old-fashioned hamburgers, The Rocket has been an institution in the college town of Jacksonville, Ala., since 1958. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) The Rocket 1508 Pelham Road South in Jacksonville While The Rocket in Jacksonville might have barbecue listed first on the sign outside, those old-fashioned hamburgers that have been on its menu since 1958 arent something you want to miss out on. The quarter-pound burgers are made from fresh ground chuck daily and dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, onions, lettuce, pickles and Rockets special sauce, which is a mix of ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper and a little brown sugar. Read more: This little Alabama burger joint keeps on rocking, 62 years later Tourists and locals alike come to Pirates Cove in Elberta for the burger-and-bushwacker combo.(Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com) Pirates Cove 6664 County Road 95 in Elberta Theres a lot of good burger spots along Alabamas coast, but Pirates Cove in Elberta seems to have made the biggest impression on readers who participated in our poll. While Pirates Cove Bar and Grill is a little off-the-beaten path, but once you try the 1/3-pound burger, which is always made fresh and dressed with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and a mustard-based special sauce, youll understand why the little burger joint by the bay as such a strong following. Read more: Best burgers on the beach: Pirates Cove burger worth the journey by land or sea The Oasis Bar and Grill Bear Burger: The Combo for $10.99 gives you a juicy double cheeseburger on a toasted and buttered bun with fries and a drink. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com) The Oasis Bar and Grill 6720 University Boulevard East in Cottondale If a great burger and a cold beer is your favorite combination, head to the Oasis Bar and Grill in Cottondale, where youre guaranteed to find both. And while you cant get wrong with ordering one of their classic cheeseburgers, its worth mentioning that if youre feeling real hungry (and are feeling ambitious), you should give their bear challenge a go. Its a quadruple burger topped with bacon, a fried egg and more, and if you finish it in 30 minutes, you get it (and a T-shirt) for free. Read more: These 5 Tuscaloosa burgers are some of the best in Alabama Vicki's Lunch Van in Montgomery won AL.com's 2014 contest for Alabama's Best Cheeseburger.(Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@AL.com) Vickis Lunch Van 106 Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery Since 2003, Vickis Lunch Van in Montgomery has been serving its classically-good burgers, which are patted out by hand and cooked on a large flat top griddle. The burgers are so good customers dont mind waiting in line for them. Dressed with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles and cheese, Vickis Lunch Van offers up a traditional burger with plenty of flavor, which is likely why our own David Holloway picked them as Alabamas Best Cheeseburger in 2014. Read more: Alabamas Best Cheeseburger finalists: Vickis Lunch Van in Montgomery A cheeseburger with crinkle-cut fries at Sammy's Sandwich Shop in Birmingham, Ala.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)Bob Carlton Sammys Sandwich Shop 4921 Messer Airport Highway in Birmingham While it might not look like anything special from the outside, Sammys Sandwich Shop has been feeding folks in the Birmingham area for over 60 years and, in the process, has garnered a reputation for having one of the best burgers in town -- if you dont believe us, just check out their sign. Their beloved made-to-order, hand-patted cheeseburgers come dressed lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and bell peppers, are served with homemade fries. Read more: 12 classic Alabama burger joints we cant wait to revisit The queso blanco burger at Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive in Hoover, Ala., features two Wagyu beef patties with queso dip, jalapenos and chipotle aioli.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive 341 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 119 in Hoover and 1919 28th Avenue South Suite 113 in Homewood A lot of the hamburgers that were brought up as underrated on our list have a classic feel to them, but the burgers at Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive, with locations in Homewood and Hoover, has garnered a lot of its customers by offering a little something different. Take the queso Blanco burger, which consists of two American Wagyu beef patties, queso dip, jalapenos and chipotle aioli between two buns and was named one of the 22 dishes to eat in Birmingham in 2022. Read more: Alabamas best burger: Readers cant believe we missed these The "slugburger" at Dub's Burgers in Athens, Ala., is made with a blend of beef, pork and a bread extender, and it is served with a choice of mustard, ketchup, pickles, onions and slaw.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Dubs Burgers 402 South Jefferson Street in Athens There arent a ton of places you can score an old-fashioned slugburger in Alabama, but once place you can find them is at Dubs Burgers in Athens. For 60 years, hungry customers have been chowing down on Dubs slugburgers, which are made using a more than 100-year-old recipe and consist of ground beef and/or pork with an extender such as bread crumbs or soybean grits. Just be sure to save some room for their crinkle-cut fries and fried chocolate pies too. Read more: An Alabama burger like no other Mobiles Alabama Shipyard LLC has been chosen to perform maintenance on the U.S. Navys new replenishment oiler, the USNS Harvey Milk. The company was awarded a $24,527,535 firm-fixed-price contract to perform the Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on the oiler, which will provide fuel to the Navys surface combatant ships at sea, according to a report from Alabama military and defense industry news site AlaDefense.com. The contract includes extension options for additional work and time beyond the current base period that could bring its total value to almost $26 million. A PSA is assigned to correct deficiencies found during the initial cruise of a newly built or activated ship or to accomplish other authorized improvements, according to the Navy website. During PSA, the ship undergoes maintenance to fix anything that broke during rigorous at-sea trials and to complete work left unfinished by the construction yard. Work on the USNS Harvey Milk will begin in Mobile on Jan. 9, 2025, and is expected to be completed by June 22, 2025, according to AlaDefense. The ship, which is the Navys first named for an openly gay person, honors Navy veteran and LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay candidates elected to public office as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1978, according to the Navy website. He was assassinated On November 10, 1978 (10 months after he was sworn in), by fellow City Supervisor, Dan White and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for his activism. The secretary of the Navy needed to be here today, not just to amend the wrongs of the past, but to give inspiration to all of our LGBTQ community leaders who served in the Navy, in uniform today and in the civilian workforce as well too, and to tell them that were committed to them in the future, said Navy Secretary Carlos Del Torro at the ships christening in 2021. Del Toro noted that Milk resigned his commission and was discharged from the Navy for being gay. For far too long, sailors like Lt. j.g. Milk were forced into the shadows or, worse yet, forced out of our beloved Navy. That injustice is part of our Navy history, but so is the perseverance of all who continue to serve in the face of injustice. The USNS Harvey Milk is one of the John Lewis class series of oilers, which began construction in 2018 and are all named after prominent civil rights leaders and activists. The class is named for its lead ship, John Lewis, which has been active since 2022. The Earl Warren and Robert F. Kennedy oilers were both christened in 2023. Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Harriet Tubman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are some names included in the future lineup. Gov. Kay Ivey was evaluated and treated by paramedics at a campaign event for Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson on Sunday night in Montgomery. Gina Maiola, the governors communications director, released a statement about the incident, which happened at the SweetCreek Farm Market. While campaigning for Caroleene Dobson at an event this evening, the governor got dehydrated, Maiola said. She received fluids and was evaluated on site out of precaution. She immediately felt better and is at home doing well this evening. Ivey, 80, has been Alabamas governor since April 2017. She started her second four-year term in January 2023. Ivey announced in September 2019 she had lung cancer and released a statement from her doctor in January 2020 saying he considered her cured after radiation treatment. The governor described the cancer as a small, isolated malignancy. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general on Monday to announce a $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger over the grocery chains role in the opioid crisis. Alabama will receive about $19.8 million for opioid abatement. Payments are expected to start early next year. As these funds begin to flow into the state, my office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring accountability and directing these resources toward urgently needed support for communities affected by addiction. As part of the agreement, Kroger will require its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. Kroger operates eleven stores across Alabama under its own name and its subsidiaries. Alabama has previously reached settlements totaling over $730 million for Alabama in settlements with drug manufacturers and other companies over their roles in the crisis. Last year, when the state and local communities began receiving the money, Marshall sent a letter to local leaders statewide emphasizing the importance of implementing long-term strategies and warning that any non-approved use of the settlement funds could cost the State future payments. Read more: Alabama cities, counties face vexing question: How best to spend millions in opioid settlements? Panel hears requests for use of $278 million Alabama will receive from opioid settlements A Birmingham City Councilman was arrested for DUI in a city vehicle in south Alabama over the weekend. Councilman J.T. Moore, who is the chair of the Community Development Committee and a member of the Public Safety Committee, was taken into custody on the side of Interstate 65 in Sundays predawn hours. Moore and city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Creola police Chief Shane Stringer said police received a call at 3:55 a.m. Sunday of a possible intoxicated driver on I-65 near the 20 mile marker. When officers arrived, they found a black Chevrolet Tahoe with a blue municipal tag pulled off to the side of the interstate. Stringer said the driver later identified as Moore was passed out. The officers, the chief said, beat on the window attempting to get his attention. He eventually came to, and they had to open the door, Stringer said. They could immediately smell alcohol. Officers started to talk to Moore, and he admitted to the officers that he had been drinking. Since Moore admitted to drinking, the chief said, officers for safety reasons did not administer a field sobriety test since they were on the interstate. Moore was taken to the Saraland Police Department, where he was given a breathalyzer test and a field sobriety test. He failed all of the above, Stringer said. Moore was then booked into the Mobile Metro County Jail. He was released at 12:58 p.m. The vehicle was found to be registered to the City of Birmingham. It was towed from the interstate. The officers contacted me early that morning and told me they had arrested a Birmingham councilman for DUI, Stringer said. Republican Caroleene Dobson made a last-minute pitch for voters Monday by reiterating her support for in-vitro fertilization, a political issue born out of the Alabama State Supreme Court that has proven problematic for the GOP this campaign season. Its truly God-given technology, Dobson said during a news conference inside a baby boutique in Mobile ahead of returning to Monroe County for a rally ahead of Tuesdays election. Dobson is going against Democratic candidate Shomari Figures in the competitive 2nd congressional district race. The contest is the only major down ballot race in Alabama in Tuesdays election viewed as a competitive contest. It involves all or parts of 13 counties in South Alabama, including most of Mobile, all of Montgomery and portions of the smaller, rural Black belt counties. When it comes to valuing life, this is truly technology that allows so many families to have children when they never though they could, Dobson said about IVF. I would use this platform to let people know what IVF and how it can facilitate and grow families. With more awareness and less ignorance in the process, we in Alabama can assure that Alabama is a fertility friendly state. IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are combined with sperm outside the body in a lab to form an embryo. About 2% of babies born in the U.S. are through the procedure. Its a popular procedure as well, where polling earlier this year shows more than 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. supporting access to IVF procedures. IVF became a political issue in February after the conservative Alabama State Supreme Court ruled in a case out of Mobile that frozen embryos had the same legal status as children for purposes of Alabamas wrongful death act. Related: How abortion and reproductive rights affects Alabamas 2nd congressional district race Dobson said she if elected Tuesday, she would back the IVF Protection Act, a federal bill co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Katie Britt. That proposal, which would withhold Medicaid funding from any state that passes a ban on IVF, did not receive support from Democrats. Likewise, a Senate Democratic version aiming to establish IVF as a federal right, did not muster enough Republican support. Im so grateful for Senator Britt and her legislation, Dobson said. It was clear and straight forward legislation to ensure IVF protection across the country. The Democrats want to make this a fear mongering issue among women. With more awareness, that the myth the Democrats are trying to perpetuate will be dispelled. Dobson also advocated for the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act or the MOMS Act also sponsored by Britt. The bill would create a federal website of pregnancy resources. Critics have slammed the bill, saying it would be used as a tool to gather information about pregnant women, something which Britts staff has denied. Democratic congressional hopeful Shomari Figures speaks during a campaign event on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala.John Sharp Figures, who was campaigning in Montgomery on Monday, did not immediately respond to a request for a reaction. But he has weighed in on the topic throughout the campaign season by tying the Alabama State Supreme Courts controversial decision in February that upended IVF access in Alabama to the issue of reproductive freedom and the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned federal protections to abortions under Roe v. Wade. Dobson has said she is a supporter of state regulation of abortion, as opposed to a federal standard. Alabama is one of the states that has banned abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Alabamas law allows exceptions to protect the mother from a serious health risk but does not allow exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape and incest. Dobson said she would support rape and incest exceptions. Figures said Dobsons support of state authority in determining abortion rights is an extension of the extreme type of philosophy which led to IVF being called into question in the first place in Alabama. The issue is proving potent for Democratic candidates, and Vice President Kamala Harris as they attempt to woo voters in crucial swing states ahead of the presidential contest. Alabama, which is expected to back Republican Donald Trump, is not considered a swing state. A surprising poll out of Iowa showed Harris leading in a reliably red state for Trump in a change driven by women. Iowa has a six-week abortion ban. Related: How the Alabama Supreme Courts ruling in IVF could cost Donald Trump the White House Figures has also advocated for an extension of Medicaid in Alabama under the Affordable Care Act, while Dobson has said that issue is best left up to state leaders. Figures, throughout the campaign, has touted health care as a top issue and has said the state suffers from low life expectancy rates compared to other states. The final day of campaigning comes ahead of an Election Day that will see Dobson and Figures taking a similar trek toward their evening gatherings in Mobile. Dobson plans to vote early Tuesday in Montgomery, and then traverse south to Mobile where she will gather with Republicans to watch the results. Figures will also start in the northern part of the district in Phenix City before traveling South to Mobile where he will vote later in the afternoon. Figures will gather with supporters for an evening rally in downtown Mobile. Voters in Alabama will head to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in national, state and local races. The Alabama Secretary of States Office has sample ballots for every county so you can look them over before you go to the polls. The samples are a common one for each county, so not all races will appear on all ballots. For example, ballots within the same county could have different Congressional races or State Board of Education offices, though all options will appear on the sample ballot. READ MORE: Election 2024: Alabama voter guide to the Nov. 5 general election You are allowed to bring a marked sample ballot into the polling place but you cant leave it behind. One statewide constitutional amendment will also be on the ballot. The amendment would allow Franklin County School System to sell a large portion of land it owns in Walker and Fayette counties in hopes of selling it or leasing it to a developer. You can see more on the amendment here. If you dont want to vote on the amendment, you dont have to. You are not required to vote on constitutional amendments or even all the races on the ballot and it wont disqualify your ballot. Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The polls are scheduled to be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Will the weather make voting easier, or harder? Looks like the former, according to the National Weather Service. Alabamas weather looks to be mostly problem-free on Tuesday, with only a few showers and warm temperatures expected in most areas. High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to be in the mid- to upper 70s in north Alabama, the upper 70s to low 80s in central Alabama, and the low 80s across south Alabama (see the forecast for Tuesday at the top of this post). A shower or two cant be ruled out on Tuesday, but overall rain chances will be on the low side statewide, with eastern Alabama having slightly better odds of being rain free. According to the weather service the western side of the state could have rain chances in the 20 percent range during the day on Tuesday. Heres the probability of rain from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. CST on Tuesday: Some rain should be approaching Alabama from the west on Tuesday, but rain chances will be on the low side from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., according to this forecast. Western Alabama will have slightly higher rain chances.NHC Rain chances are forecast to climb for northwest Alabama but only after the polls close on Tuesday night. Some voters will be headed to the polls in darkness, thanks to the recent switchover to Standard Time. Polls will open after sunrise, but it will get dark a few hours before they close. Some sunrise times on Tuesday: * Auburn: 6:03 a.m. * Birmingham: 6:10 a.m. * Huntsville: 6:11 a.m. * Montgomery: 6:06 a.m. * Mobile: 6:10 in Mobile * Muscle Shoals: 6:15 a.m. * Tuscaloosa: 6:12 a.m. Sunset times: * Auburn: 4:47 p.m. * Birmingham: 4:51 p.m. * Huntsville: 4:48 p.m. * Montgomery: 4:50 p.m. * Mobile: 5 p.m. * Muscle Shoals: 452 p.m. * Tuscaloosa: 4:54 p.m. And, no matter who wins on Tuesday, the sun is still scheduled to rise again on Wednesday, according to NASA. Dr. Todd Ivey, a Texas OB/GYN, speaks at a Vice President Kamala Harris rally Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The newly reported deaths of two pregnant Texans sparked a renewed plea from Texas OB/GYNs, including dozens in the Houston-area, for lawmakers to change the state's abortion laws. More than 60 Houston-area OB/GYNs were among 111 of their colleagues across the state who signed a letter saying that the "heartbreaking" deaths of the two women Josseli Barnica, of Houston, and Nevaeh Crain, of Vidor "will continue to echo throughout our state and our nation." The deaths were first reported last week by ProPublica. "Texas needs a change," the letter states. "A change in laws. A change in how we legislate medical decisions that should be between a patient, their family and their doctor." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texans cannot vote on abortion laws on Election Day, though the laws have been a central issue in key races, including U.S. Rep. Colin Allred's bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Allred has cast Cruz as a defender of Texass abortion ban and, during the October debate, invoked the names of pregnant Texans who have been forced to flee the state for care. Cruz has accused Allred of voting to allow abortions in the third trimester but has largely avoided the issue on the campaign trail. Both Barnica and Crain experienced delays when they sought care for miscarriage treatment, and experts said their deaths may have been preventable, according to ProPublica. Physicians had warned for months of the possibility that delays could lead to deaths in Texas, but no such stories had been publicly documented until now. Doctors and patients have criticized the abortion bans since they took effect in September 2021, saying they go beyond banning elective abortions. The vague exceptions in the law, combined with strict penalties that include life imprisonment for physicians, disrupt the standard process for treating pregnancy complications, they have said in court filings and news reports. Dr. R. Todd Ivey, a Houston OB/GYN and district officer of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the group of physicians felt they needed to send the letter after reading the gut-wrenching stories. Ivey, who spearheaded the effort, posted the letter to social media on Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These laws are not clear, and theyre not allowing women to get the life-saving care they need, he said. We need to change this, and we need to decriminalize this. Ivey has been a frequent critic of the states abortion bans, including in testimony before the Texas Medical Board and while speaking at Vice President Kamala Harris recent Houston rally. The abortion bans have had significant repercussions for the OB/GYN workforce in Texas, with one recent study finding that the laws have put physicians under considerable strain. The firm Manatt Health released a survey last month that found 60% of OB/GYN physicians in Texas feared they could face legal repercussions if they followed best practices and provided medically-necessary care to patients. Nearly 30% said they dont feel they have a clear understanding of the laws, so they are unsure when they would be allowed to perform an abortion to save a patients life. These laws are problematic, and theyre very confusing, Ivey said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The survey also found that one in five OB/GYNs were considering leaving Texas to practice in another state, while 13% were considering retiring early. An exodus could be detrimental to patients in Texas, where womens health outcomes are already among the worst in the nation, experts said. Dr. Damla Karsan, a Houston OB/GYN in private practice who also signed the letter, said she hopes the two women's stories will lead to a "groundswell" of support to change the law from the public and her colleagues. Few Texas OB/GYNs have been as visible on this issue as Karsan, one of two physicians who last year sued to challenge the lack of clarity in Texas abortion laws. The Texas Supreme Court struck down the challenge earlier this year. Karsan said the number of physicians who signed the letter represented "safety in numbers." At least some of those Houston physicians had not publicly spoken out about abortion bans before. One of them, Dr. Karin Fox, said she and many of her colleagues were initially reticent because "we really were not sure what the impact of the law would be," she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Now that we're all seeing the negative repercussions ... we must reconsider the way we write our laws in Texas," she said. A young man died in a hail of gunfire midday Monday in a north Birmingham neighborhood. Police Monday night identified the victim as Amauria Caffey. He was 20 and lived in Birmingham. Caffey is the citys 135th homicide this year, which is the same number of people killed in Birmingham in all of 2023. The shots rang out at 12:12 p.m. in the 1600 block of Fifth Street North. That location is in the Enon Ridge neighborhood. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said more than 20 shots were fired. She said it was not immediately clear if the victim or anyone else returned fire. Wade said an argument preceded the deadly shots. A young Birmingham man was killed in a Nov. 4, 2024, shooting in Birmingham's Enon Ridge neighborhood. Police comfort his grieving father. (Carol Robinson) Police radio communication indicated a somewhat chaotic scene, with at least woman taking cover under a vehicle in fear of the gunfire. She called 911 multiple times before police convinced her the immediately threat of danger was over. More than a dozen distraught family and friends flocked to the scene, visibly emotional. Caffeys father ran through the police perimeter trying to get to his son, but police were able to get to him and stop him from going any further. A man at the scene identified himself to AL.com as the victims grandfather and said he died on his front porch. Wade said no arrests have been made. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 170 homicides, including the 135 in Birmingham. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Nov. 5 is Election Day with voters deciding on the next U.S. President. Polls in Alabama will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. You can go to the Secretary of States website to find your voting information. Go here and put in your first and last name and date of birth. Hit enter and you will be directed to the name and number of your polling location, its address and a map. The same page includes a drop-down menu that shows your districts for any city, county, state and national races. Alabama requires voters to show ID at the polling place. Acceptable ID includes: Valid Alabama Drivers License Must be current or not expired for more than 60 days Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Drivers License Valid Alabama Nondriver ID Must be current or not expired for more than 60 days Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Nondriver ID Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID Card Valid State-Issued ID (Alabama or any other state) Examples Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt recently joined 103 federal lawmakers in urging President Biden to help American families that are in the process of adopting Chinese children. This follows the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) August announcement that it would no longer be sending Chinese children abroad for adoption due to the countrys sharply declining birthrate. Only those adopting the children or stepchildren of blood relatives in China are exempt from the new policy. Britt said in a recent release that 300 children some with various health conditions have already been matched with American families and that this is affecting at least 16 families in Alabama. We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made, the release reads. The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need, it continues. Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process. China may still choose to complete adoptions for families in some countries, according to the U.S. State Department. But the letter urges Biden to ensure that this would be the case for U.S. applicants. Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, American families adopted over 82,000 children from China, which accounts for 29 percent of all overseas adoptions in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of States adoptions statistics dashboard. During the 2020 pandemic, China suspended international adoptions through 2023. And only 16 children were adopted from China last year, according to the dashboard. As Chinas birthrate continues to fall, the country is faced by a demographic crisis largely caused by its decades-long one child policy which restricted couples in the country from having more than one child. Although the policy was changed in 2015, when the Chinese government announced that married couples could have two children, and again in 2021, when Chinese couples were allowed to have three children, Brookings experts write that the policy has caused irreparable harm on the nations population. Chinas policy change came at least a decade later than it should have, reads an article written after the first update in 2015. Population aging in China is a burden not only for Chinese society as the support ratio between the working-age population and the elderly declines, but also for many of working age who are only children. Furthermore, China has had three decades of abnormal sex. As a result, China now has a large pool of surplus men estimated at between 20 and 40 million. This photo shows a sign that reads, "HELP," in the window of an inmate cell seen during a tour along with state officials at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. State officials have toured the state prison that Alabama's corrections commissioner says illustrates the state's problem with aging facilities. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)AP The nations highest court weighed in on an Alabama Death Row inmates case on Monday, asking the appeals court to again rule on the IQ scores of Joseph Clifton Smith. The U.S. Supreme Court said the appeals court had been unclear in a ruling that found Smith was intellectually disabled and ineligible for the death penalty. Smith has been on death row in Alabama for over 25 years. He was convicted in 1998 and sentenced to death for the November 1997 murder of Durk Van Dam in Mobile County. But in 2021, a federal court in south Alabama ruled that Smith was intellectually disabled and legally couldnt be executed. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals agreed in 2023, citing Smiths five full-scale IQ scores. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office then appealed that ruling to the nations highest court. In its Monday order, the U.S. Supreme Court sent the case back to the appeals court to clarify its ruling on Smiths intellectual functioning, saying the Elevenths Circuits opinion can be read in two ways. The Eleventh Circuits opinion is unclear on this point, and this Courts ultimate assessment of any petition for certiorari by the State may depend on the basis for the Eleventh Circuits decision, the U.S. Supreme Court opinion read. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch voted to review the case and set it for arguments in D.C. But, their views were in the minority among the nine justices. Supreme Court rules require four justices to vote for a case review. Smiths court battle has been waged in the federal court system for years, while his lawyers from the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Alabama have argued that Smith is intellectually disabled and cant be put to death under precedent from the U.S. Supreme Court. Senior U.S. District Judge Callie Granade ruled in August 2021 that Smith was intellectually disabled and cannot constitutionally be executed. As the Court stated previously, this is a close case, but the evidence indicates that Smiths intelligence and adaptive functioning has been deficient throughout his life, the judge wrote in her order. Smiths intelligence falls at the low end of the Borderline range of intelligence and at worst at the high end of the required significantly subaverage intellectual functioning. Smith was sentenced to death for the November 1997 murder of Van Dam. Police found Van Dams body badly beaten near his pick-up truck in an isolated area of Mobile County. Smith confessed to the killing, according to court records, and initially told police conflicting versions of the crime. In 2023, a spokesperson for the Alabama Attorney Generals Office said, Smiths IQ scores have consistently placed his IQ above that of someone who is intellectually disabled. The Attorney General thinks his death sentence was both just and constitutional. A tropical depression in the Caribbean Sea strengthened into Tropical Storm Rafael on Monday. The National Hurricane Center thinks Rafael (pronounced rah fah ELL) could become a hurricane by tomorrow, and it is on a path toward the Gulf of Mexico. A tropical storm watch was issued for part of the Florida Keys earlier today and hurricane warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands and Cuba. Rafael could be in the central Gulf by the end of the work week, but forecasters expect it to weaken as it moves into more unfavorable conditions near the northern Gulf Coast. What happens after that is very uncertain, according to the hurricane center and the National Weather Service. However, the hurricane centers official forecast track suggests Rafael could track in the general direction of Louisiana. The so-called cone of uncertainty, however, also includes the Alabama coast. As of 9 p.m. CST Monday, Tropical Storm Rafael was located about 120 miles south-southwest s of Kingston, Jamaica, and was tracking to the north-northwest at 12 mph. Rafael had winds of 45 mph, making it a minimal tropical storm. Steady to rapid strengthening is expected, and Rafael could become a hurricane by Tuesday, earlier than previously expected. On the hurricane centers forecast track, Rafael is expected to move near Jamaica tonight, be near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday and approach Cuba on Wednesday. Forecasters said hurricane conditions will be possible in the Cayman Islands by Tuesday afternoon. The longer-range track, which is very uncertain, suggests that Rafael could still be hanging around the Gulf on Saturday, which is when the forecast period ends. It is expected to be a tropical storm at that point. It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast. Residents in this area should regularly monitor updates to the forecast, the hurricane center said late Monday. The storm could bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to parts of Jamaica and Cuba through the middle of the week. More rain will spread to parts of Florida and eventually the Southeast U.S. later this week. Here are the watches and warnings as of late Monday: * A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Cayman Islands, Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth. * A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila. * A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas, the Lower and Middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge and the Dry Tortugas. POSSIBLE ALABAMA IMPACTS The National Weather Service offices in Alabama continued to watch the evolution of the storm on Monday. The weather service in Mobile said that there is an unusually large amount of uncertainty with the movement of this system later in the week. Forecasters said it is too early to know with any certainty what coastal areas could face as far as storm surge, rain amounts and wind potential. What is more certain is that the storm will generate rough surf and a high risk of rip currents along the Alabama and northwest Florida coastline this week. The weather service in Birmingham also said that there was considerable uncertainty about how the Gulf storm could affect the rest of Alabama later this week. Forecasters said forecast confidence decreases significantly for Thursday through Sunday and rain chances will hinge on the potential for isentropic lift and progression of the system in the Gulf of Mexico. Best-case scenario is a weak system that doesnt cause any damage but brings beneficial rainfall to Alabama, which is mired in various stages of drought. Here is the latest report on Alabamas drought conditions: All of Alabama is now either in a drought or on the verge of one. This week's drought report, shown above, shows the driest areas are in southwest and north Alabama.U.S. Drought Monitor Those along the Gulf Coast and through Alabama are urged to keep a close eye on the forecast through the week. On October 18, 2024, Law Enforcement Today had the following headline, which passed by almost unnoticed: DoD secretly reauthorizes bill that would allow military intervention domesticallyand adds ability to use deadly force. The reissue of Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5240.01 was quietly put into effect on September 27, 2024, six weeks before our presidential election. It is a formalized license to kill. Why? Because the Democrat party has determined that civil unrest is bad after condoning the 2020 mostly peaceful riots that consumed much of our nation in the aftermath of George Floyds death. It provides protection for the military to kill under clear cover of authority. Imagine the outcry if this had occurred under Donald Trump. This directive was not necessary. President Trump argued for the use of National Guard or military assistance during this period of civil unrest as local law enforcement was unable to control the rioting mobs, although he was talked out of using an authority that presidents have used regularly over the last one hundred years: Image by AI. 1. In 1932, President Herbert Hoover called on the military to quell rioting in our nations capital. It was the height of the Great Depression, and World War I veterans were demanding additional compensation as many were facing starvation and homelessness. 2. In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower sent 1,000 members of the 101st Airborne to Little Rock, Arkansas, to protect black students who wanted to attend Central High School. The Democratic Governor, Oval Faubus, refused to acknowledge the 1954 Supreme Court decision overturning segregation proscribed in the 1896 Separate But Equal ruling. 3. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush used federal resources to stop the Los Angeles riot by people protesting the police abuse of Rodney King. During the uprising, four people were killed, with another 60 injured. Plus, $1 billion in property damage. These three events were detailed in my October 4, 2023, American Thinker column The Pentagons Lack of Loyalty to President Trump. Pertinent key points raised in that article that are relevant today: - It has been a long-standing practice to use federal troops to subdue civil unrest, going back to George Washington personally leading men into western Pennsylvania to put down tax protesters in the 1794 Whisky Rebellion. - The George Floyd rioting should not have been an exception, but in 2020, in an act of gross insubordination, the Pentagon opposed bringing order to American streets. Instead, they essentially endorsed the burning of our nations cities. From a June 2020 New York Times article: Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote on Twitter that America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy. The same article quoted another former Chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen, who claimed that Trumps disdain for the rights of peaceful protest would play into the hands of Americas foreign adversaries. In a book concerning the 2020 election, former Chairman General Mark Milley claimed he saved Americans from Trumps aggression. The really important question, though, is who will save Americans from a military empowered to kill Americans arbitrarily now that the Biden Administration has officially endorsed the former Presidents position that civil unrest is a bad thing? Many have wisely observed that the Democrats always accuse others of doing what they are plotting. The last line of defense in this revised directive is the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. His written approval is required for the use of lethal force. This man and the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, are blatant racists who endorse CRT and DEI initiatives that have turned our military into a caricature of a fighting force. General Brown has published a racist, quota-based personnel promotion document while presiding over tanking recruitment and military readiness numbers. They are turning our military into a more lethal version of the Black Panthers. Retired reservist Lieutenant Colonel James S. Corum, Ph.D., a military historian and author, has looked at the allegations that Trump is Hitler. His essay was informative and detailed in the finest military tradition. opposition leadership had to be completely destroyed. In late March (1933), prominent democratic opposition leaders were arrested and charged with an array of phony charges, from tax evasion to malfeasance. The list of charges filed by the Nazis would make Merrick Garland proud. from censorship to lawfare its the Democrat Party today not Republican that has embraced the exact same methods as the Nazis to seize power. But there is so much more. The Democrat use of DEI as a mandatory race ideology is similar to Nazi racial ideology just change whites for Jews in DEI training and you get a good idea of Nazi methods of 1933. Lloyd Austin has shown his willingness to do as instructed by the Democrat administration. This included blind support for the failed Afghanistan withdrawal and protecting an Iranian agent transferring military secrets to Iran. A YouTube video paints Austin as the fool and political hack he is. Likewise, my July 19, 2023, American Thinker article Our Defense Secretarys Repeated Failures Humiliate Our Nation provides more details: Consider the following exchange from that post: In March, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Chair Jim Banks (R-IN) asked Austin, Do you have regrets about the withdrawal from Afghanistan? Austin answered, I support the Presidents decision. Trying again, Banks asked, Do you have regrets about the withdrawal or how the withdrawal occurred from Afghanistan that cost the lives of thirteen of our servicemen? This time, Austins answer was straightforward: I dont have any regrets. Banks next wanted to know if anyone in the DOD had faced consequences for a withdrawal he characterized as deadly, botched, and embarrassing. Austin responded by boasting, Our troops evacuated 124,000 people off that airfield. Banks again tried to get a responsive answer. Has anyone been held accountable? If a Navy captain grounded a ship, what happens immediately? Austin reluctantly acknowledged the second question, not the first. Typically, that captain is removed. Closing in, Banks asked, Has anyone been held accountable for what happened in Afghanistan? And then the truth came out. To my knowledge, no. No one was held accountable because he was responsible, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley, for those deaths and clearly does not care. The Iranian agent responsible for leaking Israels plans to attack Iran works at the Pentagon. Ariane Tabatabai is an Iranian American political science advisor to the Department of Defense. She had worked under Robert Malley, chief promoter of the failed Iran nuclear deal. Malley was fired and is under investigation. His security clearance was canceled by FBI Director Christopher Wray. Tabatabai works as the director of the office of the Assistant to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for Special Operations and International Conflict. (A mouthful! Do they actually do anything?) In September 2023, four U.S. Senators sent a letter to Austin calling for the suspension of Tabatabais security clearance. She is still on the job! It is conceivable that Malley was fired to protect Tabatabai. All information collected on Malley is being held by FBI Director Wray and has been withheld from Congress. It is impossible for Secretary Austin to not know of her and the danger to our national security that she poses. Not removing Tabatabai from the Pentagon is an action that undermines our nations security. In my view, it is actionable treason. Does anyone doubt Secretary Austin would authorize an American Tiananmen Square? During the French Revolution, the military refused to shoot their fellow countrymen. What will todays military, driven by CRT and DEI, do when ordered to shoot their fellow Americans? President Trump has said many times on the campaign trail that he was close to getting a deal with Iran during his first term. And then, something happened. That something was the killing of three U.S. contractors in Iraq by Iranian proxies and the assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in late December 2019. I was working undercover at the time for the U.S. intelligence community running a network of Iranian sub-agents. Some of them had demonstrated access to the Supreme Leader's Intelligence Office in Tehran. That's about as good as it gets, and no one else had it. My Iranian sub-agents were warning that the assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was far more serious than it appeared. That led President Trump to airlift 100 U.S. Marines from Kuwait to protect the Baghdad Embassy, and days later, on January 2, 2020, to order the killing of Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani. Only later did I learn from a different Iranian sub-source that the Baghdad embassy attack was not just an Iranian operation. It had been motivated -- indeed, solicited -- in large part by a senior advisor to former vice-president Joe Biden, who was seeking ways of destroying Trump's chances of re-election in 2020. In a series of electronic communications in the late summer of 2019, the senior Biden advisor made a "request" of Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. This advisor knew Zarif well from his time as a senior official in the Obama administration. After Trump came to the White House, the two men maintained their friendship and met periodically on the sidelines of international fora, where they lamented the demise of a "rational" U.S. policy toward Iran. On August 11, 2019, the advisor made his initial pitch to Zarif that the Democrats and the Iranian regime shared an interest in maintaining the framework of the 2015 nuclear deal. Since Trump had withdrawn U.S. participation in the agreement one year earlier, they needed to take action that would "put pressure on our enemy," and keep him "on the run." That enemy, shared by the Democrats and by the Iranian regime, was Donald Trump. On August 14, the Biden advisor sent a second, more explicit message, asking the Iranian regime to "do the same thing in Baghdad that you did with our embassy in Tehran" in 1979. Bidens advisor pledged to protect the Iranians from retaliation for their actions against the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, or in the Persian paraphrase Zarif later sent to the Supreme Leader's office and to Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, "to keep the fire away from your house." Democrats have been obsessed with the 1979 Tehran hostage crisis ever since that time, and to this day many believe that Ronald Reagan and his campaign made a deal with advisors to Ayatollah Khomeini to hold onto the hostages until after the 1980 election. This is the origin of the well-worn phrase, "October surprise." They undoubtedly thought the Iranians could help them pull off an "October surprise" against Donald Trump, except that they would start their assault on his credibility as commander-in-chief in January 2020, giving Democrat operatives and their allies in the media ten full months to hound Trump for being weak, just as Ted Koppel hounded Jimmy Carter throughout the 444 days of the Tehran hostage crisis in 1979. The correspondence was kept in the classified archives of the Office of the Supreme Leader, where it was assigned folder number 98-52371-K.M. (1398 was the Persian calendar year corresponding to 2019). In addition to the U.S.-Iran correspondence, the folder contained documents relating to the Supreme Leader's fatwa, or religious edict, authorizing the assassination of President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for their role in the Soleimani assassination. Copies of Iran's "Biden file" were made by a senior military intelligence official in the Supreme Leader's office, who shared them with a handful of confidants. One of those confidants provided me with a facsimile of the first two documents in the original Persian, rough English translations of others, and an index of the entire file. There were ten memos in all. I provided the name of that confidant to the FBI, who were able to corroborate his affiliation and career path. In other words, he was in the "registry" of Iranian intelligence officials kept by the U.S. intelligence community. My handlers understood that he was the real deal. But I went further than that. I helped set up a face-to-face meeting between my sub-source and officials from the FBI's Washington Field Office at an overseas location. My sub-source provided them with additional details on how he had acquired the "Biden-Iran file," and the identity of the Biden staffer who had asked the Iranian regime to take U.S. diplomats hostage. That Biden staffer continues to hold a senior position in the White House today and will undoubtedly serve under Kamala Harris should she win the presidency. Once Biden won the White House, I was told to not mention this case again in my official dealings with the FBI. President Trump gave me a rare hat-tip for my role in helping to prevent a catastrophic hostage-taking at a campaign rally in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 24, 2020. I was seated in the third row along with the Florida Congressional delegation. To my left was Rep. Matt Gaetz. Just behind me was my own congressman, John Rutherford. We were at the president's nine o'clock. You can watch this interchange on a Facebook capture from C-Span if you fast-forward to the 26 minute mark. The president begins by introducing the congressmen, then he says this: "We also have some of our really unbelievable undercover operatives. And if you dont mind, I wont introduce them. Alright? I dont think were going to introduce them. I want to so badly. I wanna have them stand up, bring them up here. I want to hug them and kiss them, which Im not allowed to do because theyre so so good. But somehow they may lose some effectiveness if I introduce em. So theyre in the crowd. I saw two of em. And I wont bother. But they are great great champions of our country. Thank you." At that point, the crowd cheered and the president looked in the direction of the Florida congressmen and smiled. I can guarantee you that the congressmen were not undercover operatives. President Trump undoubtedly believes he can still negotiate a deal with the Iranian mullahs. If I have the opportunity, I will counsel him against it. Why? Because any deal they would accept -- say, to limit their production of nuclear weapons material -- would be a fake. It would have to be fake, because if they negotiated away their nuclear capabilities they would quickly be ousted from power. Iran's nuclear capabilities are one of the bulwarks of the Islamic regime, much as the doctrine of absolute clerical rule. Take it away, and the regime crumbles. The next president needs to focus on delegitimizing the regime, not negotiating with it. Adapted from The Iran House: Tales of Revolution, Persecution, War, and Intrigue, published by Bombadier Books on October 8, 2024). Kenneth R. Timmerman is a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute and the author of 14 works of non-fiction and four novels. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on Iran in 2006. Image: Bombardier Books On this day in 1964, Americans voted for president. It was our first election in the U.S., our introduction to something called the Electoral College, and I recall watching the results with my father on television. He always said President Johnson would be elected but told me to keep an open mind to what Senator Goldwater was saying. My father liked his conservative message but understood that he was a bit ahead of his time. At the end of the night, the results were a landslide for Johnson, who had succeeded President Kennedy the year before. The numbers went like this: LBJ got 61% of the popular vote and 486 electoral votes! In a couple of years, the great landslide of 1964 fell apart because of Vietnam. LBJ avoided the subject of Vietnam in 1964 and promised not to send troops. Senator Goldwater, on the other hand, called for a decisive victory. At one point, he said something about using atomic weapons to defoliate the jungle covering the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In retrospect, I wonder how many of the 58,000 G.I.s lost in Vietnam would have been saved if we had hit the Trail hard in 196465. President Johnson ran an effective campaign against Senator Goldwater by painting him as dangerous and unfit to be president. The GOP made a huge comeback in the 1966 midterms, and the Democrats were in disarray by 1968. LBJ did not seek re-election and was followed by Richard Nixon. LBJ won big, but the GOP went on to win seven of the next ten elections. And last, but not least, we met future governor and president Reagan during the campaign. On October 27, 1964, Mr. Reagan gave his famous A Time for Choosing speech. We did not see the speech live because those were the days before cable and internet. In that speech, Mr. Reagan related the story of a man who left Cuba looking for freedom. This is what he said: Not too long ago, two friends of mine were talking to a Cuban refugee, a businessman who had escaped from Castro, and in the midst of his story one of my friends turned to the other and said, We dont know how lucky we are. And the Cuban stopped and said, How lucky you are? I had someplace to escape to. And in that sentence he told us the entire story. If we lose freedom here, theres no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth. It touched our family, because we knew exactly what this Cuban was talking about. It was my first reference to a man named Reagan. That opened the door to his 1966 victory in California and set the table for the presidency. And my father was right when told us over breakfast to keep an eye on that man. PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. This election cycle has launched a new kind of advertising that appears to be in the unregulated "wild west" realm of political campaign advertising: Text message ads asking for money or opinions, but always for money. It offers all kinds of risks to those who read and respond to campaigns, and though it may be legit ... I doubt this. I'll get into why this is a problem shortly. The text-to-raise-cash tack is part of the long evolution of political ads during campaigns over the years that have required regulation, and this new frontier needs regulation, too. Here's how other kinds of regulation developed: The first dramatic change in political advertising occurred in 1978, almost fifty years ago. To protect the electorate, ads had to end with a clear statement of who paid for the ad, and if it was the candidate, had to affirm that s/he approved of the ad. A precursor was the 1972 presidential campaign, where Nixon's committee was named "The Committee to RE-Elect the President," known gleefully to the left-wing media as "CREEP." Never again, I swore to myself. Six years later, I was working with my local conservative Republican Congressman, Floyd Spense, through his PAC. The FEC said we had to name the PAC, and attribute the ad to them. But to do that, I insisted, we had to rename the PAC from the prosaic "Committee to Re-Elect Floyd Spence" (not as bad as CREEP) but surely no prize. I suggested we call our PAC "Ten Thousand Lexington County Homeowners Who Want To Return Floyd Spence to Congress." A bit bulky, but legit -- we had more than 10,000 local donors. Now, think about how this sounded on radio or TV: "This message is paid for by Ten Thousand Lexington County Homeowners Who Want To Return Floyd Spence to Congress ..." followed by the Treasurer's name and title. The PAC name became part of the sales pitch, rather than just a clutter of words -- and Congressman Spence easily won re-election, creating a new trend in campaign ads. Fast forward nearly 50 years to the 2024 election, and a new style of electioneering ads: the text message ads asking for money or opinions, but always for money. Within weeks, the same messages were attributed to Donald Trump or Don Trump, Jr., Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and many other candidates or conservative pundits. And unless you believed in unvetted text massages, they all seemed to go to one website where money changed hands ... but who are they, really? No easy way to tell. If you're serious about donating, all candidates or PACs or Congressional fund-raisers have websites. Those are established and easy to verify. But who can vouch for this new breed? I'd thought, many times, about raising my concerns here, but I let it go, thinking this was a flash in the pan, until over this weekend, I realized three things. First, if you reply STOP to end receiving any of these text messages, you almost immediately get the same message from the same "source" but using a different text phone number. They eagerly ignore any obvious way of resigning from the fund-raising appeal, which to me casts doubt about their legitimacy. Second, I saw the motherlode of all fund-raising texts, supposedly coming from Marco Rubio, it asked for a large donation to be split up between nine conservative Senatorial candidates, including Nevada's own Sam Brown, a man worth supporting, but who has his own fund-raising site, plus to Sen. Rubio. "Senator Rubio" asked that donations be large enough to be meaningful to those Senatorial candidates, and to Senator Rubio himself. This "ask" was so bold it took my breath away. Finally, third, I heard reports of Democrat plans to tie up the election results with litigation, justifying in my mind the expectation of a renewed flurry of increasingly intense funding appeals. Making this next blizzard of unregulated 'asks' to likely be mind-blowing. I remain skeptical of this new and blatant fund-raising attempt. They could all be legit, but instead of blindly trusting your money to something almost impossible to verify, if you truly want to support a candidate, a cause or a PAC, visit their legal-and-regulated websites. Ned Barnett is a long-time conservative campaign advisor in realms of media and strategy. He began his Presidential campaign work in the '76 Ford for President campaign in South Carolina, the first of three state-level campaigns. Image: Pexels // Pexels License Kristina Cruickshank looks at her husband, John, in their home on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Rosenberg. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer As a Catholic who generally oppose abortion, Kristina Cruickshank feels the current abortion restrictions do not properly respect the medical nuance involved in treating pregnancy complications such as the one she experienced this June. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer At 12-weeks pregnant, Kristina Cruickshank and her husband, John, found out their fetus had developed a large cystic hygroma and was expected to die. She decided to wait until the heart stopped, but it never did. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Kristina Cruickshanks condition deteriorated and she was eventually diagnosed with a partial molar pregnancy, putting her at risk of severe hemorrhaging. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A teddy bear given to Kristina and John Cruickshank from Memorial Hermann following the loss of their child. At 12 weeks pregnant Cruickshank found out the fetus had developed a large cystic hygroma and was expected to die. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Kristina and John Cruickshank in their home on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Rosenberg. As Catholics who generally oppose abortion, the couple feels the current restrictions do not properly respect the medical nuance involved in treating pregnancy complications such as the one Kristina experienced in June. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer At 12 weeks pregnant, Kristina Cruickshank found out the fetus had developed a large cystic hygroma and was expected to die. She decided to wait until the heart stopped, but it never did. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Kristina and John Cruickshank in their backyard on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Rosenberg. Kristina was diagnosed with a partial molar pregnancy, putting her at risk of severe hemorrhaging. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Kristina and John Cruickshank in their backyard on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Rosenberg. At 12 weeks pregnant, Kristina found out the fetus had developed a large cystic hygroma and was expected to die. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Kristina Cruickshank knew she had lost her unborn baby. In her 15th week of pregnancy, a large fluid-filled sac surrounded the fetus, most prominently around the head and neck. Massive cysts, some filled with blood, covered her enlarged ovaries in a spoke wheel pattern, according to her medical records. Additional fluid had filled parts of her abdomen. The 35-year-old Rosenberg woman was frail, vomiting and in pain when she and her husband, John, arrived at Houston Methodist Sugar Land on Friday, June 3. She needed an abortion. But according to Dr. Lauren Swords, the maternal medical director at the hospitals childbirth center, no one at the hospital was equipped to perform the necessary procedure, known as dilation and evacuation. It also was not clear whether Kristina was exempt from Texas abortion laws, which threaten providers with felonies and lawsuits for performing abortions except to treat a miscarriage or a loosely defined medical emergency. Her fetus still had a heartbeat, and she did not yet need life-saving care. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So over the next three days, a sick and distraught Kristina was stuck in limbo, waiting in vain for a transfer to Texas Childrens Hospital, where Swords said Methodist doctors commonly transfer pregnant patients who need a higher level of treatment. Swords, the on-call doctor who cared for Kristina during the wait, believes the laws had something to do with this unfortunate delay of care. Texas Childrens Hospital declined to comment. There's so much about these laws that people just do not really understand outside of healthcare, Swords said. This is a perfect example of how these laws that are in place can directly impact maternal health and care. And it's very frustrating to be a gynecologist in Texas. After Kristina was admitted Friday, her medical records show that Texas Childrens initially declined a transfer request early Saturday and left subsequent requests pending while an ethics committee reviewed the case. Before abortion restrictions tightened last year, a transfer request for similar cases would not have taken this long, said Swords, who could not comment on the specific reason why Texas Childrens did not immediately accept the transfer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The wait gave Kristina a sense of powerlessness. Worry consumed her and John before they could even begin grieving for the loss of their desperately wanted child. You have to lay there and wait and have your life in the hands of an ethics committee, or a doctor that wants to help but can't, Kristina said. Not knowing what was going to happen, or how long I was going to have to be in the hospital, or if you're going to have to travel somewhere that was the hardest part. Devastating news A month and a half earlier, John and Kristina enjoyed a blissful Easter. It was their one-year wedding anniversary the perfect time to surprise their family by announcing the pregnancy. Parents and siblings shed tears of joy as they opened Easter eggs filled with confetti and tiny baby bottles. Early ultrasounds thrilled the couple. During one appointment, Kristina saw what looked like the baby moving its arms and waving. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I will always remember that, she said. Concern arose in week 12, on May 16, when heavy bleeding sent Kristina to the ER at Methodist Sugar Land. Tests revealed that the fetus had developed a large cystic hygroma, a birth defect that causes a fluid-filled sac to form, usually around the unborn babys head and neck. The diagnosis increases the risk of miscarrying, but the fetus can survive. Often, cystic hygromas are associated with other genetic abnormalities, such as Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, or Turner syndrome, which can cause heart defects and, for women born with it, infertility. Kristinas cystic hygroma was so large, however, that doctors told her the fetus was unlikely to survive. At the time, her obstetrician-gynecologist suggested she come in for weekly appointments to monitor to the fetus heartbeat. Senate Bill 8, which went into effect last year, bans abortion at the first sign of embryonic cardiac activity, which usually starts at around six weeks after the persons last menstrual period. Only if the heart stopped could the hospital intervene and treat the miscarriage. Getting that news is completely devastating, she said. And youre not able to go on with your life and move past it at all. Youre just waiting. You don't know how long. Your whole life comes to a standstill, basically. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More complications Over the next two weeks, Kristina developed severe nausea and so much abdominal pain that she couldnt walk on her own. The fetus heart continued beating. It wasnt until her appointment on June 3 that further testing revealed a partial molar pregnancy a rare genetic condition in which fluid-filled, grape-like cysts form in the placental tissue alongside an abnormal embryo. It is not survivable for a fetus. MRI images showed an enlarged placenta with variable size cysts, according to Kristinas records, which also note massive cysts around her enlarged ovaries. In addition to her abdominal pain, the partial molar also triggered hyperthyroidism, which caused her to lose about 15 pounds. Experts say partial molars can lead to more serious complications, including sepsis, hemorrhaging, hypertension and, in few cases, a rare form of cancer. They typically require early treatment, said Dr. Lorie Harper, chief of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the Department of Women's Health at Dell Medical School. In my lifetime of training, until the last year, there would never have been a delay in care, Harper said. There would be: Identify the problem, diagnose it and then treat it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The presence of a heartbeat complicated efforts to treat Kristina sooner. Before laws banning most abortions went into effect last year, Swords said doctors could have offered a more commonly used type of abortion, known as dilation and curettage, in the first trimester. But as the heartbeat continued, and Kristinas condition deteriorated, she needed an abortion that Swords colleagues and the majority of OBGYNs in Houston are not trained to perform. Without a transfer to a higher level of care, all doctors could do was keep her stable, Swords said. In the past, Kristinas situation would have been dealt with much earlier in pregnancy with a dilation and curettage, the doctor said. What we're going to see as a result of these laws is abnormal pregnancies going much beyond what used to be the standard of care. Waiting As Kristina lay in an antepartum room at Methodist, minutes felt like months. She feared she would start hemorrhaging before she could find treatment. Meanwhile, John tried to glean what little answers he could from the medical staff. All the Cruickshanks knew was that Methodist had asked Texas Childrens Hospital to review their case. MORE FROM JULIAN GILL: After reluctance, Houston doctors now transplanting organs from COVID-positive donors John became increasingly confused. He and Kristina are devout Catholics and wanted to start a family. They never considered abortion as an option, but the procedure had become the only way to stop Kristinas pain. Even so, they had to consider leaving their state for treatment. To him, the laws did not reflect the nuance of pregnancy complications. It was just really hard, he said. Theyre telling us this is not a viable pregnancy. Were not making an ethical choice here. Were making the only decision the doctors are telling us we can make, but because the procedure includes a heartbeat, its an abortion. For pregnancies that do not end on their own, state law only allows a doctor to intervene when the patient is in danger of death or a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function. When Kristina sought care, the penalties included fines and lawsuits. Three weeks later, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, opening the door to states trigger law, which threatens doctors with five years to life in prison. The chilling effect has been widespread in the medical community. Just days before Kristina was first admitted with excessive bleeding, another Houston-area woman, 26-year-old Elizabeth Weller, was forced to sit at home, waiting for her condition to worsen, after being diagnosed with a dangerous pregnancy complication. At the time, Houston Methodist said Texas law prevented the hospital from immediately treating her because the fetus still had a heartbeat. In a recent study of 28 pregnant patients at two North Texas hospitals, researchers found that state laws forcing providers to wait for life-threatening complications were associated with worse health outcomes. Healing By Monday morning, June 6, Methodist doctors were still waiting to hear back from the Texas Childrens Hospital ethics committee, records show. Texas Childrens had also asked Methodist to convene its own ethics committee, but hospital officials said it would be inappropriate for them to approve Kristinas treatment, noting they would not be the ones performing the procedure, records show. Later, Methodist doctors reached out to a physician at Memorial Hermann, which accepted the case the same day. Kristina was quickly transferred. Her pregnancy was terminated two days later, on June 8, after further tests, including x-rays to check for cancerous tumor growth, she said. Memorial Hermann declined to comment. Three months later, Kristina is still physically recovering. She battles a persistent rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and anxiety. She also attends regular follow-up appointments at Memorial Hermann to ensure her cysts are breaking down. Doctors are still looking for traces of cancer. She continues to process the emotional weight of the loss. Once Im healthy again, she said, I can concentrate more on that part of the healing. Many commentators have missed one of the most disturbing aspects of this years election. The Democrats faced a choice when picking a vice-presidential nominee. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared to be the favorite. He serves in a key battleground state. He is intelligent and articulate and presents himself better than Tim Walz. Commentators predicted that Shapiro would be the nominee in the days preceding the key announcement. Many were surprised by Kamala Harris's decision to choose Tim Walz instead. No coherent explanation has been given for the choice of Walz over Shapiro. (It is unclear whether the decision stems from Harris middle class background.) Harris might lose Pennsylvania as a result, which loss would cost her the entire election. Shapiro is at least a nominal supporter of Israel. But much of Harriss support in the Democrat base comes from extreme leftist congresspeople and their Muslim constituents. In Michigan, Rep. Rashida Tlaib uses the genocidal phrase from the river to the sea because her constituents allow it and want to hear it. The extreme constituency in her 12th congressional district is large enough potentially to tip the balance in any statewide election. Even Harris herself was interrupted by pro-Hamas protesters at a speech in Michigan on October 26th. She quickly agreed with the protesters slogan so that she could finish her speech attacking Trump. (Something similar happened in Wisconsin a week earlier. The anti-Israel immigrant bloc cannot be ignored by any national politician that hopes to carry Michigan. How else would one explain Harris otherwise inexplicable decision to advocate aid to Lebanon in the wake of Hurricane Helene while displaced Americans received almost nothing from the federal government? That advocacy caused much embarrassment to Harris as stories of suffering in North Carolina reverberated across the country. But she no doubt shored up her rear guard in Michigan by enduring this embarrassment for the benefit of the Lebanese and their allies in Michigan and elsewhere. But Harris might not have shored it up enough, as Congresswoman Tlaib has declined to endorse her. Michigans 12th district enclave continues to grow along with others across the country as Americas borders remain open. Americas open borders have created lasting consequences consequences that have become more apparent in the year following the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. In the wake of those attacks and the Israeli response, Hamas sympathizers in the U.S. have attacked bridges, disrupted traffic, attacked DNC headquarters, invaded schools, threatened individual opponents in the U.S. and paralyzed any kind of response either by the government or academia. The unfettered immigration that has produced the symptoms of post-Oct. 7th America has created longer lasting consequences. The immigrant enclaves have exercised a veto over the policies and positions of one of the national candidates. The flow of U.S. aid has been influenced to the detriment of that candidates campaign. In light of these developments, it is understandable that this same candidate would choose the lesser of two vice presidential candidates in order to pacify this voting bloc. This issue is much worse than a candidate simply caving in on policy to one of many pressure groups. We are now talking about the potential exclusion of an entire religion from national office because we have lost control of our border. If there is any truth to the speculation about the Walz-Shapiro decision, then it is unlikely that the Democrat party will ever nominate a person of the Jewish faith for president or vice president again. The factors that created this scenario are not going away. The Muslim population will not decrease in Michigan (or elsewhere). The Democrats have no intention of controlling the border or allowing the Republicans to control the border. The flood of immigration will continue unless Donald Trump wins this election and then wins a protracted battle to control the border over the next four years. The exclusion has not been made explicit. The Democrats will never make an announcement stating that Jewish people are excluded from the presidency or vice presidency. They will deny it if they are pressed. But they will never defy those that can take Michigan away from them. If present trends continue, we might learn how far the Democrats might go in order to save Michigan and other states for their electoral count. (It is heartening to see that Trump has remained strongly pro-Israel while picking up a few prominent Muslim endorsements.) Immigration is an issue that transcends a mere single election. An open border carries lasting consequences. Those consequences amount to more than mere euphemisms, campaign slogans and voting bloc coalitions. The culture and values of the nation will change. Americans ability to choose our own foreign policy will be compromised. Our ability to choose our own national leaders is similarly imperiled. Ethnic groups that are today excluded from higher office might someday face worse consequences. I never imagined that I would see an ethnic or religious group excluded from higher office. I grew up in an era in which tolerance was enforced on television by sitcoms in which characters who opposed minorities were laughed at and marginalized. But fictional characters like Archie Bunker pale in comparison to those who apparently have intimidated the Democrats into excluding Josh Shapiro. Those who pursue diversity defeated Archie Bunker on television long ago and long after they had achieved their goals in the courts and Congress. But their pursuit of an open border has placed a foreign enemy inside our country far more powerful than Archie Bunker or any other scripted character. The 12th District is not following its script. The Democrats apparently are unable to stand up to an unscripted enemy. The Jewish people of America are thus the victims. How long and how deeply their victimhood will continue remains to be seen. The open border will be the determining factor. If it continues, the future for religious freedom in the United States will be in jeopardy. Image: Governor Tom Wolf, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed A great deal of ink has been spent on discussing the changes in minority communities for this election. Several of them -- Hispanics and Blacks in particular -- are leaving the Democrat Party and planning to vote for Republicans. This is great news not just for conservatives, but for the country. But one minority group remains in the background with little commentary: the Jews. As many people may know, the Jews have been grounded in the Democrat Party ever since they came to this country. They have prided themselves on standing up for the poverty-stricken, for those who are the downtrodden, for those who are unable to find their way ahead in this country. But times are changing. For one, Jews were seen as victims, especially after the Holocaust. People acknowledged how devastating that event had been, and although the Jews werent necessarily interested in being seen as victims, at least people seemed to spend less effort in hating them, especially in the U.S. More recently, however, Jews have transformed into a hated class once more; they are seen as the practitioners of apartheid and oppression, especially in Israel: Over the past several years, Jews have been stripped of any claims to minority status. They have a new origin story in America: one that involves Plymouth Rock and bypasses Ellis Island altogether. A new rainbow of progressivism, with its spectrum of escalating oppressions, has outed Jews as full-fledged members of the oppressor class -- too wealthy to be innocent, complicity in the slave trade, and kinsmen to an apartheid state called Israel. Then you have the response of the political Left to October 7. Despite it being described as a second Holocaust, the Left was showing its empathy with Hamas and the Palestinians. Israel once shared a close and unquestioned relationship with the United States, but in the last few years, the Left has, at the very least, shown its ambivalence toward the Jewish state. The shift in the Lefts embracing the Jews has become more apparent than ever: The reality is Democrats, and Harris specifically, are not necessarily aligned on Israel and its national security. This is a real concern for many American Jews because while domestic topics are certainly important to them, so is their support of Israel. The Manhattan Institute poll found that 86% of survey respondents stated they consider themselves supporters of Israel, and 62% of Jews collectively stated they are concerned about antisemitism in the Democratic Party. But Jews are loyal citizens, and they are reluctant to change their allegiance to the progressives and the Democrats. They believed they had found a home with this party, and were uncomfortable leaving the Democrats, especially when Republicans were offering up Donald Trump. Yet some Jews are outspoken about the need to make a change: These American Jews must wake up to the reality that the historic and principled loyalty toward Israel from the U.S. is no longer assured. Those in the Democratic Party itself, from its highest leaders to its future base, have revealed that their commitment to Israel is tenuous and they are not consistently in line with the American Jewish community. The clear lack of loyalty toward Israel and the disturbingly minimal support American Jews have received in the face of so much violence and antisemitism should be sufficient evidence to end the long-standing Jewish relationship with the Democratic Party. Since the Jews are only a tiny part of the American population, some forecasters may believe that they would have minimal influence on the upcoming election. But the facts tell us otherwise: Jews make up a tiny portion of the American population -- a little more than 2%. The Jewish electorate is even smaller, but big enough to make a difference in a handful of swing states, especially Pennsylvania. The American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University estimates there are about 300,000 Jewish voters in the Keystone State. When you consider that Joe Biden won Pennsylvania by less than 82,000 votes in 2020, and Trump by about 44,000 votes in 2016, the margins matter. And Republicans see an opening this year and are pursuing Jewish voters like never before. The Republican Jewish Coalition has posted an ad that speaks volumes to the importance of supporting Trump Its time for the Jews in this country to face the truth about the Democrat party. Image: The White House/Leslie M. Emory When five different people send you a link, you know that something very important has happened, even if the drive-by media arent trumpeting it on their outlets. In this case, its Robert Williams report at the Gatestone Institute that, in September, the Harris-Biden administration, without fanfare, adopted a UN pact that gives the UN and the World Economic Forum (WEF) control over American speech, foreign policy, and, possibly, internal sovereignty. Thankfully, while the administration can sign someones name on the dotted line, the Constitution means that signature is invalid. But were not in the clear: That invalidity works only if we dont have a government that acts as if the UN pact applies. The pact is the UNs Pact for the Future. Williams describes it this way: At the Summit of the Future in September 2024, world leaders passed the UNs Pact for the Future to transform global governance, the Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. These agreements usher in a dystopian future, where the UN -- an active supporter of terrorism and arguably the worlds most corrupt international entity, led by socialists, communists and dictatorships -- in partnership with the unelected and unaccountable World Economic Forum, led by Klaus Schwab and his covey of billionaire business leaders, is given unprecedented power over the peoples of sovereign countries, who have had no say whatsoever on the contents of this pact, because it has been kept hidden from them. [snip] A large part of the Pact is dedicated to turbocharging the UNs Agenda 2030. Much of this consists of fighting the fake crisis of climate change by achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Hidden at the very bottom of the 56-page document -- action point 54 -- is actually one of the most important items: the power-grab of the UNs secretary-general: strengthening the international response to complex global shocks: [Quoted material omitted.] The UN secretary-general, in other words, is to control responses to global shocks... This would mean that any kind of event that captures the medias imagination, everything from climate change to an Eastern European border dispute to genocidal Islamic attacks on Israel, would come under the UNs purview. America would be subordinated to the UN in its responses. Pax American would end. The UNthe anti-American, antisemitic, anti-capitalist, pro-Islamic UNwould be the worlds new policeman. But the pact doesnt stop there. Theres also a Digital Global Compact, which is meant to empower the UN (directly and through the signatories) to silence hate speech, disinformation, and misinformationin other words, anything with which the prevailing leftist mindset disagrees. Theres much more information about the pact in Williamss essay, which I urge you to read. We expect that kind of totalitarian garbage from the UN, of course. Whats frightening about the Harris-Biden administration is that its embraced the pactand, moreover, did so in almost completely secrecy, showing a consciousness of wrongdoing: On September 22, unnoticed by most Americans, the Biden-Harris administration adopted the United Nations Pact for the Future to transform global governance, which introduces the foundations of a world government. There was no debate, no media coverage, no press releases, and no interviews about the Biden-Harris administrations surrender of United States sovereignty to the UN. Fortunately, the administrations signature is legally meaningless. Anything that gives up American sovereignty is a form of treaty, and the Constitution prohibits the executive from exercising that authority without the peoples imprimatur via Congress. Thus, Article II, Section 2, which defines the presidents power, states explicitly, He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur... (Emphasis mine.) Nor can any branch of government hand each Americans right to free speech over to a foreign entity. Presidents, as noted, cannot act without the Senates consent. Meanwhile, per the First Amendment, Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech... Congress cant do that because speech isnt in its purview. It is, instead, a right inherent in each of us. Having said all that, the Constitutions rules apply only if we have a government that recognizes them and bends the states police power to protect our rights rather than destroy them. We know that, if Kamala attains the White House and controls Congress, all bets are off. Democrats have already stated that, with a majority, they intend to end the filibuster. Then, theyll add two states that will vote Democrat (Puerto Rico and D.C.) while packing the Supreme Court. That will create a permanent Democrat majority and a Supreme Court that believes in a living Constitution that has nothing to do with either the documents explicit words or the Founders and later ratifiers intent. This is why its important to vote. I dont care if you dislike Trumps style or rhetoric. The Harris/Democrat party alternative takes America down an entirely different path from the nation that has thrived under the ideas of the Declaration of Independence and the rules of the Constitution. This new pathagain, per the Democrats acts, such as this UN pact, and open promises, such as changing government normswell be following Karl Marxs dreams, not those of Washington, Monroe, Jefferson, Franklin, or Lincoln. So, damn it! Vote! Youve got just a little over 24 hours to hold back the tide. Image by Andrea Widburg using AI and public domain pictures. The Trump-deranged Left is throwing everything they can at Republicans to see what sticks. No one is immune, even if youre the worlds richest man. Elon Musk is now the subject of bogus partisan lawsuits in Pennsylvania simply for exercising his right to support Trump. Perhaps the sneakiest part of the Lefts broader lawfare strategy was kicked off in a little-noticed civil case in New Hampshire federal court. The left-wing League of Women Voters and their allies have weaponized the Voting Rights Act (VRA), filing a civil lawsuit against the Democrat political vendor (who dared support Bidens short-lived primary opponent Dean Phillips) for creating robocalls that discouraged voters from wasting their vote in the 2024 New Hampshire primary and using an AI-generated audio of Joe Bidens voice. And the lawsuit targeted the telecom providers that carried the message -- which they likely never heard -- from the vendor to the recipients. Section 11(b) of the VRA is clear: It is a crime to stand outside polling places and threaten violence to stop people from voting, and the federal government can prosecute for doing so. And we all know why: Democrats would stand outside of polling places with bats to keep black Americans from voting, and local Democrat officials were happy to have them do so. Now, the same Democrat Party that supported slavery, Jim Crow, Apartheid, and the Ku Klux Klan is making the argument that VRA Section 11(b) contains a private right of action (it doesnt) against non-threatening communications they deem false (it doesnt). This would allow private actors -- not government prosecutors -- to invoke the law not just against candidates and political vendors, but against technology companies and social media platforms over content. It is a nonsense position completely unsupported by the law, but that didnt stop the Biden-Harris Justice Department from filing a statement of interest supporting the nonsense. This lays the foundation for a well-funded activist army of lawyers to sue any provider over virtually any political message -- a threat that could drive tech companies out of the business of political communications. And its not just in New Hampshire, where the bomb was dropped this summer. The Left used the same argument just weeks ago in Alabama, in part to ensure illegal aliens can vote in American elections. But, despite the unlawful lawyering of the Biden-Harris DoJ to support the Lefts latest legal shenanigans, the VRAs private right of action doesnt actually exist. Nor do the Lefts claims of misinformation make them that. But, if alleged misinformation is treated as a threat, the real threat will be to our rights to free speech and free association. The Left can be checked, but it requires immense time, effort, and legal expertise. The Coolidge Reagan Foundation filed an amicus brief to debunk leftist lawfare, and the New Hampshire court on the case has now twice rejected the Lefts arguments. In Alabama, where the Foundation also stepped up, illegal aliens may still be able to vote (thanks, Kamala), but the Left didnt gain a single inch on their use of VRA Section 11(b). These are hard-fought victories that highlight this is no time for complacency. The Left is taking their lawfare strategy to unprecedented heights, and conservatives cannot be caught flat-footed like in 2020. One of the Lefts end goals? Legalize voting for millions of illegal immigrants to tilt the scales in Democrats favor. Earlier this month, the state of Florida sued the Biden administration after the federal government refused to verify immigration records to purge non-citizens from voter rolls leading up to Election Day. The self-described defenders of democracy -- Biden and Harris -- have provided no assistance to state governments in maintaining accurate, current voter registration records that are the basic building blocks of any democracy. When Floridas Department of State identified various individuals for whom it had evidence they were not citizens, the Department of Homeland Security failed to confirm their citizenship. There is nothing more un-American than rewarding illegal immigrants for breaking the law and choosing criminals over law-abiding U.S. citizens. It would change America for the worse and forever. But the Lefts un-American assault on border security, free speech, and other values can still be checked. The true defenders of democracy -- those of us who are actually pro-America -- need to realize that the war against the radical Left must be fought on all fronts. From law to media to the ballot box, the Left will only be defeated if Americans are unrelenting in their defense of basic American values. The only response for the good guys is to fight, fight, fight. Dan Backer is a veteran campaign counsel, having served more than 100 candidates and political action committees, overseeing more than $150 million in political spending over the past decade. He practices law as a member of Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman LLC. Image: Tim Evanson In 2005, the Supreme Courts Heller decision, which for the first time in American history acknowledged the Second Amendment recognizes the unalienable, individual right to keep and bear arms, was three years into the future. Anti-Liberty/gun cracktivists were pushing their latest strategy: suing gun makers for the third-party acts of people about who they had no knowledge and over who they had no control for misuse of their lawful products. The strategy was to bankrupt American gun makers by an avalanche of nuisance lawsuits. American tort law doesnt normally allow such suits, but their sheer volume might do the trick, even if gun makers won every suit, and they wouldnt. There were more than enough leftist judges willing to upend tort law, common sense and justice for political ends, just are there are today. They might have succeeded. Despite what Democrats/socialist/communists (D/s/cs) say, gun makers are not fabulously wealthy. Graphic: Twitter Screenshot In an act of bipartisan responsibility we may never see again, Congress passed The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which prevents such nuisance lawsuits for misuse by third parties of lawful products, but does not in any way prevent suits under normal tort law, such as suits for damages for defective products or negligence. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have long demanded the repeal of the PLCAA, claiming gun makers cant be sued at all. They lie. While the PLCAA has ended most attempts at anti-liberty/gun lawfare, leftist judges continue to try to ignore or misinterpret it to allow such suits to proceed. One such has been filed by the Mexican government against American gun makers, claiming they are purposely making guns they know will be used by cartels against Mexicans in Mexico. A Massachusetts District Court used the plain language of the PLCAA to dismiss the suit, but the Fifth Circuit reversed the dismissal, which led the US Supreme Court to grant cert. The case will be decided during the Courts 2025 term. The petition that led to cert raised these two legal issues: *Whether the production and sale of firearms in the United States is the "proximate cause" of alleged injuries to the Mexican government stemming from violence committed by drug cartels in Mexico. *Whether the production and sale of firearms in the United States amounts to "aiding and abetting" illegal firearms trafficking because firearms companies allegedly know that some of their products are unlawfully trafficked. Both arguments are easily resolved. American manufacturers are limited to producing only semiautomatic arms. Some still make automatic weapons, but that market is limited only to law enforcement and the military. The Firearm Owners Protection Act established that machineguns made after May 19, 1986, cannot be owned by mere citizens. One can own a machinegun made before then, but owners arent selling, and when they do, they command astronomical prices. Needless to say, all automatic weapon domestic sales and exports are strictly controlled. Why would cartels want semiautomatic weapons when they can easily get actual military arms through the Mexican government and illegal sources, including nations hostile to America? Car makers know some of their products will be illegally used, sometimes resulting in the deaths of innocents. Obviously, gun makers know the same. They know criminals will steal their lawfully sold products. They know criminals will traffic them, selling them not only to other criminals, but potentially even to Mexican cartels, though again, why would cartels bother with that when they can get all the guns they need through more convenient, established sources? Bizarrely, gun makers also know our own government under Barack Obama actually trafficked guns to cartels in the Fast and Furious debacle, guns that were eventually used to murder a Border Patrol officer. His killer was convicted, but his sentence was overturned in 2024. Were gun makers responsible for that lunacy? But cant cartels buy American guns legally in Mexico? Theoretically, yes, but there is only a single gun store in all of Mexico, in Mexico City, and its run by the Mexican military. Gun ownership in Mexico is all but impossible, and if cartels get American made guns from that store, its because the Mexican government wanted them to have them. Obviously, this is the kind of legal subterfuge the PLCAA was intended to end. The house vote was 65-31 and the Senate voted 283-144 for the bill. Imagine that happening today. Of course, under a D/s/c controlled White House, House and Senate, the PLCAA, and many other liberties, would surely be obliterated. With any luck, common sense and legal sanity will prevail and the Supreme Court will strike down Mexicos attempt to subvert our liberty, the better to weaken America. Well take what we can get while we still can. 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. According to the Daily Mail, some stunning new video footage emerged during the first days of Daniel Pennys trial for Jordan Neelys death on a New York City subway car. This video shows more clearly what happened and, in my opinion, still exonerates Penny. It is apparent that, initially, Penny did use a chokehold on the agitated and violent Jordan Neely to subdue him. However, the moment Neely stopped fighting, Penny let up on the choke hold. A still photo from the scene confirms that Penny was holding Neely in a headlock, with no construction pressure on Neelys neck. In other words, it the hold would not have stopped Neelys blood flow or ability to breathe. When the police arrived, they put Neely in the recovery positionlying down and on his sideand determined that he was breathing and had a pulse, although he was unconscious. They also administered Narcan (the antidote to heroin or fentanyl), for they assumed that his being unconscious was due to opiates. The police refused to perform CPR Neely, fearing from his dirty appearance and other signs that he was a drug user and that he could infect them with hepatitis. As with George Floyds death, the media are completely wrong about what happens when people are properly subdued. In this case, the term chokehold, which the media and prosecution throw around with impunity, implies that Penny strangled Neely to death. Thats just wrong. Whats correct is that a chokehold reduces blood circulation and oxygen to the brain, just like a fainting episode causes a person to fall out. However, it does not affect the heart. If Penny had failed to release the hold, it could have caused a serious brain injury, but there would not have been cardiac arrest causing death. The reason a continuous chokehold could cause death is because a prolonged chokehold, by starving the brain of oxygen, kills the part of the brain with the reflex to breathe. It takes about a minute for a person to become unconscious from a chokehold (just like fainting), but it takes a prolonged chokehold (10 minutes or more) to kill that area of the brain. (Think of drowning victims who can be revived before 10 or 15 minutes have passed, but after that time, they die.) The new footage reaffirms my original opinion, based on my 50 years as an emergency room physician, that Daniel Penny did not murder Jordan Neely. Instead, Neely had a cardiac arrest because he struggled with Penny, causing cardiac stimulation and irritation. Pennys chokehold subdued but did not kill Jordan Neely. Instead, Neelys heart developed a fatal arrhythmia, which caused his death. John Dale Dunn is a 50-year emergency physician and 40-year attorney. Image: YouTube screen grab. Pennsylvanias WNEP-TV, a local ABC affiliate, surprised its viewers during last Sundays broadcast of the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix. How so, you ask? By reporting that, with 100% of the vote tallied, Democrat Kamala Harris had defeated Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 Presidential Election by garnering 52% of the vote. This was particularly shocking since the date was October 27thand Election Day isnt until November 5th. The station issued the following statement pertaining to the inexplicable report: Test results for the upcoming November 5 general election mistakenly appeared on WNEP-TV early Sunday evening during a broadcast of the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix. Those numbers should not have appeared on the screen, and it was an error by WNEP that they did. You dont say! Was this simply wishful thinkingor something more nefarious? What if, after 100% of the actual vote is tallied, Harris ends up winning with 52% of that vote? Curious? Ironic? Also inexplicable? Or pre-rigged? Im looking forward to the station airing the results of the 2025 Super Bowl and Stanley Cup Finals in the coming days. And of the 2026 midterm elections. Maybe it will even inform us who the next Pope will be. And now there is a report of touchscreen voting machines in Kentucky allegedly not permitting voters to select Donald Trump. Or, possibly worse yet, converting votes for Trump to votes for Harris. Why do these reports never go the other way? Yet another report claims that those imprisoned for taking part in the Jan. 6 protest are being denied the ability to vote while career criminals and even violent repeat offenders are being escorted to early voting stations. And I thought Democrats wanted everyone to vote and all votes to be counted! We may be very close to the date when the Democratic Party, flush with its power and emboldened by the extreme tolerance and acquiescence of most Republicans and Republican voters, declares: The Democratic Party is democracy. Democracy is literally in our name. Therefore, the only way to save our democracy is to make it illegal for members of any other party to be on the ballot. Any ballot, anywhere. Subsequently, legislation will be proposed, possibly including a bill called the Furthering the Understanding of Constitutional Knowledge Unendingly bill, or, acronymically, the FUCKU Bill. Most Democrats will fervently support the measure, but a few will oppose it, both for the same reason: it would be transparently in the face of the partys remaining political opponents. Therefore, the slightly less insane Democrats propose an alternative bill, entitled the Preserving Democracy in Perpetuity Act, or PDPA. Realizing their post-election power is now total and absolute, Democrats pass the FUCKU Bill into law. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. In an ode to solitude, Robert Frost muses that good fences make good neighbors. This makes for droll poetry but lousy housing policy. Too many communities seem more intent on creating isolation than on helping families find a place to sleep at night. Towns with aggressive zoning rules put up legal barriers that discourage developers and landlords from building. In California, for example, activists use the California Environmental Quality Act to sue, protest, or shut down nearly half of all proposals, including green projects. No wonder California ranks 49th in housing units per resident, just above palmy Hawaii. Unfortunately, instead of scrapping expensive restrictions, many politicians take an easier route: blaming landlords and imposing rent control, one of the few policies that almost all credible economists deplore. Last July, the Biden-Harris administration proposed a nationwide 5% annual cap on rents, and this past week, Vice President Harris aggressively promoted it on the campaign trail. This is worse than Robert Frost; it reminds me of Eddie Murphys Saturday Night Live parody poem from the 1980s: Dark and lonely on the summer night, kill my landlord, kill my landlord. Although rent control doesnt leave behind a corpse, it almost always harms neighborhoods and snatches opportunities away from families searching for an apartment. How does rent control create shortages? At artificially low prices, people demand housing, but the law convinces landlords to constrict supply. Utopian legislators assume that landlords have no choice once theyve erected an apartment building. In fact, landlords can reduce supply. They can scrimp on repairs. Or they can convert rental units to condominiums, cooperatives, Airbnbs, or commercial office space. A wrecking ball cares little for history or sunk costs. In Santa Monica, California, which features one of the most stringent rent control regimes in the country, vacant lots are often worth more than built lots because landlords are so entangled with red tape from bureaucrats and yellow tape from law enforcement visits. Go to Google Maps and compare Santa Monica to, for example, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Youll see few new structures in the former and plenty in the latter. Santa Monica is littered with aging dingbats not an insult for a dopey person, but a nickname for the dinky apartment buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, home costs in Fort Lauderdale are 68 percent lower. U.S. politicians are not alone in flailing around with rent control. Stockholm, Sweden has compiled a waiting list for rent-controlled housing that boasts over eight hundred thousand people more than half the population! Once you sign up, you will wait between nine and twenty years for a phone call. Spotify, which launched its music-streaming business in Stockholm, struggles to retain workers. The company has been threatening to leave the city if the rules are not relaxed and if more housing is not encouraged. Although the Biden-Harris administration has urged cities to loosen some zoning restrictions, its counterproductive cap on rents comes with a new intrusion: banning computer algorithms that help landlords decide how much to ask from tenants. Such algorithms gather information on rents, demographics, and occupancy levels and then resell it to landlords, along with suggestions on how much to charge for their units. But heres the apparently scary part of the algorithm: the program is harnessed to A.I. And that, for some progressives, automatically implies that it has been conjured up by computer wizzes from Hades. Note that such algorithms do not set prices; they merely suggest prices. Moreover, rental markets are quite diffuse. Even famous landlords like Donald Trump controlled only a tiny portion of New Yorks market. But how wise are soothsaying property algorithms, anyway? A few years ago, Zillow, equipped with vast databases, brainy programmers, and million-dollar-a-year executives, snatched up over 30,000 undervalued homes across the country, poised to flip them into profit. The CEO predicted that his iBuyer program would earn $20 billion each year. Instead, it lost nearly $1 billion in 2021, prompting Zillow to bolt the doors shut and dump homes at a loss. Utopians seem to think that waving the governments heavy hand and incanting abracadabra can make the housing stock go up and housing prices go down. But too many examples over too many decades have shown that rent control is a poor way to help the poor and a very good way to ruin a town. Todd G. Buchholz, a former White House director of economic policy under President George W. Bush and managing director of the Tiger hedge fund, was awarded the Ally Young Teaching Prize by the Harvard Department of Economics and is the author of New Ideas from Dead Economists and The Price of Prosperity and co-author of the musical Glory Ride. @econTodd Image via Pixabay. Theyre right, you know--the Democrats/socialists/communists (D/s/cs). Donald Trump really is going do to them what theyve been doing to America. Hes going to be their worst nightmare: hes going toas a general principle--leave them, and the rest of America, alone. Hell adopt that God and gun clinging, Deplorable, irredeemable, garbage expectation--one of the pillars of Constitutional philosophy--and make government as small an intrusion in Americans lives as possible. Graphic: X Screenshot The horror. For people whose fortunes, self-images, personal, social and professional connections rely on a huge, endlessly intrusive and ever-expanding government, thats a fate worse than death. But there are other Trump certainties that, to them, are nearly as bad. Trump will end the weaponization of the DOJ and FBI and other federal agencies. It will take time, but thats going to be one of many day one priorities. Sadly, Trump is not going to put his political enemies in prison. Sure, its a great idea, but that would take more prosecutions, and more new prison construction, than could be done in a hundred presidential terms. That said quite a few D/s/cs will find themselves prosecuted for the actual, not political, crimes theyve committedthats why theyre trying to kill Trump--and the howling will be glorious to hear. DEI will DIE, DIE, DIE. Ferretting out entrenched DIE bureaucrats and political hacks from every nook and cranny of government will be a Herculean task akin to cleaning out historys largest, filthiest stable. It will take years, as like cockroaches theyll scurry under the fridge when the lights go on, trying to hide under new titles and job classifications while still undermining self-government. Extracting them from their parasitic positions in our military will take the concerted work of the highest ranks, which will again take some time because so many of the highest ranks owe their jobs to their willingness to abandon the security of America and protection of our troops in exchange for securing pronouns, trans rights and drag queens. It will be a truly top-down effort, beginning as soon as the top is replaced. Graphic: X Screenshot And then theres the largest deportation effort in American, perhaps world, history. This too will require removing the top elements in the Border Patrol, ICE, DHS, and every other federal agency coopted by open border zealots. Perhaps the money saved on catering to millions of illegals will balance the costs of deporting them, but the process is going to delay reducing the national debt. On the bright side, Medicare and Social Security may be able to limp along a bit longer than expected. Oh the screaming thats going to cause, the wailing, gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. Ultimately, millions will remain, because many illegals are decent people, but theyre going to have to assimilatereally assimilate in language and cultureperhaps pay fines, and are not going to be on a fast track to citizenship. Theyre not going to be voting, arent going to be counted in any census, and if they break the law, theyre going back to wherever they came from. Their countries of origin are going to take them back, because Donald Trump knows how to use American power for Americas benefit. American citizenship is a privilege of great price, and its no longer going to be devalued. America first. That has a ring, doesnt it? Elon Musk is going to recommend the elimination of many federal agencies, including the Department of Education, perhaps the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and many more. He suspects he can save some two trillion dollars, and sane Americans suspect hes right. All the usual suspects are howling at the prospect, which only propels Normal Americans to polling places. Its long-overdue music to their ears. Some of the loudest, banshee wailing will come from greenies, as they see electric vehicle mandates, and every vestige of the Green New Deal, sinking under the waves and washing up as debris on our beaches like the shattered blades of windmills. Their lamentations will be long and shrill, but Normal Americans are willing to pay that price to restore American energy independence and fill their gas tanks at affordable prices. Low taxes. No censorship, closed borders, small, limited government. School boards once again afraid to abuse concerned parents. The FBI forced to pursue actual criminals. Americans keeping most of their money. With no one, no Momala, no all-knowing, all-encompassing, benevolent federal government to take care of them D/c/cs will have to work, be responsible, make their own way, pay off their own student loans, and worsegasp!be forced to deal with opposing opinions. Thats going to cause a dramatic expansion in the psychiatric care sector. To borrow from Martin Luther King: I have a dream. 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. Journalists are wondering what their jobs will be like if Trump wins a second term. They neednt wonder, but they should worry, and they are, according to one unnamed television executive, recently quoted in New York Magazine If half the country has decided that Trump is qualified to be president, that means theyre not reading any of this media, and weve lost this audience completely. A Trump victory means mainstream media is dead in its current form. And the question is what does it look like after. What does it look like after? Well, if youre actual reporters, not propagandists, a new renaissance! Reporters again, not propagandists should be salivating! According to Columbia Journalism Review: (ABCs Jonathan) Karl agreed that Trump personally answer(ed) more questions from reporters that any president Ive experienced in his years of covering Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Thats a good thing. That should be a dream come true if youre in the reporting business. If youre the propaganda business, not so much, and that should tell you everything you need to know about any individual with press credentials: If they are filled with anxiety rather than anticipation, they are propagandists, not reporters, because Trump was, without a doubt, the most press-accessible chief executive this country has had in the television era. Now, does he complain about them? Yes. That hardly makes him unique among presidents. It appears to be his fake news appellation thus the unnamed television executives above-quoted credibility concern which upsets them most, and, given their appalling record with spin and hoaxes, is, in this writers estimation, completely justified. According to CBC of Canada: (Trump) has complained about fake news and has called out reporters by name but he has never done anything but talk. Thats a crucially important distinction. For all his trash-talking of journalists, Trump never put out a DOJ fatwa on any of them. But the reverse was true with the Obama administration, and once upon a time the press, including the left-leaning press complained about it. Sure, the talk, the rhetoric from Team Obama was friendly, (with the notable exception of Fox News), CJR continued: The Obama administration never engaged in public rhetoric against the press, noted University of Georgia media law professor Jonathan Peters. But the actions up to and including criminal charges were decidedly hostile. Underneath all that flowery talk there were evil machinations indeed, the CBC continued: Obama's justice department tapped reporters' phones, dragged reporters into court (and) it is entirely possible likely even that Barack Obama led the least transparent, most secretive administration in history, despite his campaign rhetoric. ... In his column in The Baltimore Sun, David Zurawik wrote: 'In fairness to Trump, his administration has not escalated the conflict with the press to a new level. It has not yet come close to doing what President Obama's administration did in making the act of reporting itself criminal behaviour. ... But in the case of freedom of the press, (Trumps) bark has been far worse than his bite. For real threats to press freedom, you have to look back to Barack Obama and his administration. Obama kicked them like psychopaths kick puppies and back then they condemned it, yet today they adore him. Go figure. According to Variety guest columnist Julie Mason: Obama, who campaigned on a promise to protect government whistle-blowers, made greater use of the Espionage Act to prosecute leakers and menace journalists than all other presidents combined. Obamas Justice Department accessed the personal email of a Fox News reporter and surveilled the reporters parents and colleagues. They seized the home, work and mobile phone records of journalists at the Associated Press. ... In a bleak episode of unintended irony, an open-government group gave Obama an award for transparency in an Oval Office ceremony closed to the press. And it wasnt just access to Obama which was tightly orchestrated, it was simple government information from any one of dozens of federal agencies which reporters use in the normal course of business to inform their stories. According to a 2015 column by Joel Simon, writing for CJR: According to a recent AP report, the Obama administration last year (2014) set a record for denying and censoring requests for government information. He straight up lied to them and they still, to this day, dont care. According to The Guardian's 'Comment is Free' columnist Sara Morrison: On his first day on the job, way back in January 2009, Obama issued a memorandum declaring that his administration was committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government and establish a system of transparency. This was one of his campaign promises. Seven years later, the president has fallen well short of this vow, and many journalists see his administration as the least transparent of all. The Associated Press reported (in March 2016) that the Obama administration set a new record in the percentage of FOIA requests answered with either redacted files or nothing at all: 77%. Thats up 12 points from the first year of Obamas presidency. Id like to the think the press corps, as constituted, could be trusted to do their jobs as actual reporters, but if past is precedent and predictive of future behavior, we can expect another four years of the worst of both worlds from them: Heated rhetoric and heated journalistic output resulting in a sewer of mis- dis- and mal-information. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Headquarters of the Houston Housing Authority in the Tanglewood area at 2640 Fountainview. Rebecca Schuetz/Houston Chronicle The Houston Housing Authority was victim of a ransomware attack on Sept. 22, the agency said in a press release. Ransomware is malicious software that makes critical systems unusable unless a sum of money is paid. "The HHA is aware of the situation and is working diligently to resolve this very serious matter as swiftly as possible," the government agency said in the release. The authority board has also called a special meeting this Wednesday to discuss the $331,000 purchase of network security hardware and software. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HHA PRESIDENT: Houston Housing Authority names interim president to serve during investigation The authority declined to comment on what information was being held ransom or how much was being demanded for its release. But it confirmed that at least two other attacks, successfully deflected, also took place in past year one in December 2023 and one last month. The 2023 attack was detected "while in process," and the authority's technology team was able to block the hackers from their systems "before they could complete the process," according to the authority. "At that time all passwords to all accounts and systems were reset and an investigation was conducted on how they were able to gain access." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The October attack did not result in any entry to the housing authority's systems. Apple first rolled out iOS 18 back in September. Last week, the company introduced the first set of Apple Intelligence features to eligible devices with the release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. Now, it seems Apple is planning for an early December release of iOS 18.2. The next iOS update will reportedly bring a bunch of additional Apple Intelligence features to the eligible devices. Apple might release iOS 18.2 early in December with a bunch of AI features for eligible devices The news comes from the popular Apple insider, Mark Gurman, who mentions that Apple is considering the release of iOS 18.2 in early December. Not to forget, Apple had already confirmed that the next iOS update will be released at some point in December. However, there was no mention of when exactly the update would arrive. Now, we may have a precise time frame on when to expect the iOS 18.2. Mark Gurman hints that the iOS 18.2 update could arrive during the week of December 2, 2024, assuming no further delays. You can expect to see additional Apple Intelligence features As mentioned earlier, iOS 18.2 will bring a handful of additional Apple Intelligence features. You can expect to see features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand. Gemoji will enable you to generate customized emojis, while the Image PlayGround feature will let you generate custom images. Talking of Image Wand, youll be able to transform doodles into an image in the Notes app. Gurman says that one of the major improvements coming with iOS 18.2 is ChatGPTs integration with Siri. Apple Intelligence will also start supporting localized English from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK with the release of iOS 18.2. Besides, the update will also bring a new Default Apps section in the Settings app. On top of that, Apple News+ subscribers in the US will get daily Sudoku puzzles. Moreover, iMessage will get a new nudity reporting option in Australia as part of the iOS 18.2 update. EU regulators announced Monday they would closely examine Apples compliance with European Union rules on its iPad operating system, iPadOS, under the blocs new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission aims to assess whether Apples operating system aligns with the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to curb Big Techs influence over the digital market. EU seeks fair competition under iPadOS EU rules The European Commissions antitrust team, responsible for enforcing competition laws across the EU, will examine Apples recent compliance report for iPadOS. The operating system was officially classified as a gatekeeper under the DMA in April, designating it as a critical access point for businesses aiming to connect with consumers. In a statement released Monday, EU antitrust regulators confirmed they would carefully assess Apples reported compliance measures for iPadOS. This includes gathering input from stakeholders to ensure the operating system fully meets the DMAs requirements, according to Reuters. The DMA mandates that Apple provide iPad users with choices previously restricted by the company. Key requirements include allowing users to set their preferred web browser, permitting third-party app stores, and granting access to iPadOS features for non-Apple headphones and smart pens. The Act, enacted earlier this year, is central to the EUs efforts to increase competition and limit monopolistic practices in the digital sector. Apples compliance with the DMA will directly impact how accessible the iPadOS ecosystem is for alternative applications and accessory brands. The investigation will focus on whether Apples adjustments to iPadOS truly enhance consumer choice and market fairness. Apples report detailing its compliance measures follows a series of EU directives aimed at increasing transparency and consumer rights within digital platforms. The European Commission will assess the effectiveness of these measures, considering feedback from industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups. EU officials stress the importance of this assessment in setting a precedent for other tech giants subject to the DMA. Apple has yet to comment on the EUs announcement, although the company previously indicated it would take steps to comply with the new rules. Potential implications of non-compliance If iPadOS does not meet the DMA standards, the company could face substantial fines and be required to make further changes to its operating system. The EUs move reinforces its commitment to maintaining a competitive digital landscape and balancing power between major tech firms and smaller competitors. According to leaks, the Galaxy S25 series is just a couple of months away. Samsungs new flagship phones are expected to arrive in January alongside One UI 7, the biggest update to the companys Android custom skin in years. Insiders and tipsters have revealed some key details about the brands upcoming devices, such as the choice of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for all models. Now, a set of leaked cases show what the front of the Galaxy S25 lineup might look like. Accessory makers, especially cases, often receive schematic designs of upcoming devices so they can have their new products ready in advance. This is how the look of multiple new smartphones has been leaked in the industry. Today is the turn of the Galaxy S25 series, where a third-party case provider showed off its front design. What the Samsung Galaxy S25 series looks like according to case manufacturer The leaked cases match what has been leaked about the Galaxy S25 series. In other words, Samsung is likely to adopt a conservative design approach, resulting in models that closely resemble those of the current Galaxy S24s. Still, the phones will get some cosmetic changes to polish up their overall look. For example, Samsung will reduce the size of the bezels around the displays. Plus, the South Korean giant will slim down its next-gen smartphones to make them more comfortable in hand. Just like the Galaxy S24 series, the vanilla and Plus variants will sport a triple rear camera system. Meanwhile, the Ultra model will have four camera sensors. According to leaks, Samsung will upgrade two of the four lenses compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the other hand, the cameras on the cheaper variants will remain more or less the same. Sharper corners for the Galaxy S25 Ultra The leaked cases confirm another key difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its more affordable siblings. The vanilla and Plus devices will have more rounded corners, while the Ultra will opt for a boxier form factor with sharper ones. There are no major changes in terms of physical buttons, unlike the iPhone 16 series. Samsung will keep the classic volume and power buttons, although we did not expect big changes in this segment either. Previously leaked renders revealed a notable aesthetic change to the rear cameras. Samsung will continue to distribute the sensors separately from each other, without a module or dome. However, a thick black ring will surround the lenses, giving them more prominence in the overall design. TikTok is in troubled waters once again as seven families in France have sued it after a fatal accident. After experiencing the unthinkable, these families are suing the popular social media platform. These grieving families have accused the platform of contributing to the suicides of their teenage children through harmful content. The platform is being accused of exposing adolescent children to harmful content, which led to two of them taking their own lives at the age of 15. Seven families in France have sued TikTok for exposing their children to harmful content According to the French media, the lawsuit alleges TikToks algorithm exposed the seven teenagers to harmful content. The harmful content is said to include videos promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. The lawyer in the lawsuit, Laure Boutron Marmion, has revealed this information to broadcaster Franceinfo. All seven families have jointly sued TikTok in the Creteil judicial court in France. The parents want TikToks legal liability to be recognized in court, the lawyer said, adding: This is a commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors. They must, therefore, answer for the products shortcomings. It is the first collective lawsuit of this nature against TikTok in Europe Notably, this is the first collective lawsuit of this nature against the social media platform in Europe. The seven families have united through the Algos Victima collective. It is a center for legal and judicial support for victims and their families. It especially focuses on holding social networking platforms accountable. The case includes substantial documentation and concrete evidence, which supports each familys story. The new case builds on an earlier complaint filed in 2023. This one was filed by the parents of Marie, one of the teenagers who took her own life. Its worth mentioning that TikTok is already facing lawsuits by 14 states in the US, which are accusing it of harming children. This case was filed by attorneys generals of these states in early October. Furthermore, TikTok was recently sued in Brazil for failing to adequately protect Children. Notably, Apple has also urged the platform to revise its age recommendations earlier this year. The sun shines above the Battleship Texas as restoration work continues on the warship on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 in Galveston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees will meet Monday to discuss potential resolutions to finding a future home for Battleship Texas. Discussions between representatives from the Port of Galveston and the Battleship Foundation previously broke down in October, leading Galveston Wharves to decide the ship will no longer dock at Port of Galveston's Pier 19. "The Battleship Foundation looks forward to Mondays special meeting called by the Wharves Board to resume the conversation for a possible agreement for berthing the Battleship Texas at a location under the control of the board. We see this as an opportunity to find the ideal home for the Texas," the Battleship Foundation posted on social media Friday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Battleship Texas, a veteran of both World War I and World War II, is the only dreadnought-era battleship still on water. It was donated to the state in 1948. The ship has been undergoing restorations, which have lasted for the last two years. They are still ongoing but tours of the ship are set to resume Nov. 24. The ship spent most of its 74 years after being donated at the San Jacinto Battlegrounds in La Porte before moving to Galveston in 2022. MORE BACKGROUND: Back in the Water During an Oct. 22 meeting, the trustees voted unanimously against a deal to have Battleship Texas dock at Pier 19. Rodger Rees, port director and CEO, said in the statement after the decision he wants to find a location in Galveston that works for all parties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The Wharves board and its legal counsel tried for a year to develop an agreement that would protect the interests of the port and this community," Rees said. "Were hopeful that the tourist attraction can find a home in Galveston where its securely moored in the event of a hurricane and is financially successful." Amy Dowden won over legions of fans as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing with her sunny personality and sparkling dance moves, but it has been her health struggles that have endeared her even further to the public. The Welsh dancer will not take part in the rest of the BBC dance competition this year while she recovers from a foot injury, the show announced on Monday. The 34-year-old could not compete in Strictly last year because she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and she also suffered a broken foot. JB Gill and Amy Dowden during a live appearance on Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC/PA) Dowden first found a lump in her breast the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones, and was subsequently diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. After undergoing treatment including having a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she announced in February that tests showed she has no evidence of disease. It was later confirmed she would return to Strictly this year for its 20th anniversary series and she was partnered with JLS star JB Gill, who will now be paired with professional Lauren Oakley. In 2019, Dowden revealed she was suffering from Crohns disease, and fronted the BBC programme Strictly Amy: Crohns And Me, in which she spoke about her battle with the condition and met other people with Crohns to hear about their experiences. In January 2022, she was admitted to hospital in Manchester following a Crohns flare-up while on the Strictly live tour. Crohns is described by the NHS as a lifelong condition in which parts of the digestive system become inflamed. Amy Dowden was made an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours earlier this year (Doug Peters/PA) People with the disease commonly experience phases of stomach aches and cramps, fatigue and diarrhoea, among other symptoms, according to the NHS website. The dancer from Caerphilly has previously said she was diagnosed with the condition when she was a child, but did not reveal she had it when she joined Strictly, because she didnt want to be known as Amy with Crohns. As an advocate and ambassador for charity Crohns & Colitis UK, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Kings Birthday Honours earlier this year for her services to fundraising and raising awareness of the disease. At the time she told the PA news agency the honour was beyond my wildest dreams and accepted it on on behalf of all those who live with the inflammatory bowel disease. Amy Dowden documented her cancer journey in the upcoming BBC programme Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me (BBC/Wildflame Productions/PA) She added: I accept it on behalf of all those who live with Crohns disease, and will continue campaigning to raise awareness for and research into this terrible chronic illness. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful NHS staff who have helped me over the years and Crohns & Colitis UK who do so much to support fellow sufferers. Dowden documented her journey undergoing cancer treatment after seeing the impact on others of her documentary discussing her Crohns disease and how it had helped her accept her own condition for the first time ever. A former British national Latin dance champion, Dowden joined Strictly in 2017, and in 2019 she was a finalist with TV presenter Karim Zeroual. Her other celebrity partners have included entertainer Brian Conley, Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules, TV presenter JJ Chalmers and EastEnders actor James Bye. New BBC chairman Dr Samir Shah is expected to say the fight is on for the future of homegrown programming produced by the corporation as well as ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. In his first major speech as chairman, Dr Shah will say public service broadcasting is a very British success story, when he speaks to a gathering of TV industry figures and decision makers at Leeds Conservatoire on Tuesday. The Indian-born TV and radio executive, who has worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years, is expected to launch a passionate defence of the industry amid the rise of digital streaming, celebrating the economic, social and cultural benefits of the sector. Dr Shah will say the fight is on for the future of PSBs (House of Lords/UK Parliament/PA) But he will warn: Action is needed now to future-proof public service broadcasters, otherwise our very British success story will be part of our halcyon past. Dr Shah, who was appointed as the BBCs 26th chairman in March this year, is expected to add: No other country has anything like this. Public service broadcasters lie at the heart of our social and cultural life, and they are worth fighting for. And, to be frank, the fight is on. The 72-year-old will suggest three key steps to the Government and Ofcom to protect public service broadcasters (PSBs). These will be outlined as an overhaul of the regulatory regime to allow greater agility, flexibility, and pace so PSBs can reinvent themselves for the future, a call for streaming companies such as Netflix to invest in British creative industries, and a call to enforce the Media Act. The Media Act was passed earlier this year, with Dr Shah wanting the Government to use it to ensure homegrown broadcasters are prioritised in the digital age. He will add: British public service broadcasters have, over the years, created something quite wonderful. We should work together as a sector to future-proof this precious asset and put it at the heart of the growth strategy that is key to the future prosperity of this country. So I will work with my fellow public service broadcasters to press our legislators and regulators to take action on these fronts. To invert the cliche, let us act fast, so that we dont repent at leisure. Introduced this year, the Media Act gave Channel 4 the ability to produce and monetise more of its own programming, previously it had to commission independent production companies to make its shows as it is a not-for-profit public corporation that relies on advertising revenue for profitability. Watch: Amanda Owen makes cheeky breeding season joke to ex Clive What did you miss? Amanda Owen made a cheeky joke about her ex Clive as she spoke about "breeding season" with the father of her nine children. The Yorkshire Shepherdess appeared on Lorraine with Clive as they shared an update from their latest rural project, showing viewers around Ravenseat Farm and the farmhouse next door that they are renovating for their new show. But Amanda couldn't resist a playful dig at her former husband as they spoke about his recent hip replacement surgery and the sheep breeding season on the farm. What, how, and why? Amanda Owen joked about 'breeding season' with ex Clive. (ITV screengrab) Amanda and Clive Owen might have split in 2022, but they are continuing to work alongside each other as farmers and parents to nine children - and proved on Monday's Lorraine that they can still share a joke, too. Showing an update from Ravenseat Farm and the family's building project renovating a farmhouse next door, Clive was on crutches as Amanda spoke about the busy time looking after their flock of sheep. Amanda said: "A shepherd's year begins in autumn because of course it's breeding season." Then cheekily she added to Clive, the father of her nine children: "Not for you it ain't." Together they co-parent their nine children - Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine and Nancy. Read more: Amanda Owen The former couple have both spoken previously about the difficulties of navigating family and work life after their 2022 split, but have continued to pull together for their busy schedule. However, Amanda also described her ex as "a terrible patient" as she spoke about his recovery from surgery. Amanda said: "There's a lot going on, a lot of places to be. It's a logistical nightmare. I've got children going to school, I've got children who are studying, some are working. "Nobody ever come to me and says, 'I'm bored, I haven't got anything to do' because I'll give them a job." The former couple share nine children and a farm. (Channel 5) Talking about Clive being on crutches, she added: "He's had a hip replacement, he's a terrible patient. Everybody's just getting on and stuff's getting done, not quite how we'd like it, but basically we don't care." Clive said: "Everybody's done really well, the kids and Amanda, everybody's just carrying on without me. Sometimes you think it would be lovely just to not do anything...no, it's not, it's terrible." Giving an update on their farmhouse renovation, which features in More4 show Our Farm Next Door, Amanda said: "As you can see, we aren't anywhere near as far as we ever would hope to have been because the weather has been so difficult, it's really been against us. I mean, it was never going to be simple. I'm not that much of a twit. Ask me anything you like about sheep, I can tell you whatever you want. Ask me about hill farming, no problem. Ask me anything about home renovations - not a clue." Amanda and Clive Owen's Christmas at Ravenseat Farm The Owen family's work never stops, even at Christmas. (Channel 5) Amanda and Clive's split has not got in the way of their family Christmas plans, either. The Yorkshire Shepherdess said: "For the children, growing up somewhere like this is an absolute blessing. It teaches you about common sense, it teaches you a work ethic." Clive added of their festive plans: "Christmas at Ravenseat is different to Christmases that most people know because there's no time off." Amanda agreed: "The animals still need feeding, everything still needs doing, but you know what, that's the best thing about it." Talking about what Christmas meant to their children, Clive said: "The kids have an understanding of how Christmas Day works, so they're very keen to be up and at work, because presents have to wait until after work. It's a lovely time." Amanda shared: "I'll ask the kids what they want for Christmas and they'll say they don't know. I think that's great because it means actually they've got everything they could possibly want. For us, it's cooking, getting around the table, enjoying some good food, banter, all the rest of it." Lorraine airs on ITV1 at 9am on weekdays. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/amanda-owen-clive-breeding-season-lorraine-114131609.html Paddington In Peru sees the bear head off on his biggest adventure yet. (Studiocanal) Paddington in Peru marks the return of everyone's favourite talking bear, who embarks on an adventure to save Aunt Lucy after she goes missing before his arrives to visit her in the South American country. Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and the Brown family get on the case to try when they find a clue as to her whereabouts on the prompting of the rather helpful, if suspicious, Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman). The group must try and find El Dorado, the lost city of gold, and to do so they hire the services of riverboat adventurer Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) and his daughter Gina (Carla Tous) but it doesn't take long for things to go wrong. The film did not go down as well with critics as one might hope, though many remarked on how delightful the franchise remained after Paul King stepped back as director to make Wonka. While the film continued to cement Paddington's legacy as a cinema icon, it was noted how the third movie wasn't as good as its predecessor. The film did not go down as well with critics as one might hope, though many remarked on how delightful the franchise continues to be. (Studiocanal) (Peter Mountain) BBC's Nicholas Barber remarked that it was obvious that new director Dougal Wilson and Emily Mortimer, who has taken over the role of Mrs Brown from Sally Hawkins, were "hired to imitate someone else, rather than to provide any distinctive qualities of their own." The critic wrote: "And in general there's a sense that Paddington in Peru is a substitute: it's trying its hardest to replicate the blissful magic that Paddington 2 seemed to conjure up so effortlessly." Barber remarked that Colman is a particular highlight of the film because her "role fits her so perfectly", but that doesn't mean it worked as well as its predecessor: "Maybe Paddington 2 has spoiled us. In contrast, Paddington in Peru offers a fun and lively hour-and-three-quarters in the cinema, and that's not to be sniffed at, but it comes across as the solid third part of an established franchise rather than a stellar pop-cultural phenomenon in its own right." Critics felt the film tries too hard to "imitate" Paddington 2 to reach the same starry heights, which is why there was only one way for the franchise to go - down. (Studiocanal) (Peter Mountain) The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw similarly felt that the third film is "just as jolly as the previous two films, but not really as funny" and described it as "a sweet-natured and primary-colour family adventure which takes Paddington Bear back to his South American homeland". The critic added: "Colman and Banderas are formidable character turns and offer sterling support but even combined, they dont match the comedy payload delivered by Hugh Grants conceited thesp Phoenix Buchanan in the now legendary Paddington 2." Deadline's Stephanie Bunbury was more taken with the film, saying director Wilson "may not have Kings Midas touch with physical comedy, but has otherwise kept the ship steady." Most critics enjoyed the film's villains played by Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman, though Peter Bradshaw wrote: 'Even combined they dont match the comedy payload delivered by Hugh Grant'. (Studiocanal) The critic also took the time to praise Mortimer for her portrayal of Mrs Brown, writing: "Mortimer is grounded and mumsy where Hawkins was flighty and impetuous, but she slots in so nicely or perhaps the slot itself is so well crafted that she seems to have always been there." Read more: Why isnt Sally Hawkins in Paddington 3? Paddington in Peru has 'enormous heart and a lot of marmalade', Hugh Bonneville teases How Paddington 2 turned Hugh Grant into a chilling movie villain For The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey the film is the "worst of the franchise", though she gave it a middling 3 stars, writing: "itd be delusional to think that Paddington had anywhere to go but down" after the release of Paddington 2. Madame Tussauds unveiled a new Paddington statue at the premiere for Paddington in Peru on Sunday, 3 November. (Madame Tussauds) "Really, all you can do is take what joy you can from Paddington in Peru, because its pleasures are rarer but still sweet," the critic added, saying of Colman and Banderas: "Its entirely impossible to resist Olivia Colman gallivanting around in a habit while doing her best impression of Maria in The Sound of the Music, or Antonio Banderas smouldering for the camera before performing a series of impressive pratfalls. The joy isnt gone from Paddington in Peru. You might just want to adjust expectations." Evening Standard's Nick Curtis was much harsher in his observation about the film, saying it was more like "Paddington Bore" than Paddington Bear. Curtis wasn't as taken with Banderas or Colman in the film, writing that "Paddington is chased around the Amazon rainforest, without much conviction or effort, by Banderas" and that Colman "acts on autopilot" in the film by "amping up her eyes and teeth for one beatifically demented, wimple-framed grin after another." Paddington in Peru arrives in cinemas on Friday, 8 November. Pep Guardiola has dismissed fears top scorer Erling Haaland has suffered an injury scare ahead of Manchester Citys Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. The prolific Norwegian striker was filmed clutching his shin after going down in apparent pain during a training session open to members of the media on Monday. Yet manager Guardiola confirmed the 24-year-old is fit and well after the squad arrived in the Portuguese capital later that evening. Hes fine, said Guardiola, before adding with a touch of sarcasm. We have to occupy the news for 24 hours, we have to make the news as much as possible. Thats the reason why. That news will undoubtedly be of some relief for City who have been grappling with a long injury list in recent weeks. John Stones, Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias have not been included in the travelling party to face Sporting, while Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku are among those not fully fit. Guardiola said: Manu and Nathan are still with problems. Kevin is getting better, hes having sessions with less and less pain, so we feel that he feels more comfortable. That is good news for all of us. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is grappling with a long injury list (Zed Jameson/PA) Kyle as well has had problems with his knee since he was with the national team. Doku has had a little problem with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle. The rest are fine. They are hoping to get back to winning ways after defeats in their last two outings in the Carabao Cup at Tottenham last week and at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. I know our standards, said Guardiola. We have to come back to winning games, of course, but we are early in November and many things are going to happen. Maybe we will lose against Brighton and Tottenham, but we lost one game and we are only two points behind a top-class team in Liverpool. I know people expect us to win 38 games 5-0 and win the treble every season because this is our standards, but this will not happen. Bournemouth deserved to win by far. They were better on the day. That doesnt mean we are bad, we are not going to fight for the titles. When you lose sometimes, the opponents can be better. Tomorrow we have to improve. Guardiola will come up against the next Manchester United manager in Ruben Amorim on Tuesday, with the Portuguese taking over at Old Trafford later this month. City won 5-0 when the sides met at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in 2022, but Guardiola is not expecting the same outcome this time. He said: Its a different game, its a different statement. Government will try to make progress as rapidly as possible on small boats The Home Secretary has said the government is going to try and make progress as rapidly as possible on small boat crossings, as the border security command is set to see its funding doubled. Yvette Cooper did not commit to specific targets on bringing down Channel crossings when asked on Monday, and said that weve actually got to go after the criminal gangs at the heart of the issue. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary will both speak at the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow on Monday at the start of a week-long blitz on small boat crossings that will also see Sir Keir Starmer in Hungary for talks on tackling people smuggling. The speech in Scotland will see the Prime Minister pledge a further 75 million for the border command, doubling the total funding to 150 million over the next two years. The money will be used to fund high-tech surveillance equipment and 100 specialist investigators who will target criminals engaged in people smuggling. (PA Graphics) Pressed on when a drop in the number of migrant crossings could be expected, Yvette Cooper told BBC Breakfast: We obviously want to make progress as far and as fast as possible. The Prime Minister has said we need to see significant progress being made. We know, of course, it does take time to get the investigators in place, to make sure that we can get the new technology in place. She said that the Government is going to try and make progress as rapidly as possible and said that she would not set out slogans and say everything was going to be solved in 12 months, and all on the basis of a slogan, because I dont think people will take that seriously anymore. More than 5,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats in October, making it the busiest month of the year so far for crossings. In addition, more than 430 people arrived over the first two days in November. Ms Cooper said high numbers of crossings in October were linked to the weather but that weve actually got to go after the criminal gangs at the heart of this, rather than it simply being dependent on the weather. The Prime Minister is expected to say in his speech that the world needs to wake up to the severity of the challenge of crossings. (PA Graphics) I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesnt stop at our borders, he will tell the event. Theres nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel. The Government also intends to legislate to give border security forces enhanced powers, expected to involve expanding counter-terror tactics to deal with people smuggling. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, announced in the Kings Speech in July, will be the fourth piece of immigration legislation since 2022 as successive governments have attempted to tackle this issue. The Prime Minister is also expected to say: This is a vile trade that must be stamped out wherever it thrives. So were taking our approach to counter-terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command. Were ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the additional money for the border security command is new funding from the Budget(Jordan Pettitt/PA) Ms Cooper has said that the additional money announced today is new funding from the Budget. She told BBC Breakfast: Its in addition to the 75 million wed already talked about, which is only just starting to be invested now. Meanwhile, later this week the Prime Minister is expected to attend a summit of the European Political Community in Budapest where it is thought that migration and people smuggling will feature on the agenda. Along with the investment in the Border Security Command, the Prime Minister will announce a 6 million increase in the UKs support for Interpol as it tackles global organised crime. The Government will also provide 24 million to tackle serious international crime affecting the UK, including drugs, firearms and fraud, particularly in the Western Balkans. A mother-of-two operated on by breast surgeon Ian Paterson was not told that other medical experts believed treatment he recommended was not the safest option, an inquest has heard. The third of 62 inquests being held on patients of Paterson, who is serving a 20-year sentence for wounding, was told Christine Baker died aged 59 in 2015, after putting her trust in his advice to have a skin-sparing mastectomy in 2005. Her husband Stephen Baker told the inquest on Monday that his wife, an English teacher at a Birmingham secondary school, had been advised that there was no additional risk to a reconstructive element of the procedure, but saw her cancer return in 2007 and underwent a second mastectomy. Mother-of-two Christine Baker, who died in 2015 (Family handout/PA) At the start of his evidence, Mr Baker, a retired automotive design engineer from Balsall Common, near Solihull, described Mrs Baker as someone who was passionate about education and did her best to give her pupils the best chance in life. Paterson, 66, told Birmingham Coroners Court last week that he stopped performing his version of the cleavage-sparing operation as soon as he was informed by hospital chiefs in 2007 that more research was needed. Giving evidence to the judge-led inquest, Mr Baker said he and his wife, who was also an assistant headteacher, had borrowed 12,000 to pay for the 2005 operation to be carried out privately. Mr Baker told the court Mrs Baker, who was diagnosed with invasive cancer in her right breast in February 2005, was adamant that she wanted a mastectomy without reconstruction as she didnt want to take any risks. He told the inquest: She wasnt really keen to have immediate reconstruction. It was just that she had been advised that that was the best option so she just went along with it. A nurse, who appeared to be a big devotee of Paterson, also helped persuade Mrs Baker to have the reconstructive procedure, Mr Baker said. Answering questions from counsel to the inquests Jonathan Jones KC, Mr Baker added: We were pushed really down the route of having a skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and also we were persuaded to use the private sector as well. I think in hindsight now we would have gone for a straightforward mastectomy without a reconstruction in the private or NHS sector, whichever was the fastest. The inquest heard pathology tests were conducted after the first mastectomy took place in March 2005 and Mrs Baker was told the operation had gone well. Mr Baker said he only found out after a 2020 inquiry report into Patersons malpractice that it was suggested tissue had been left behind during the operation. His wife was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in July 2007 and was again seen by Paterson, who again suggested reconstructive surgery, while she wanted to do whatever was the safest. Mr Baker said of Paterson: He just said unfortunately this sometimes happens. Chris was very concerned with it being a recurrence and she wanted it removed as quickly as she could. The inquest heard a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussed the course of action which should be taken, leaving the couple puzzled. There was this exalted breast surgeon advising us to take one course of action and the MDT suggesting that wasnt the right course of action, Mr Baker said. He added: I think people in the Trust were starting to have concerns about Mr Paterson but we were totally unaware of those concerns. So really we were being asked to make a decision without all the facts. We were still of the belief that Mr Paterson was the best surgeon available. A letter presented to the inquest suggested that members of the MDT believed delaying reconstruction until after the second mastectomy was the safest option, and Mr Patersons recommendation had a higher risk of local recurrence. Mr Jones asked Mr Baker: Were you aware of that higher risk? Mr Baker answered: No. It was never fully explained to us what the difference of opinion was. In his statement paying tribute to his wife, which was read to the court on his behalf by the coroner, Mr Baker said: When she had to take early retirement through ill health, she received so many letters and cards from pupils, ex-pupils and staff, thanking her for all the help, support and encouragement she had given them. When Chris was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was so calm and had already started to think about the implications on the journey home from hospital. Her main concern was how to break the news to our girls so that they wouldnt be worried. People were amazed by Chris, she was so courageous, uncomplaining and stoical. Paterson, originally from Glasgow, who was living in Altrincham in Greater Manchester when he was tried and convicted, was employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and practised in the private sector at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston. He was appointed as a consultant at Solihull Hospital in 1998 and practised there until May 2011. The inquest continues. The contents of a tweet a Labour MP appeared to have reposted about Kemi Badenoch are clearly appalling, the Home Secretary has said as Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure to remove the whip from the backbencher. MP Dawn Butler appeared to share a tweet describing Ms Badenoch as a member of white supremacys black collaborator class. Ms Butler swiftly deleted her retweet of a post from Nigerian-British author Nels Abbey, which responded to the prospect of Ms Badenoch becoming Tory leader by describing Badenochism as white supremacy in blackface. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she had not seen the post, but when read excerpts from it, she told LBC: I clearly strongly disagree with that. Ms Butler has been strongly criticised by Conservative figures, with several calling for her to lose the Labour whip. Ben Obese-Jecty, who was elected as MP for Huntingdon in July, said Ms Butler was not alone on the Government benches in holding this view of Kemi. He said: This will be a test to see whether Keir Starmer removes the whip, or effectively condones Butlers abhorrent approval of this smear. The Home Secretary was pressed on why no action had been taken against Ms Butler. She said: As I said, I havent seen the post and I think those sorts of issues around party issues, those are always ones for the whip. Asked whether the words in the post had a racist sentiment, Ms Cooper said: The words that you have read out are clearly appalling and I would strongly disagree with them. Kemi Badenoch is the new leader of the Opposition (Stefan Rousseau/PA) So, I havent seen the post. I dont know the circumstances around it but I think we should congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election. I will continue to disagree with her on all sorts of issues, but, nevertheless, I congratulate her on her election. Sir Keir has previously suspended the whip from Labour MPs in response to comments about senior black Conservative politicians. In 2022, he suspended Rupa Huq from the party for describing then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng as superficially black. Ms Huq apologised and had the whip restored six months later. Other Labour figures, including Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, hailed Ms Badenochs election as the first black leader of a major UK party as a historic moment. In later posts, Mr Abbey said his original comments had been clearly satirical and intended as a sketch, but defended Ms Butler saying she may not welcome the ascendancy of an extremely right-wing reactionary black person. He added: Because of stuff like this, which is vehement political disagreement, it is both fair and to be expected that many black people may not view Badenoch as (leader of the opposition) to be a proud moment for our nation in the same way as, say, Keir Starmer does (or is politically mandated to). Victoria Derbyshire opened up about the loss of her first pregnancy on a recent episode of the podcast Happy Mum Happy Baby. (Getty Images) (Dave Benett/Getty Images for WFT) Victoria Derbyshire has described her bizarre experience of suffering a miscarriage on a plane, before continuing her work day despite it being very upsetting. The BBC presenter recalled the experience while speaking to Giovanna Fletcher on the latters Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast recently. Derbyshire, who now shares sons Oliver, 20, and Joe, 17, with her husband Mark Sandell, spoke openly about the pregnancy loss and said: "We had a miscarriage first, that was very upsetting. "I actually had the miscarriage on a plane. I was so practical and pragmatic, I was like, Well, this is happening now and Im going to work, and I just carried on," she said. "Its absolutely bizarre." Derbyshire, 56, said that although she is a "talker" and is usually "very open" about her life, the miscarriage was "the one thing I couldnt talk about for about five years". Victoria Derbyshire said she couldn't speak about her pregnancy loss for years, but that it was 'cathartic' to discuss it with her sons. (Getty Images) (Dave Benett/Getty Images) "It was so odd, I could not speak about it," she said of her grief. Derbyshire added that she didnt "give myself time to process" the loss because of her habit of "just [cracking] on with stuff". "[I] dont dwell and dont particularly analyse because I dont want to," she said, but admitted that the "pain never quite leaves you". "Its a really horrible way to start your mothering journey, to end in a loss. I dont think you really think about miscarriage - especially 20 years ago. People really wouldnt have been speaking about miscarriage." However, she found telling her sons about the loss of their sibling "cathartic". "I was discussing it as a family and they were really curious about what happened, [wondering], Oh gosh, we might have had an older sister, brother, whatever." Now, Derbyshires sons think "fondly" of what could have been. "They fondly think of, Oh, what if it had been a sister? What would you have called her? I know what wed have called her. They wouldve liked a sister." In the podcast, the presenter also said she would love to be a new mother again, despite not having had a period since she underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2015. Reminiscing about how much she enjoyed being pregnant again with her sons, Derbyshire said: "I loved it. I obviously can't now, I'm in my fifties and I haven't had a period since I had chemotherapy; I feel like I could have a baby now. Isn't that mad? I love being the mum of a newborn." For more information and support you can visit Tommys or stillbirth and neonatal death charity, Sands UK. Read more about pregnancy loss: The X logo is shown on a computer screen, July 24, 2023. Darko Vojinovic/Associated Press The Harris County Democratic Party set its X account to private a week before Election Day after staff members said they received threats over content on social media. The groups decision to lock down the account, even as early voting continued, happened amid what its officials described as an unprecedented level of election anxiety and anger this year. Mike Doyle, the organizations chair said, to his knowledge, it's the first time the Harris County Democratic Party has changed its account to private. "It's a lot of nasty, nasty stuff that's just going up (on X) that's kind of becoming overwhelming," Doyle said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HARRIS COUNTY CLERK: Text message warning of ballot markings 'misleading, false and reckless The Harris County Constable Precinct 6 confirmed that two police reports were filed in connection with the threats as of Nov. 14. There is an active investigation, per the constable's office. The Harris County GOP also reported seeing increases in volatility compared to previous years, pointing to extreme behaviors on a national scale such as the two assassination attempts against former president Donald Trump. The Democratic Party felt the uptick in tensions at the local level when a person seen yelling at a child in a viral video, allegedly during the day of Vice President Kamala Harriss Houston rally, was misidentified as the groups former organizing director Jordan Bowen. Despite the rumors debunking, she and members of the organization reportedly received messages and phone calls that included death threats. Group officials decided that privatizing the account might help curtail the malicious comments, Doyle said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shortly after making its account public again, the organization came under fire once more for its comment in response to a video, reposted by the Harris County GOP, of Jocelyn Nungarays mother talking about what happened to her daughter and criticizing Harris for immigration and border policies. Jocelyn was found dead in a bayou in late June. Two Venezuelan nationals were charged with capital murder in connection with the death of the 12-year-old Houston girl. "No parent should have to go through this heartbreak," the Harris County GOP tweet posted. They added that this was a "direct result of Kamala Harris' failed leadership." The Harris County Democratic Party commented: "Yes, Donald Trump, champion of young Latina women," and in response to a follow-up comment, said the Republican party "demonizes Latinos." The response received backlash from several users, some of whom accused the Harris County Democratic Party of mocking the mother. The group once again set its account to private. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Harris County GOP officials described the Harris County Democratic Partys comments as "unhinged." "Theyre insinuating that were, that the GOP, is using the Nungarays story for political purposes," Harris County GOP Executive Director Vanessa Ingrassia said. The Harris County GOP officials said they weren't aware of threats made toward Harris County Democratic Party, but they understand how social media can "hype people up," which can lead to campaign disruptions, event cancelations and threats of political violence. "We're sensitive to the security of our election workers, our volunteers, our candidates," Harris County GOP Chair Cindy Seigel said. "Were obviously encouraging everyone to make sure that theyre aware of it." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Harris County Democratic Party's X page has gone public again as of Friday afternoon. Doyle said Wednesday the organization would only return its account to the public if the calls and messages stopped. James Haskell and Mike Tindall have revealed they hid in the toilet while competing in Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in order to avoid conflict. The former rugby union players appeared on the ITV reality show in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Speaking to ITVs Good Morning Britain (GMB) on Monday, Tindall said Haskell gave him some very good advice before he entered the Australian jungle. 'As a man, being honest and open and matching that with your actions is very important' James Haskell reflects on the importance of speaking out as he and Mike Tindall chat about their brand new book, 'The Good, The Bad & The Rugby' which documents their podcast show reflecting pic.twitter.com/4o8znJiKTY Good Morning Britain (@GMB) November 4, 2024 The 46-year-old said: (It was) basically to avoid this might sound negative, but obviously the cameras are on you for 24 hours a day, yet the actual showpiece of what youre seeing is about 20 minutes. So anything can be turned into whatever it might become. And he was like Stay away from anything that isnt comfortable. And (if) it all fails, you dont understand the situation, just go to the toilet. I hid in the dunny a lot, said Haskell. The 39-year-old added: Weve got to remember that the show is an amazing opportunity. But youve got people who handle pressure very differently and bring their own problems to the door. And people have very different political views, whatever it might be, religious views. You sit around, youre very bored, and one of the things that people forget about Im A Celebrity You think youre punishing someone by giving them all the tasks actually punishing them is not (being) chosen for anything, because you have to sit around all day doing nothing, and that is excruciatingly painful. Mike Tindall and his wife Zara arrive at Westminster Abbey with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and the Duke of York for the Kings coronation (Dan Charity/The Sun/PA) So (Matt) Hancock, obviously everyone thought they were punishing him. They gave him more air time, gave him everything he wanted, and he had the best time ever. If you wanted to punish him, you should have just left him in that camp and done nothing, because when you sit around there, people will come down and sit down. Haskell recalled walking away after someone in camp told him Barack Obama was the most corrupt president theres ever been. He added: People sometimes forget where they are. So I just said to Mike Look, youre not going to solve anything. Pick your battles, and if it gets outrageous, go and sit in the dunny. I sat behind that curtain a number of times going Why have I agreed to do this?. Former health secretary Matt Hancock took part in Im A Celebrity in 2022 and was subjected to numerous punishing and disgusting tasks, including being made to eat a camels penis and being covered in creepy crawlies. He had resigned from his Cabinet role the previous year for breaking social distancing guidance by kissing and embracing an aide in his office. This years Im A Celebrity contestants have yet to be revealed by ITV. Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, champion boxer Barry McGuigan and N-Dubz band member Tulisa Contostavlos are among the famous faces reportedly heading into the Australian jungle. Many farmers worried for the future after completely unfair tax changes NFU The completely unfair change to inheritance tax for farms has left farmers across the UK worried for their future, the head of the National Farmers Union has said. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said he had never seen the weight of support, the strength of feeling and anger over the plans to impose inheritance tax on farms worth more than 1 million, and added that many farmers wanted to be militant over the issue. Under plans announced in the Budget, inheritance tax will be charged at 20% on farms worth more than 1 million, although the Chancellor has said that in some cases the threshold could in practice be about 3 million. The move has caused a considerable backlash from farming and countryside communities, and led to a dispute over just how many farms and farm businesses would be affected. Speaking after a meeting with Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, Mr Bradshaw challenged the figures from the Treasury, that only a minority of farms would be affected. He told the PA news agency: Obviously, we fully dispute the figures the Treasury has been using and weve played back Defras own figures. So, the Treasury is saying only 27% of farms will be within scope of these changes, Defras own figures suggest that two-thirds of farms will be in scope. How they can have that wide a discrepancy within Government is quite unbelievable. He said there had been no resolution on the issue, adding: Weve made very passionately our perception clear, that this tax change is completely unfair. It had been ruled out by the secretary of state in the run-up to the election and now there are many family farms right across the United Kingdom that are worried for their future. He said he had been receiving calls from people in their middle age who have been running successful businesses, but whose parents were still in the family house and partners in the business, and might not live for seven years the minimum time after a transfer of assets for inheritance tax not to apply. Mr Bradshaw said: Theres no way through it for them. Over 100,000 people have added their name to stop the family farm tax. The government must now listen and overturn this policy. There's still time to add you name https://t.co/s7Ox1i7Vrl pic.twitter.com/aMJx6TuOT5 National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) November 3, 2024 And he said: We will continue to try and work with the Government to get to a resolution but something has to change. I have never seen the weight of support, the strength of feeling and anger that there is in this industry today. Many of them want to be militant. Now we are not encouraging that in any way shape or form, but Government need to understand that there is a real strength of feeling behind what this change means for the future of family farming in this country. Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 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. But the National Farmers Union said that many family farms have a high notional asset value, but very low income and liquidity, which means that the vast majority of owners would be unable to meet the inheritance tax charges, without selling assets. Bizza Walters, 26, a freelance presenter and fourth generation farmer in her Warwickshire-based family, said the decision is the last straw for many in agriculture, who have faced higher costs and worsening climate impacts this year. Ms Walters father and uncles run the 500-acre farm just outside the village of Studley, which is worth several million pounds and she calculated a potential 900,000 tax bill if the business is passed down to her and her cousins. Paying this would be no way feasible, she said, adding that most of their earnings already have to be reinvested into the farm. On listening to the Budget with her father, Ms Walters said: We both just looked at each other and thought Oh my god, this is just going to cripple our industry. She said that young people will be forced to look for alternative careers away from farming, like herself, further threatening the UKs long-term food security. I want to be working full time on the farm because its what I love and its the industry I want to be in, but actually Im quite glad Ive got an alternative career now, she said. Its really sad because its what I want to do. Ive grown up here, Im fourth generation. Ms Walters also said that if farmers do have to pay this tax then food prices will rocket, adding: Were price takers, were not price givers and we cant afford to keep growing food like we are if were suddenly lumped with these extra costs and the lack of subsidy. However, the Government continued to insist the vast majority of farmers will still be able to pass the family farm down to their children, following the meeting. A Government spokesperson said: Ministers made clear that the vast majority of those claiming relief will not be affected by these changes. They will be able to pass the family farm down to their children just as previous generations have always done. This is a fair and balanced approach that protects the family farm while also fixing the public services that we all rely on. We remain committed to working with the NFU and listening to farmers. Sir Mick Jagger has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris as he urged Americans to vote in the presidential election. The Rolling Stones frontman, 81, said his children would be voting for the Democratic presidential nominee in an Instagram post shared before election day on Tuesday. Alongside photos of him with six of his eight children, he wrote: Dont forget to vote Jagger kids are voting for Kamala. One photo shows Sir Mick joined by his four daughters Karis, Jade, Elizabeth and Georgia May while another sees him with two of his sons James and Lucas. The Rolling Stones have previously criticised former US president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for using their songs You Cant Always Get What You Want and Start Me Up during his rallies. Ms Harris has harnessed star power as she focuses on battleground states in her bid for the White House with Beyonce, Eminem and Bruce Springsteen among those to have appeared at her campaign events. Pop superstars including Taylor Swift and Madonna are also among those to throw their support behind her. Democratic presidential nominee vice president Kamala Harris (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) In the final weekend ahead of election day, Ms Harris stopped into Saturday Night Live in New York City to give herself a pep talk. The presidential hopeful appeared as the mirror image of herself alongside actress Maya Rudolph, who reprised her role impersonating the vice president, during the shows cold open. Ms Harris is expected to spend Monday in Pennsylvania, whose 19 electoral votes offer the largest prize among the states expected to determine the electoral college outcome. Her day will end with a late-night rally in Philadelphia with stars including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey due to attend. Meanwhile, Mr Trump plans four rallies in three states including North Carolina and in Pennsylvania. Edinburgh Zoo has announced the birth of a pygmy hippo to rival Thailands adorable viral sensation Moo Deng. Khao Kheow Open Zoos Moo Deng took the world by storm earlier this year after going viral on social media, with fans obsessing over her personality and charm. However, now Scotland is getting in on the act with its very own new arrival announced on Monday. Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing Haggis Otto and Gloria have welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but well be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time pic.twitter.com/ceGtARuzyR Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) November 4, 2024 The zoo posted to X on November 4: Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing Haggis. Otto and Gloria have welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but well be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time. Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already. The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time. While Thailands Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare. It is great to have our own little ambassador right here in Edinburgh to connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species face in the wild. The female calf was born on October 30. Native to forests and swamps in West Africa, it is estimated that only 2,500 are left in the wild due to habitat loss. To celebrate Haggiss arrival Edinburgh Zoo is offering people the chance to meet her, with funds raised to go towards animal care. To celebrate the birth of Haggis the pygmy hippo calf, we have launched a prize draw where one lucky winner will get the chance to win a UNIQUE pygmy hippo experience. Enter now https://t.co/dyrKdxzwKz Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) November 4, 2024 Edinburgh Zoos X account playfully apologised for pitting Haggis and Moo Deng against one another later on Monday, posting: Sorry guys this is our official notes app apology. We were wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other. There is space in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all. Sorry to Moo Deng. Lets work it out on the remix. Moo Deng, which literally means bouncy pork in Thai, is a type of meatball. Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old gangster, was killed by Sgt Martyn Blake, a Met firearms specialist - PA The BBC has come under fire for screening a documentary about Chris Kaba a fortnight after it was revealed that a bounty remained on the head of the police officer who shot him dead. Kaba, a 24-year-old gangster, was killed by Sgt Martyn Blake, a Met firearms specialist, after trying to ram his way out of a police roadblock in Streatham, south London. A jury at the Old Bailey took three hours to clear Sgt Blake of murder following a trial last month. But despite the verdict and subsequent revelations about Kabas links to gun crime in London, the BBC has broadcast an episode of Panorama that raises questions about the conduct of the police operation that led to the fatal shooting in September 2022. Speaking publicly for the first time about the case, the man who led the investigation defended the decision to launch a murder inquiry and questioned whether it had been absolutely necessary for the officer to use lethal force. Sal Naseem, a former regional director for London at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), also revealed the watchdog had been under pressure over warnings of possible public disorder. He told the BBC: It was fed back to us that if we hadnt done it [launched a murder investigation] at that time, then its likely there would have been a level of disorder. Things were on a knife edge. But critics have questioned the timing of the BBC broadcast, which comes after it was revealed gangsters associated with Kabas ruthless 67 gang had placed a 10,000 price on Sgt Blakes head. Chris Hobbs, a former Met officer and police commentator, said: The timing of this documentary is very questionable, given that there remains a significant threat to Sgt Blakes life. The flames have only just begun to die down, but then you have the IOPC and its investigator choosing to throw petrol on to the embers, with the assistance of the BBC and its Panorama documentary. We are now fully aware of the extreme levels of violence which surrounded Mr Kaba and his fellow gang thugs. This documentary is therefore only likely to increase the risk faced by the officer who was found not guilty of murder. It is also frankly astonishing that the IOPC investigator has suggested part of the decision-making around this case was based on the community response and the potential risk of disorder. In addition, the documentary featured an interview with the grieving parents of Kaba, who said police should have arrested their son rather than shooting him dead. The programme has also been aired despite the fact that possible misconduct proceedings remain ongoing. Another serving Met firearms officer criticised the corporation for broadcasting the programme at such a sensitive time, telling The Telegraph: Two weeks ago, Sgt Blake was cleared of murder by a jury of his peers. They took just three hours to decide the case against him was unfounded. We then discover that Chris Kaba was a key member of one of the most dangerous gangs in London and members of that enterprise have placed a 10,000 bounty on Sgt Blakes life. I would have hoped all of that might be enough to persuade the BBC to hold off airing such a potentially provocative programme. But sadly not. Lets just hope this doesnt spark the sort of violent backlash that we feared following the verdict. A BBC spokesman said: This investigation is in the public interest. All of our programmes are produced in accordance with the BBCs editorial guidelines - this includes a commitment to impartiality and hearing a range of perspectives. We encourage people to watch the documentary in full and to make up their own minds. A missing British couple have been found dead days after the devastating Spanish floods which have claimed the lives of more than 200 people. Terry and Don Turner were discovered in a sparsely-populated area where they lived near the small town of Pedralba, a 45-minute drive north-west of the east coast city of Valencia. The elderly couple's daughter, Ruth O'Loughlin, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, confirmed to the BBC her parents bodies were found in their car on Saturday. Mayor Andoni Leon said on Sunday volunteer locals had found their bodies and that of a Spanish man themselves following a town hall-led attempt to locate those unaccounted for following Tuesdays killer floods because no outside help had yet arrived. Don and Terry Turner (Family handout) The number of British nationals who have died in the flooding now stands at three. The disaster killed at least 205 people in eastern Spain. Last week it was revealed a British 71-year-old had died in hospital after being rescued by boat from his flooded home on the outskirts of Alhaurin de la Torre near Malaga. Regional president Juanma Moreno confirmed his nationality as he visited one of the areas near Malaga worst-affected by flooding there. The unnamed Brit was rescued last Tuesday by firefighters after his partner alerted the authorities because he was having an apparent heart attack and suffering from hypothermia. He was taken initially to nearby Guadalhorce Hospital and stabilised before being transferred to a hospital in Malaga where he died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after suffering multiple organ failure. The bodies of the British couple are understood to have been found in what was left of their home. The grim discovery was made on Saturday but their nationalities were not confirmed by the local mayor until Sunday. The Spaniard who died has been name locally as 44-year-old Francisco Quesada. His neighbour Ruth Rodriguez, who found him after searching for him with family and friends, said she had starting looking after he disappeared shortly after sending her videos of the flooded River Turia near his home. Cars trapped by flooding in Valencia (AP) She told local press: No-one from any of the security forces found him, it was us removing mud and debris. Pedralba mayor Mr Leon added: We havent received any help. Thanks to all the volunteers that are arriving we are becoming almost auto-sufficient. The first members of Military Emergencies Unit UME, a branch of the Spanish Armed Forces, reached the municipality of around 3,000 inhabitants yesterday afternoon shortly after he voiced his concerns. He said the town was still without drinking water and one or two more people were still missing. Spain's King Felipe VI and top government officials were on Sunday pelted with mud by a crowd of angry survivors of the flooding during the first visit by the country's 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. Spain's King Felipe speaks to people as he has mud on his face in Paiporta (REUTERS) "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. 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 man's hand. The queen, with small dollops of mud on her hands and arms, also spoke to some women. Roads have been blocked by debris. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The death toll from Spain's worst flash floods in modern history is now at 217. Almost all the fatalities have been in the Valencia region, with more than 60 in the suburb of Paiporta. The Spanish government has deployed 7,500 troops to distribute food and water, clean up streets and protect shops and properties from looters. It comes amid rising discontent over the response to the catastrophe. King Felipe is heckled by angry residents during his visit to Paiporta on Sunday. (AFP via Getty Images) (MANAURE QUINTERO via Getty Images) Residents' anger has focused on late alerts from authorities about the flooding and a perceived delayed response by emergency services. On Sunday, some residents in Paiporta slung mud at prime minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe and his wife Queen Letizia, chanting: "Murderers, murderers!" What has happened to the impacted areas? The torrential rain on Tuesday and Wednesday caused rivers to swell, engulfing streets and the ground floors of buildings, as well as sweeping away cars and pieces of masonry in tides of mud. It was the worst flood-related disaster in Europe in five decades. Pedestrians stand next to piled-up cars following deadly floods in Sedavi, south of Valencia. (Getty Images) (JOSE JORDAN / AFP) While most households had regained power by Friday, many streets are still blocked by piled-up vehicles and debris, in some cases trapping residents in their homes. On Monday, rescue teams were searching for bodies in underground garages, including a 5,000-space car park at the Bonaire shopping centre near Valencia airport, as well as river mouths where currents may have deposited bodies. Hopes of finding survivors were raised over the weekend when rescuers found a woman alive after three days trapped in a car park in Montcada. People burst into applause when civil protection chief Martin Perez announced the news. Volunteers flocked to Valencia's 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. A soldier walks past a flood damaged car in Massanassa, in the region of Valencia. (AFP via Getty Images) (JOSE JORDAN via Getty Images) But in Valencia's Picanya suburb, one shop owner told Reuters: "We feel abandoned, there are many people who need help. It is not only my house, it's 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 can't even wash our clothes and we can't even have a shower." What caused the floods in Spain? On Thursday, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said climate change was likely a factor in the severity of the floods. Secretary-general Celeste Saulo said: "As a result of rising temperatures, the hydrological cycle has accelerated. It has also become more erratic and unpredictable, and we are facing growing problems of either too much or too little water." Spain was hit by something known as Isolated Depression at High Levels, or DANA in Spanish. This occurs when cold air collides with warmer air over the Mediterranean, leading to extreme atmospheric instability. This usually happens every autumn as the summer heat lingering over the Mediterranean comes into contact with Arctic winds coming from the north. Omar Baddour, chief of climate monitoring at the WMO, said: "The presence of warm air near the surface being fueled by excessive moisture from the still-warm Mediterranean Sea, and the instability generated by the conflict with cold air in the upper atmosphere, leads to large convective clouds with heavy downpours and sudden flash floods. Cars are piled up by the flood waters unleashed by the 'gota fria'. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "Climate change is expected to make these systems more intense because of warmer sea waters and increasing moisture in the atmosphere." Ernesto Rodriguez Camino, a member of the Spanish Meteorological Association, also said: "Events of this type, which used to occur many decades apart, are now becoming more frequent and their destructive capacity is greater. Many have also argued the region's flood defences were not strong enough. The WMO alluded to this on Friday, saying effective flood warning systems could help to avoid the level of destruction that occurred in Valenica. Does this mean anything for the UK? The DANA is a localised weather system specific to the Mediterranean, which is unlikely to have any direct effects on the UK. But the floods are evidence of how climate change is making weather more unpredictable and making extreme events more likely. Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, told Yahoo News UK: "What we're seeing with this changing climate, more chaotic weather. "We have a warming atmosphere: we've seen about 1.1C of warming so far and what that means is the atmosphere is able to hold more moisture. So what we've seen in Spain is cooler air moving over the Mediterranean, pulling up this moisture into the atmosphere. Rivers in the Valencia region of eastern Spain burst their banks after torrential rain. (AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "It's making these big thunderclouds, which have deposited a huge amount of rain. "Here in the UK, we obviously don't have the Mediterranean Sea, but what we do have, particularly during the summer, is intense thunderstorms that develop. "Only a few weeks ago... we saw flash flooding across a reasonable chunk of the UK, and that was caused by unstable atmospheric conditions." Flash floods can affect anyone, anywhere. We take preparation for other hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis very seriously with education, drills and emergency kits. It is time we afforded the same to flood risk preparedness. 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. 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. The Victorian government has announced probate fees will move from a fixed rate to a tiered system, in what has been described by the opposition as a death tax by stealth. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP Bereaved Victorian families will be hit with massive increases to probate fees, with the state government announcing hikes of up to 650% to process wills. The acting attorney general, Enver Erdogan, on Monday announced that the supreme courts probate fees would move from a fixed rate to a tiered system, in what has been described as a death tax by stealth by the opposition. Under the changes, which would come into effect on 18 November, families of deceased estates with a value of between $250,000 and $500,000 would have to pay $514.40, up from $68.60 a 650% increase. Probate fees for estates valued between $500,000 and $1m would increase 180%, from $367.40 to $1,028.80, while estates between $1m and $2m would increase 250%, from $685.90 to $2,400.50. Estates valued between $2m and $3m would have a new $4,801 fee imposed, up from $1,502.40. Three new tiers for multimillion-dollar estates would also be introduced: $7,185.20 for those valued at $3m to $5m, $12,002.60 for $5m to $7m and $16,803.60 for $7m or more. With probate fees previously capped at $2,318.90, it represents up to a 625% increase in fees. The government said large estates of more than $3m make up less than 6% of all applications but take up most of the courts time, due to disputes over will validity, unclear property rights or perceived inequities among beneficiaries. Erdogan said current fees were inadequate to cover the costs of these types of lengthy disputes. Related: Trump says I shouldnt have left White House, despite losing 2020 election Its why were making the system fairer by abolishing probate fees for small estates and keeping medium sized estate fees cheaper than New South Wales and South Australias fees, he said. For the very small percentage of Victorians dealing with multimillion dollar estates, the fees will be lifted to cover the level of administration and dispute resolution these complex applications often require in court. These changes will ensure that the most an estate will pay in probate fees is 0.24% of an estates value keeping it fair for everyone who is navigating our courts. Under the changes, deceased estates of less than $250,000 will no longer be required to pay fees. The government said 20% of people who applied for probate fell into this category. The shadow attorney general, Michael OBrien, criticised the government for announcing the changes on the eve of the Melbourne Cup public holiday. This is effectively the imposition of a death tax by stealth, he said. To have massive increases in the amount of money that grieving families have to pay when a loved one dies to get probate cant be justified. He said the probate office would now rake in more in fees than it cost to operate. The changes come after a review of the probate office by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which was subject to community consultation but had a low participation rate. Of the 124 participants surveyed during consultation, 94% were not supportive of an increase to probate fees, with the majority citing concerns about affordability, cost-of-living pressures, limited access to justice and recovery of costs. Victorias peak legal body, the Law Institute of Victoria, was among critics. In its statement of reasons published online on Monday, the department acknowledged there could be challenges for executors and beneficiaries, who may have limited personal wealth despite an estates significant assets to pay the new fees. It suggested they could take out a loan, use a credit card or find a law firm that may cover costs and recover them from the estate later. On concerns about the possibility of elder abuse, the department said it was illogical in most instances to pressure someone to transfer their assets before they passed to avoid proposed probate fees but was acknowledged still a risk. Election lawyers and voting rights experts are bracing for an aggressive effort to challenge the results while votes are still being counted. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images Donald Trump has left little doubt that he will contest the results of the 2024 election if he loses. Election lawyers and voting rights experts are bracing for an aggressive effort by the former president in the days after the election to challenge the results while votes are still being counted. But unlike 2020, when Trumps effort after the election seemed a bit haphazard, experts say theyre seeing a much more organized effort that stretches from the courts to local groups organizing election deniers to work the polls. Here are a few key ways Trump is preparing to contest the 2024 vote: Seeding doubt about fraud For months, Trump and allies have been spreading the false idea that there is fraud impacting the election. On the campaign trail, Trump has seized on a report that officials in Lancaster county are investigating a batch of 2,500 voter registration applications for possible fraud. The district attorney has said that investigators have discovered some fraudulent applications, but has not said how many or the nature of the fraud. Trump has distorted that limited information to claim that there are fraudulent votes. Theyve already started cheating, 2,600 votes. Every vote was written by the same person. It must be a coincidence, he said at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, last Tuesday. Related: Republicans preparing to reject US election result if Trump loses, warn strategists Nationally, a key pillar of Republicans claims has been the falsehood that non-citizens are voting and could sway the election. Elon Musk, the billionaire who is a key Trump ally in the campaign, has played a significant role in amplifying this claim. Several studies have shown that non-citizen voting is extremely rare. If the fraud theme of 2020 was: Covid is allowing ineligible people to vote or ballots to be manipulated, the 2024 theme seems to be illegals are voting, and that fits in very much with the kind of nativist anti-immigrant language coming from the top of the Republican ticket, Richard Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California, Los Angeles, said in an interview in October. Lawsuits, lawsuits, lawsuits Over the last few months, the Republican National Committee and other GOP-aligned groups have filed a number of lawsuits in swing states claiming that states are not properly monitoring their rolls for ineligible voters. They have made eye-popping claims, including that states have more registered voters than eligible citizens and that non-citizens are on the rolls. Many of these suits have already been dismissed. But even though Republicans are losing the cases, voting rights experts see an ulterior motive in filing them. The underlying claims in the suits are based on totally unreliable data, shoddy methodology, and basically the claims are garbage, said Ben Berwick, a lawyer at the watchdog group Protect Democracy. They are also, in this case, brought by election deniers, in an attempt to spread a false narrative to mislead the public and undermine confidence in elections. Dont miss important US election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts Sean Morales-Doyle, the director of the voting rights program at the Brennan Center for Justice, said that he sees the lawsuits as an effort to give an imprimatur of legal authority to false claims. I do think youre going to see after the election if people are upset about the outcome, pointing to: Weve been saying for the last eight months that they had bloated rolls and dead people on the rolls, non-citizens on the rolls, and the courts didnt do anything about it, he said. Berwick and his colleagues have referred to the cases as zombie lawsuits that Trump and allies could try and point to again after the election. While experts are confident this wont succeed because the claims will still be false, it could continue to seed doubt and provide a pretext for local officials to try and refuse to certify the vote. Sowing chaos during a long vote count Just like in 2020, it is unlikely that the US will know the winner of the election on election night. State laws in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, two swing states, still prohibit election officials from counting mail-in votes until election day, and election officials are already setting expectations that counting could last long past Tuesday. Trump plans to declare that the vote against him is rigged and point to the slow vote count as evidence, Rolling Stone reported in October. Related: Political violence has marked the 2024 race but risks rise after election day Pressure on local election officials not to certify the vote If Trump loses the election, there will likely be enormous pressure put on local election officials not to certify the results of the election. Long overlooked, certification is the bureaucratic process of making official the vote tallies at the local and state level. Those charged with certifying the vote are typically boards composed of elected or appointed officials. If a candidate wants to challenge the election results, states allow them to do so in separate legal processes outside of certification. Certification has long been considered a mandatory, non-discretionary responsibility. But in 2020, the Trump campaign and allies targeted Republicans at the local and state level and pressured them not to certify the results. None of those efforts worked in 2020, but Republicans have spent the last four years targeting positions that hold power over certification. At least 35 officials who have refused to certify elections since 2020 will have a role over certifying the vote this fall, according to a report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew), a watchdog group. Voting litigators are preparing to go to court to force local officials to certify, and they say that the law is unequivocally on their side. Senior Chinese official vows to further ties with Italy Xinhua) 09:22, November 04, 2024 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) VENICE, Italy, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- 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) 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, attends 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, in Venice, Italy, Nov. 2, 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Roberto Villalpando is the Texas weather science editor for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at roberto.villalpando@houstonchronicle.com. He supervises a weather coverage team that includes three newsroom meteorologists who provide expert forecasts for the states two largest cities. Working out of Austin, Roberto joined the Chronicle in 2023 and has more than 25 years of experience covering Texas as a breaking news editor, multimedia producer, graphic artist, copy editor and reporter. Kamala Harris speaks to reporters after delivering remarks at a church service in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Kamala Harris dodged a question on Sunday on if she voted for Californias Proposition 36, a controversial ballot measure that increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes. I am not gonna 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 the other, the US vice-president and Democratic presidential nominee, who votes in California, told reporters at a rally in Detroit. As San Francisco district attorney and later as Californias attorney general, Harriss record on criminal justice has come under intense scrutiny, with her opponents saying she has a history of pivoting on criminal justice depending on the political circumstances. If passed, Proposition 36 would see people who fail to complete drug treatment jailed, increased punishments for some theft and drug crimes including turning misdemeanors into felonies and requires courts to warn people convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs to others that they can be charged with murder if they keep doing so and someone dies. The California legislatures non-partisan fiscal and policy adviser has said the measure will increase the states criminal justice costs by requiring some people who now serve their sentences at the county level to serve them in state prison, and by increasing state court workloads. In total, Proposition 36 would increase local criminal justice costs, likely by tens of millions of dollars annually, the adviser board has said. The measure has become a deeply divisive issue as major California cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, struggle to contain high rates of homelessness and drug addiction and attendant rates of crime. Beyond the ballot measure, the San Francisco mayor, London Breed, a Democrat, is in a difficult re-election fight against challengers who say she has allowed the city to spiral out of control. The moderate Democratic mayor faces four main challengers on the 5 November ballot, all fellow Democrats, who say Breed has squandered her six years in office. They say she allowed San Francisco to descend into chaos and blamed others for her inability to rein in homelessness and erratic street behavior, all while burglarized businesses pleaded for help. Crime data shows the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles saw a steady increase in shoplifting between 2021 and 2022, according to a study by the non-partisan Public Policy Institute of California. Across the state, shoplifting rates rose during the same time period but were still lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019, while commercial burglaries and robberies have become more prevalent in urban counties, the study says. Proposition 36 also represents a rollback of an earlier ballot measure, Proposition 47, that sought to decrease prison overcrowding by reducing some felonies to misdemeanors. Many law enforcement officials have blamed that 2014 initiative for increasing homelessness and crime in the state. Related: Kamala Harriss record as California prosecutor hurt her 2020 campaign. Will 2024 be different? Harris, in 2014, also declined to take a position on Proposition 47, and reportedly laughed when she was asked if she would support the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. She reversed that opinion in 2018 and now says she feels strongly people should not be going to jail for smoking weed. I just think we have come to a point where we have to understand that we need to legalize it and stop criminalizing this behavior, Harris said last month during an interview on the podcast All the Smoke. The Los Angeles Times recently argued against the new ballot measure, saying that it could return the state to the era of three strikes and youre out that saw repeated convictions for some relatively low-level crimes, accompanied by lengthy sentences. The problems the measure claims to address retail theft, drug abuse and homelessness are to some degree intertwined, the paper said, adding that the proposition in effect asked asked voters to approve current police tactics. Police could stop petty thieves now if they made misdemeanor arrests, as they can and sometimes should under current law. But they dont, because they argue its not worth their time, the paper said. Associated Press contributed to this report The device hidden in a DHL package in Leipzig was believed to have been capable of downing a plane. Photograph: Agencja Fotograficzna Caro/Alamy An incendiary device hidden in a DHL package that caught fire in Germany in July was due to be sent by air to the UK as part of a suspected Russian sabotage plot that may also have been a dry run for a similar attack on the US and Canada. The device, reported to have been secreted in shipments of massage pillows and erotic gadgets, started a fire on the ground in Leipzig that was feared to be capable of downing a plane similar to a package that ignited at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham on 22 July. Sources indicated the suspect package in Leipzig was also bound for the UK, though why the UK was chosen as the destination for the two devices, originally sent from Lithuania, is not fully clear. An unconfirmed German report suggests they were addressed to fake recipients at real addresses in the UK, as were two other incendiary devices found in Poland, one of which Polish media said caught fire at a warehouse in Warsaw while the other was successfully intercepted. Metropolitan police counter-terror officers declined to comment. The only official statement in the UK about the alleged plot was made last month, when counter-terror police confirmed a device had caught fire in Birmingham, nobody was hurt, and it was dealt with by staff and the local fire brigade at the time. Four people were arrested in Poland as part of the alleged plot, it was announced last week, which the countrys chief prosecutor said was intended to commit sabotage using camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials in Europe. Two other individuals are also wanted by investigators in the country. Another intention, according to the Polish authorities, was to test the transfer channel for similar parcels to be sent to the US and Canada, to see if similarly dangerous and destructive attacks could be reproduced elsewhere. British police and officials, as well as their European counterparts in Germany, Poland and Lithuania, strongly suspect that Russia was behind the attacks as part of an effort to cause mayhem in the west in retaliation for western military support to Ukraine. Related: Wests spy chiefs alarmed at recklessness of Russian counterparts Last month, Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, warned that Russias GRU military intelligence appeared to be on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets: weve seen arson, sabotage and more. His German counterpart, Thomas Haldenwang, told the Bundestag that had the Leipzig package started burning during a flight it would have resulted in a crash. Although Haldenwang did not say Russia was behind the fire when he gave evidence, he accused the Kremlins spy agencies of putting peoples lives at risk. On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the massage items in the suspect packages were booby trapped with a magnesium-based flammable substance. Magnesium fires are notoriously difficult to put out and are worsened if water is applied; special dry powder extinguishers should be used instead. Russia has denied involvement in the alleged plot. These are traditional unsubstantiated insinuations from the media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the US newspaper. A satellite image shows damaged buildings at Irans Parchin military base near Tehran after Israeli strikes on 26 October. Photograph: Planet Labs PBC/AP Israel is bracing itself for another Iranian attack after a crescendo of threatening rhetoric from leaders in Iran saying the country would retaliate for Israeli missile strikes last month. Iran initially played down the impact of the 26 October Israeli strikes on its military facilities, which were in turn a response to an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel at the beginning of October. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, gave an initially ambivalent verdict on the Israeli strikes, saying that the attack should not be exaggerated nor downplayed while Tehran weighed a response. On Saturday, however, Khamenei delivered a clear threat. He said: The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response. Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, the supreme leaders chief of staff, vowed on Thursday that an Iranian response was certain and that it would be fierce and tooth-breaking. On the same day, the head of Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, Maj Gen Hossein Salami, said the Iranian response will surpass all expectations. Israel believed it could change the regional balance of power by launching a few missiles, Salami said. You have once again proven that you do not understand the Iranian people, and your calculations are completely wrong. The Wall Street Journal on Sunday quoted Iranian and Arab officials briefed on Tehrans plans as saying the looming Iranian strikes would be more complex, involving more weapons and more powerful warheads than the 1 October attack, and the new barrage would come between Tuesdays US elections and the inauguration of the next US president in January. According to some reports, Israeli intelligence believes the next Iranian attack could be launched from Iraq, where Iran has close allies among the Shia militias, who are armed with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles. The flight time from Iraq would be substantially shorter than from Iranian territory, from where the missiles were launched towards Israel on 1 October. The previous Iranian missile attack was in turn a response to the Israeli airstrike that killed the Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on 27 September, setting off the current cycle of escalation. Israeli commanders have reportedly said that any new Iranian attacks would be met with a rapid response, and that Iran would have little protection, as many air defence batteries were damaged in the 26 October Israeli strikes. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said at a graduation ceremony for Israeli officers on Thursday: Regarding Iran, we struck its soft underbelly The haughty words of the Iranian regimes leaders cannot cover up the fact that in Iran today, Israel has greater freedom of action than ever before. We can go anywhere that we need to in Iran. On Monday, Israels air force said it had struck Hezbollah intelligence assets near Damascus in an attack that Syria said had targeted civilian sites. Hezbollahs intelligence headquarters has a branch in Syria, which includes an independent intelligence-gathering, coordination, and assessment network, the Israeli military said in a statement, expanding on the air forces post on X. Syrias defence ministry said Israel had caused some damage in attacks that had targeted civilian sites south of the capital. The US has vowed to help defend Israel against any Iranian attack. Last month it deployed an anti-ballistic missile defence system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, in Israel with nearly 100 American troops to operate it. Six US B-52 bombers arrived in the Middle East over the weekend, probably in Qatar, after the deployment of a squadron of F-16 fighters and refuelling tankers in the region in October. The movements, the Pentagon said, were in keeping with our commitments to the protection of US citizens and forces in the Middle East, the defence of Israel, and de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy. Raz Zimmt, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said Iranian leaders initially wanted to play down the significance of the Israeli strike last month but when they realised its impact and the significance, certainly the most significant [strike on Iran] since the Iran-Iraq war, they reached a conclusion they cant leave it without any kind of retaliation. Zimmt said the Tehran leadership faced a dilemma: failing to respond would be interpreted as weakness, at home and abroad; but a new attack on Israel could further fuel escalation at a time when Iran is vulnerable. He said: It might be very risky for them Its very obvious that Israel, in case of an Iranian retaliation, will probably move forward to the next stage of attacks on Iran, which could certainly involve not just military targets, but also symbols of the Iranian regime, oil installations and then also nuclear facilities. In Netanyahus remarks to graduating officers last week, he made clear that the Iranian nuclear programme was the ultimate Israeli target. The Israeli prime minister said: The supreme objective that I have set for the IDF [the Israel Defense Forces] and the security services is to prevent Iran from attaining nuclear weapons We have not taken and we will not take our eyes off this objective. Obviously, I cannot detail our plans to achieve this supreme goal. The disappearance of the former model and her secretary continues to provoke wild speculation in Italy - Wikipedia Italian investigators have launched a fresh inquiry into whether the ex-wife of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and her secretary were murdered in a case dating back more than four decades. Jeanette Bishop May, the former Lady de Rothschild, and Gabriella Guerin, her secretary, disappeared in a freak snowstorm in the rugged Marche region in northern Italy in November 1980. Following an intense police search, which involved police helicopters and sniffer dogs, the womens badly decomposed bodies were discovered by hunters 14 months later near Lake Fiastra in the Sibillini mountains. Wild boars had reportedly ravaged the corpses. Their tragic demise has baffled Italians for years and provoked wild speculation about links to the mafia, an art theft in Rome and the murder of an Italian antique dealer and the mysterious death of Roberto Calvi, a Vatican banker, in London in 1982. The helicopter squad carabinieri the day they found the car three weeks after their disappearance - Wikipedia Prosecutors in the town of Macerata have now reopened the investigation into the cold case, and police will begin hearing testimony this week from a dozen witnesses, who knew the women at the time they disappeared. Giovanni Fabrizio Narbone, the chief prosecutor, has declined to disclose details about what had motivated the fresh inquiry but confirmed a double murder investigation into the womens deaths had been reopened. We reread all the records, to see if there were any glimmers to assess the existence of contradictions, and we felt that there was a chance of getting to the bottom of it, Mr Narbone told local media. The more time passes, the more people who might have been involved in this story, or who knew of it, are bound to disappear. The striking Lady de Rothschild, a former model, cut a glamorous figure as a member of the international jet-set and first wife of Sir Evelyn De Rothschild, the British financier and member of the famous banking family. The couple divorced in 1971 and she then married Stephen May, a businessman. She was enchanting At the time of her disappearance, Mrs May had been in the Marche region organising renovations for a home she had purchased in the village of Schito. She and her secretary were last seen driving a Peugeot up a remote mountain road in poor weather. The carabinieri find the remains of Bishop and Guerin - Wikipedia The car was found three weeks after their disappearance and investigators found no sign of a struggle or force. The bodies were not found until fourteen months later. Nazzareno Venanzi, a surveyor, was one of the last people to see the former Lady de Rothschild alive. In the morning she showed me a gate she liked for the cottage she was renovating, he told the Italian daily, Corriere della Sera. We drank an aperitif before lunch, then she asked me if I wanted to accompany them both in the mountains that evening, but I declined because I was busy. When I learnt they did not return to their hotel, I was worried and notified the police. She was enchanting, a former model with fine manners, he said. It was only after her death that I learned she was well-known in England, the former wife of the banker, Rothschild. A Roman antique dealer In December 1982, Alessandro Iacoboni, a Macerata prosecutor, investigated the case as a possible murder. An initial inquiry found the cause of the womens deaths was hypothermia. At the same time, Scotland Yard was investigating the death of Sergio Vaccari, a Roman antique dealer, who was stabbed to death in Holland Park in September 1982. Bishop was reportedly one of his contacts. In September 1989, the investigating prosecutor found the women were victims of a double murder by unknown perpetrators, using unknown means. Sir James says Rachel Reeves is killing off established family businesses - Christopher Pledger Sir James Dyson has labelled the Chancellors inheritance tax raid on British businesses spiteful and warned it risked the death of entrepreneurship. Sir James accused Ms Reeves of killing off established family businesses, and any incentive to start new ones, with the so-called death tax. The changes to inheritance relief on business property mean that family firms passing on assets of more than 1 million will be charged 20 per cent tax from April 2026. A 20 per cent levy on farms worth more than 1 million has also been introduced. Sir James 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. The very fabric of our economy is being ripped apart. No business can survive Reevess 20 per cent tax grab. It will be the death of entrepreneurship. Think of the jobs for working people that will be lost or never created. He added: Family businesses are an antidote to the short-termism which is the blight of the British economy and of which everyone complains. Family businesses are in the blood: a shared journey between the business and the family across the generations. Britain will sorely miss them. 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. Yvette Cooper hits back Yvette Cooper rejected Sir Jamess criticism of the Budget after the inventor and entrepreneur accused Rachel Reeves of taking an ignorant swipe at aspiration. But Ms Cooper, the Home Secretary, rejected the criticism, insisting the Government had brought forward a very positive Budget. Speaking to Sky News, she said: Well, I clearly dont agree with that. I think the opposite is true. This was a Budget that was about fixing the foundations. We did inherit the shocking state of the public finances that was much worse than we had anticipated and also very weak growth in the economy and the state of our public services, particularly our National Health service which had really been pushed onto its knees. Asked for her response to Sir Jamess remarks, Ms Cooper told Sky: What the Budget has done is setting out how we fix the foundations, get the public finances on track, how we also boost growth across the economy and also how we start to fix those really damaged public services, particularly with the investment in the NHS. Of course that has meant some difficult decisions, we dont run away from that. We would not have been able to turn our backs on that. Pressed on whether she rejected the spiteful label, she said: Of course. Of course I dont agree with that. I think this is about a very positive Budget to fix the foundations but also to be able to grow our economy. The changes were part of a Budget that raised taxes by 40 billion to fund major cash injections for public services and fill what the Chancellor claims was a black hole in the public finances left by the previous government. It comes after Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers Union, warned in an article for The Telegraph that the unexpected move is fuelling a mental health crisis among farmers that will force some to quit. NFU president Tom Bradshaw fears for farmers mental health - Geoff Pugh Mr Bradshaw reveals his team has been inundated with calls from elderly farmers who have been driven to tears and now feel they are a burden on their own families. Labour councillors have said they expect the party to face a revolt from rural voters over the policy in Mays local elections. The Treasurys own estimates show the tax changes on farms are set to raise just 520 million a year by 2030. With the NHSs 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. By comparison, the increase in employers National Insurance the flagship tax increase in the Budget will raise 25 billion by then, which is 50 times greater. Appearing on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Ms Reeves showed no sign of reversing course and instead argued that the public finances were too strained to keep the existing rules. Ms Reeves said: Last year, the benefits of agricultural property relief, 40 per cent of the benefit was felt by 7 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. Kamala Harris played herself in the 90 second skit, which critics said broke election rules - NBC/Unpixs Kamala Harris has become embroiled in a fresh media bias row over her 90-second long skit on SNL. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chief said her appearance on NBCs Saturday Night Live showed a clear and blatant disregard for the rules. The Democratic candidate made her debut on the NBC show this weekend in a short sketch alongside comedian Maya Rudolph, who plays Ms Harris in the show. During the sketch, the vice-president played herself as the mirror-image double of Rudolphs character. It is nice to see you Kamala, she told the comedian. And Im just here to remind you, you got this. Credit: Saturday Night Live - SNL Ms Harriss surprise appearance was met with a backlash by some critics who said NBC had broken election rules requiring broadcasters to give candidates the same amount of airtime. Brendan Carr, who was appointed by Donald Trump as the Republican Commissioner for the FCC, said: This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCCs 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. He emphasised that broadcasters hold a special position of trust to operate in the public interest. It is the second time in the campaign that a major broadcaster has been accused of bias towards Ms Harris, after CBS admitted editing an interview with the Democratic candidate to make one of her answers more succinct. Attempt to assuage critics Following Mr Carrs comments, NBC News filed an Equal Time notice with the Federal Communications Commission late on Sunday, in an apparent effort to assuage critics. Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president in the 2024 national election, appeared without charge on NBCs Saturday Night Live (SNL) for a total period of 1 minute and 30 seconds on November 2, 2024, the notice read. The broadcaster then played a recorded message from Trump during its broadcast of a NASCAR playoff race on Sunday evening, with one source familiar with the matter claiming the appearance was an attempt to give the same amount of time to the Republican candidate, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Under normal circumstances, NBCs filing would usually open up a seven-day period when all other qualified candidates can seek Equal Time from NBC-meaning comparable time on a comparable program. Here, opposing candidates dont have seven days, Mr Carr told Fox News. This has all the appearances of, at least some leadership at NBC, at SNL, making clear that they wanted to weigh-in in favour of one candidate before the election. Thats exactly why, for decades, weve had an Equal Time rule on the book, he told Fox. Jason Miller, a Trump campaign senior adviser, told the network that SNL did not extend the same invitation to the former president. Meanwhile, Republicans accused Ms Harris of cosplaying with her elitist friends as her campaign spirals down the drain into obscurity. The broadcasting row comes after Trump sued CBS News for $10 billion over claims the network doctored an interview with Ms Harris to make her appear more coherent. Trump and his supporters claimed it had deliberately edited a word salad answer given by the vice-president during a 60 Minutes interview. In a preview aired a day before the interview, Ms Harris was seen giving a rambling response to a question about Israel, but in the actual interview the following day her answer to the same question was significantly shorter. The network later admitted it had clipped the vice-presidents answer to make it more succinct, but rejected Trumps claim that its editing was deceitful. The FCC is made up of five political appointees who act as commissioners. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel after a small boat incident in the Channel last Wednesday. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA Plans to tackle the national security threat of people smugglers will receive an extra 75m and a new team of detectives, Keir Starmer will announce on Monday, in the latest move to curb small boats in the Channel. The prime minister is expected to address irregular migration at two events this week amid concern within No 10 that the government must offer a viable alternative to the Conservatives defunct Rwanda scheme. In a speech at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow on Monday, he will say that the government will double funding to 150m for the Border Security Command, the enforcement agency launched by the Labour government this Summer. The money will be used to fund hi-tech surveillance equipment and 100 specialist investigators who will target criminals engaged in people smuggling, he will say. He will tell dignitaries and senior police from nearly 200 countries that the international community must tackle people smuggling gangs with the same tactics used to stop terrorism. The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesnt stop at our borders. Theres nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel, he will say. Starmer will tell the gathering that the counter-terror tactics could include the ability to shut down bank accounts, cut off internet access and seize evidence before offences take place. Were taking our approach to counter-terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command. Were ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies, he will say. Later in the week, he will hold talks on the boats crisis with European leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, at a summit in Hungary. Despite irregular immigration into the EU being a fraction of what it was in 2015, EU countries are seeking new hardline measures to tackle it. Partnership deals that the EU and individual members states such as Italy have signed with countries such as Turkey, Tunisia and Libya, which are aimed at dissuading people from trying to reach Europe in the first place, are expected to be discussed. Fourteen member states, including France and Germany, have signed a letter demanding a tough paradigm shift on migration. Many want to see a significant increase in the rate of returns. The government also intends to legislate to give border security forces enhanced powers. The border security, asylum and immigration bill, announced in the kings speech in July, will be the fourth piece of immigration legislation since 2022 as successive governments have attempted to tackle this issue. Refugee charities have warned Starmer that enforcement measures alone will fail to stop the boats and could lead to desperate people taking more dangerous and deadly journeys. Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: The government must recognise that enforcement measures alone will not end this horrific trade. It must balance strong action against criminal networks with its commitment to uphold international rules that provide safety to those who need it most. Responding to the announcement, a spokesperson for the Conservatives said:Keir Starmers announcement on tackling gangs will mean absolutely nothing without a deterrent. If Starmer continues to ignore the need for a deterrent to stop migrants crossing the channel, there will be more deaths in the channel as more and more migrants continue to cross it. Starmer will chair his first monthly meeting of key cabinet ministers on illegal migration on Tuesday to make sure progress is made on the government mission. The Home Office said 230 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Thursday. In October, 5,417 people made the crossing, the highest monthly figure since October 2022. The total for 2024 so far stands at 30,661. More than 50 people have died trying to cross the Channel this year, the highest since figures were first recorded in 2018. Youre my cup of tea: New Tory Party leader Kemi Badenoch has selected her shadow cabinet - Edward Massey/CCHQ Dame Priti Patel has been appointed shadow foreign secretary, despite having been fired from Baroness Mays Cabinet over holding secret meetings with Israeli politicians. She was given the shadow cabinet role on Monday by Kemi Badenoch, who is assembling her top team after winning the Tory leadership election. The former home secretary, who ran in the leadership contest, joins fellow former contender Mel Stride, who has been appointed shadow chancellor. Dame Pritis appointment comes despite her having been forced to quit her job as international development secretary in 2017 for holding undisclosed meetings in Israel. She failed to inform the Foreign Office of her plans to meet the leader of one of Israels political parties, as well as other politicians, during a personal holiday in the country. Dame Priti was ordered to fly back to London by Lady May, after which she resigned. Both the Right and moderate factions of the Tories have been represented in Mrs Badenochs picks for the top jobs. James Cleverly, Andrew Mitchell, Jeremy Hunt and Sir Oliver Dowden ruled themselves out from taking front-bench roles. Mrs Badenoch appointed the rest of her front-bench team before holding the first shadow cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The former pensions secretary, who was knocked out of the Conservative leadership race in the second round, has been the MP for Central Devon since 2010. Mr Stride, 63, came to politics later in life after a career in business. He has previously served as chairman of the Treasury select committee, and financial secretary to the Treasury and paymaster general under Lady May. The former Cabinet minister is from the more moderate wing of the party and his appointment will be seen as part of Mrs Badenochs attempt to unite MPs from across the party. Dame Priti has returned to the Conservative front bench, having been out of the spotlight for two years. The long-time ally of Boris Johnson, who served as his home secretary throughout his time in No 10, is a prominent figure on the Right of the party. The MP for Witham since 2010, she launched the ill-fated Rwanda deportation scheme during her time at the Home Office, and was known for taking a hard line on immigration and crime. The self-styled lifelong Brexiteer ran to be Tory leader, but crashed out of the race in the first round of MP votes. Dame Priti has previously served as international development secretary, a brief with similarities to her new shadow cabinet role. She was forced to resign from that post in 2017 when she failed to disclose meetings she held with senior Israeli politicians while on a personal holiday to the country that year. The former Home Office minister, who lost out in the final round of the Tory leadership election, is known for his hard-line stance on immigration and his strong advocacy of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Jenrick had a career as a solicitor before entering Parliament and was first elected as MP in 2014. During the final weeks of the fierce leadership contest, Mr Jenrick accused Mrs Badenoch of being disrespectful to the Tory leadership by deciding not to set out detailed policies. First elected in 2019 as the MP for Sevenoaks in Kent, Ms Trott served as a work and pensions minister and then chief secretary to the Treasury in Rishi Sunaks government. Ms Trott, 39, endorsed Mrs Badenoch in the Conservative Party leadership election and was one of her earliest backers. She has been rewarded with a promotion to shadow education secretary. Born in Oxted, Surrey, she attended a state school before going on to study history and economics at Oxford University. She cites Sir John Major as an inspiration in her decision to join the Conservative Party in her teens. She also helped to write David Camerons election-winning manifesto in 2015 when she worked as a political adviser for No 10. Ms Trott was also instrumental in legislation banning under-18s from being able to receive cosmetic Botox and fillers by tabling a private members bill which became law in 2021. The MP for Castle Point, Essex, since 2010 has been promoted to chief whip. She was made a dame in the Kings Birthday Honours in June for her political service particularly in relation to Brexit, having campaigned to leave in the 2016 referendum and domestic abuse legislation. The former Treasury minister has been promoted to co-chairman of the party. Mr Huddleston, first elected in 2015 for Mid Worcestershire, has held government positions in three Whitehall departments. The 54-year-old previously worked for Deloitte and Google before beginning his political career. He studied at Oxford University before heading to Los Angeles to study for an MBA. He is a patron of the Tory Reform Group of MPs, who represent a more moderate strand of one nation conservatism than Mrs Badenochs. Lord Johnson has previously worked under Mrs Badenoch as a trade minister, after being appointed to the House of Lords by Liz Truss when she was in No 10. Since October 2022, he has also held the various positions of minister for the Cabinet Office and the minister for investment. He was vice-chairman of the party under Lady May between 2016 and 2019 and was a co-founder of Somerset Capital Management, an investment firm he set up with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg in 2007. Lord Johnson has also donated over 275,000 to the Tories over the past decade. The MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston and former health minister had moved to the backbenches after resigning from Mr Sunaks government in November 2023. First elected in 2017, he served under George Osborne as a special adviser for four years as well as for Lady May when she was in Downing Street. Mr OBrien studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University before entering politics. He also founded the Conservative think tank Onward in 2018. He has been sanctioned by China and was a co-founder of the China Research Group hoping to push for more debate on how the UK should deal with relations with the country. The former policing minister has been promoted to the role of shadow home secretary after supporting Mrs Badenochs leadership campaign. Mr Philp was first elected as MP for Croydon South in 2015 following a career in business setting up finance and travel firms. The long-time Badenoch ally has received the role of shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, alongside his shadow Northern Ireland brief. The Brentwood and Ongar MP was Mrs Badenochs campaign co-chief whip after entering Parliament in the same intake as her in 2017. The former defence minister has kept his role as shadow defence secretary under Mrs Badenoch. The South Suffolk MP, first elected in 2015, voted Remain in the Brexit referendum and has held other government positions including in the Ministry of Justice and the Treasury. Mr Argar is one of just three Jenrick supporters to have received a shadow Cabinet job. The former justice and then health minister has received a promotion to the shadow health brief. The Melton and Syston MP was first elected in 2015. The former business minister had assumed the role of shadow business secretary after the general election defeat but has been moved to the shadow communities role. While in government Mr Hollinrake had also held the role of postal affairs minister and was in charge of overseeing the compensation scheme for victims of the Horizon scandal. The former health secretary has been handed the role of shadow environment secretary. She backed Mr Jenrick and the brief could be regarded as a demotion from her previous shadow health role. However, a Badenoch campaign source said that Ms Atkins, who entered Parliament in 2015, asked specifically for the brief so that she could take the fight to Labour on farming. Ms Atkins worked as a barrister before becoming the MP for Louth and Horncastle. A key Badenoch ally and a very vocal supporter of her Renewal 2030 campaign, Mr Griffith has been given Mrs Badenochs former government brief as shadow business secretary. Mr Griffith, who served as science secretary while in Government, also held several Treasury roles. He became an MP in the 2019 election after a career in business and finance. Imad Amhaz was extracted from a residential building in Batroun, Lebanon, by Israeli special forces - X 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. A photograph of Rohingya refugee Hamida Begum taken in 2022, the year she was trafficked to and detained in India at the age of 12 - Supplied by family Rohingya refugee Rojiya Begum will never forget the phone call she received from India two years ago. Her 12-year-old daughter, who had gone missing from their refugee camp in Bangladesh eight days before, had been found by the Indian police in New Delhi. Hamida had been lured from the camp where she lived to India with the promise of a better life by two Rohingya men. The traffickers initially demanded 65 in ransom from the mother of four a tiny sum in western terms but one which she could only raise by begging from door to door. Rohingya refugees continue to flee Bangladesh for India and other neighbouring countries to escape the congested, unhygienic camps where they face threats of violence and have limited access to employment or higher education. Many of those trafficked are Rohingya women and girls like Hamida, who are sold to Indian men as brides, says a 2023 report by Refugees International and The Azadi Project. When Rojiya was called by a relative and told that Hamida had been found and her traffickers had been arrested by the New Delhi police, she was about to breathe a sigh of relief. But then, the relative added: Rojiya, they also arrested Hamida. She is in detention. Shes not alone. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 730 of the 908 asylum-seekers currently detained in India are Rohingya refugees. Rojiya Begum at her Coxs Bazar shanty home in Bangladesh - Md. Jamal Rojiya says did not know how to help Hamida who spoke no language besides her native Rohingya. I reached out to everyone I could for help, she said. The Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust officers, the UN protection team, the Camp in Charge at Balukhali [one of the many Rohingya refugee camps in Coxs Bazar] I pleaded with them to bring my daughter back to Bangladesh. Rojiya would not see her daughter again until March this year when a video message from Her relative in India arrived showing Hamidas lifeless corpse enveloped in white shroud inside an ambulance. Since Hamida had been detained in India, she had been in the care of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), a government agency under the countrys Ministry of Home Affairs. They took Hamidas body for an autopsy, but did not release it to us for almost three weeks afterward, Sabera Khatoon, a relative told The Telegraph in the New Delhi slum where she lives with her family and dozens of other Rohingya refugees. According to the Islamic rule, we wanted to perform the burial as soon as possible. I used to travel to the UN and FRRO offices every day, begging them to release my cousins body. But they did nothing to help us, she said. The UNHCR card issued to Hamida. Like many unaccompanied minors, she was registered as older for a smoother process The Indian law says that an autopsy or a postmortem examination is mandatory when the death of a person occurs in government custody. The procedure can take anytime between a few hours to almost a day, and is usually performed within two to three working days after the death. The body should be released to the next of kin, their representative or the funeral director immediately after the autopsy, according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices bereavement information pack on India. What killed Hamida? Not only did they mysteriously keep Hamidas body for so long, but they also never gave us her postmortem report or any prior medical records despite multiple requests, Sabera said. The Telegraph tracked down a medical professional who had verified information on Hamidas autopsy, which was performed at a government hospital in New Delhi. The source revealed that although the autopsy determined that Hamida had died from derangement of internal organs also known as multiple-organ failure the actual cause of her death is subject to chemical analysis of the tissue sample taken from her body. According to a copy of the autopsy report obtained by The Telegraph, a police report handed to the hospital before the autopsy said Hamida had been on medication for seizure disorder while in detention. The report noted that no documentation was available regarding the diagnosis. The Telegraph interviewed eight Rohingya former detainees who lived with Hamida at a detention centre called Sewa Sadan in the Shehzada Bagh neighbourhood of New Delhi. Six of them were still detained there at the time of her death. The refugees said that Hamida had never experienced a seizure while at Sewa Sadan a place where all the detained women and girls stayed in a singular congested bedroom while the men and boys were packed into another. Rojiya Begum holds a letter to the UNHCR in India, appealing for the release of her daughters body - Supplied by family Hamidas mother Rojiya corroborated the statement, saying that her daughter had been a perfectly healthy child even before leaving Bangladesh, and never experienced any symptom of epilepsy. Hamida was not the only Rohingya detainee in India who may have been given drugs she was not supposed to take. Fifteen other Rohingya refugees previously detained in separate detention centres across New Delhi, including Sewa Sadan, told The Telegraph that they were regularly given food with a suspicious medicine mixed in it. After having my meals in the detention centre, I felt unusually drowsy and almost intoxicated, said a formerly detained Rohingya refugee man who requested anonymity. My thinking abilities did not work much while I was in there. Several former detainees also mentioned that the food inhibited any kind of sexual desire, too. If I refused to eat the food in which they mixed drugs, the staff would beat me up, said a Rohingya refugee woman who asked to remain anonymous. Rohingya children at a refugee camp in New Delhi - Shaikh Azizur Rahman/The Telegraph The 2023 report by Refugees International and The Azadi Project also mentions the practice of deliberately contaminating meals in detention centres housing Rohingya refugees. Quoted in the report, a Rohingya woman who had been detained in India for 18 months said that the staff at the detention centre mix something in the food that made them all sick. India-based Rohingya activist Sabber Kaw Min said that the practice of drugging detainees may be to incapacitate them to protect the authorities and their misdoings. If the detainees are not in a normal condition because of drugging, they would be unable to communicate properly with their friends and family members outside. They would be unable to get the word out regarding any abuses. They would not be able to fight back. And, it would make women and girls inside an easier target for any sexual predator who may target them inside, said the co-founder of the non-profit Rohingya Human Rights Initiative. Extreme medical negligence? For Hamida, even the chemical analysis report may not yield concrete answers, say experts. The analysis can take up to a year or longer from the time of the autopsy, said a New Delhi-based professor of forensic medicine, who chose to remain anonymous citing possible retaliation from authorities. Even then, the results may be vague, as doctors do not know what specific drug to requisition when the viscera is preserved and sent for chemical analysis, he said, referring to testing for a drug overdose. Rohingya refugee Robi Alom, 27, and his younger sister Roma had been with Hamida when she died on the night of March 24 this year. The siblings had first met the girl at a railway station in Dhaka, the day they had all been setting off for India. Robi said that Hamida became a little sister to them, and the two men with her never revealed why they were travelling with the girl. Robi, alongside several other former detainees who knew Hamida, said that she had never been seriously ill until the week she died. But, two days before her death, she had a fever and was throwing up. She also complained of urinary retention, said Robi, now resettled in a European country, over a telephone interview. I was with her when the authorities took Hamida to a small hospital near the detention centre. The doctor there wrote her a prescription saying that she was in a very critical state and must be shifted immediately to a better-equipped government hospital, Robi said. The FRRO staff who were on duty that day denied Hamida urgent medical treatment, Robi added. They forced her to go back to the detention centre instead of taking her to the hospital. They said they would take her there two days later, and that she was just pretending to be too ill. The next day, Robi says Hamida was in a horrible state and was wailing in pain. They finally called an ambulance for her after sunset. But it was too late. She stopped breathing on the way to the hospital and was declared dead upon arrival, Robi said, his voice breaking with emotion. She was screaming in tears for her parents particularly her mother before she died. One Rohingya woman detained in India for 18 months said contaminated food made refugees sick - Shaikh Azizur Rahman/The Telegraph A former Rohingya detainee, who had also been accompanying Hamida at the time of her death, said that in most cases, detainees asking for medical help are turned down by the FRRO and Indian police officials on duty at detention centres. They claim we are being dramatic and pretending to be sick. Even if they take us to the doctors sometimes, we are never allowed to communicate directly with them. It is always the police officer accompanying us who takes the doctor aside and speaks for us, he said, echoing a statement in the Refugees International and The Azadi Project report. Often, the police officer uses racist slurs while talking about us to the doctor. Usually, when one of us gets so ill that death is a possibility, the authorities release the person to escape any liability. I dont know the exact cause of Hamidas death, but the FRRO is to blame for not saving her in time by denying urgent medical treatment, added the man who is now resettled in North America. A Rohingya refugee woman who was in detention for over a year at Sewa Sadan said that the FRRO released her at a stage when she was physically too weak to walk. I was so weak and paralysed that my relatives had to carry me out of the detention centre in their arms. The FRRO did nothing to treat my illness, and let me go when they were scared something worse might happen to me, she told The Telegraph, requesting anonymity, adding that the UNHCR and FRRO forbade them from speaking to the media. Illnesses like tuberculosis, urinary issues and skin diseases are rampant in detention centres, said Ali Johar, another India-based Rohingya activist. The hygiene and sanitation conditions inside are extremely poor and the refugees are not provided with adequately nutritious food, said the other co-founder of Rohingya Human Rights Initiative. Death threats Hamida, despite being an unaccompanied minor who was apparently trafficked, was declared an illegal migrant without following the due process established by law, said New Delhi-based lawyer Chatterji. On the face of it, this appears to be a re-victimisation of an alleged victim of persecution and human trafficking which constitute some of the gravest crimes against humanity, said Chatterji, who argues against indefinite detention of Rohingya refugees as a lawyer. A Rohingya refugee family told The Telegraph that Hamidas death was used to threaten them against seeking legal remedies in the Supreme Court for some of their relatives indefinite detention in New Delhi. FRRO officials contacted us and said that if we filed a case in the Supreme Court, they would kill our family members who were in detention. They said, Your family will be next. They will die the way Hamida Begum did. We were so terrified that we immediately cut off our lawyers, said a member of the family, opting to remain unidentified to protect their safety. Rojiya and her son mourn the death of Hamida - Mohammed Ayas/The Telegraph The Ministry of Home Affairs did not respond to repeated requests for a comment from The Telegraph on Hamidas case and the allegations of medical negligence and death threats. John Quinley, director at non-governmental rights organisation Fortify Rights, said that reports of Rohingya refugees receiving death threats by authorities are abhorrent. We have found that detention conditions are overcrowded and referrals for medical treatment are very difficult. Furthermore, we have documented several cases of Rohingya refugees being beaten in detention, he said. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Human Discrimination (CERD) in July this year said that it was alarmed by reports of arbitrary mass detention of Rohingya refugees in India, including children, in some cases without access to the due process or legal representation. In an official response to The Telegraph, the UNHCR in India said that it deeply regrets the death of Hamida Begum while in detention. For UNHCR, seeking asylum is not a crime, an individuals status as an asylum seeker or refugee is therefore not a valid basis for detention. Currently, UNHCR has limited access to detention. UNHCR stands ready to work with the Government of India on a principled approach to address the situation of all asylum seekers and refugees held in detention, said a spokesperson for UNHCR India. Gazing at a photo of Hamida on her family mobile phone at their shanty home in Coxs Bazar, Rojiya burst into tears again. I havent slept a full night since she was taken away. Every time I go out, I look for her, hoping to see a child like my Hamida but I never do, said Rojiya, who escaped the 2017 genocide against the Rohingya in Myanmar by fleeing to Dhaka with her family. My beautiful daughter is gone, and no one has been held accountable for her death. I can never forgive the Indian government for what they did to her. She was only 14. Allah sees everything. He will certainly bring those responsible to justice. Additional reporting by Ro Mayyu Islam in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Workers install traffic signals at the busy intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A man and a child bicycle ride beside a new installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer New traffic signals installed at the busy intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Workers install traffic signals at the busy intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer New traffic signals installed at the busy intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire stands at the intersection of Westcott and Blossom Streets in the Crestwood neighborhood on Friday March 29, 2024. Whitmire has pressed for years for safety improvements at the crossing. Sharon Steinmann A runner crosses eastbound along Blossom Street at Westcott Street Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Cyclists time breaks in traffic as they attempt to cross Westcott on Blossom, near Memorial Park on July 7, 2021. Michael Wyke / Contributor Cody Foster, a runner and area resident, talks about the dangers crossing Westcott at Blossom, near Memorial Park on July 7, 2021. Michael Wyke / Contributor A popular crossing for cyclists and runners coming or going from Memorial Park is getting another round of safety fixes, despite no reported bicycle or pedestrian incidents in the past decade at the intersection. The Rice Military crossing sits just blocks from Mayor John Whitmires home and has drawn his attention for years. He says he believes the city has failed to do what he and others thinks needs to be done there add traffic lights. The new project adds traffic signals at Blossom and Westcott, four blocks south of the roundabout at Washington and Westcott and four blocks east of the entrance to the parks Eastern Glades area. Work began in mid-October and is the latest but the not first attempt at correcting what cyclists, runners and elected officials believe is a safety issue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a cost of $320,000, the work adds a high-intensity activated crosswalk often called a HAWK directing drivers to slow down and stop as runners and riders cross Westcott along Blossom. This will be such an improvement, said Steve Schollaert, who lives nearby and filed a 311 request in September urging upgrades at the intersection at Blossom. I cant wait to see the impact. The project was put on a fast-track by Houston Public Works via city funds aimed at immediate safety projects and was not part of the planned capital improvement program. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Critics have questioned if this project's prioritization has anything to do with its proximity to the mayors home. In a text message response, Whitmire said that criticism is total BS," adding he ran "to fix Houston." A man runs past new traffic signals at the intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer A mixed-results solution The HAWK design, which has been used sparingly around Houston where pedestrians need a safe crossing, has had mixed results. In some locations, such as along Shepherd and 10th, where two people were killed and former Mayor Sylvester Turner ordered its installation, drivers on the busy street can sometimes blow through the signal, unaware of what they are supposed to do at two flashing red lights and not the typical three-color light. Pedestrians, meanwhile, are typically extremely cautious at the crossing, even when told it is safe to go by the walk signal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You never know who is going to decide not to stop, or be on their phone, Heights resident Sarah Kelly said as she waited to cross. Crashes within 100 feet of the signal dropped precipitously in 2019 when the signal was installed, down from 23 in 2018 to six the following year, but they have rebounded this year. Since Jan. 1, 28 crashes have happened along Shepherd within 100 feet of the pedestrian crossing, with five of those caused by a failure to stop at a signal. THE LAND DOWN UNDER: Houston's freeway underpasses offer untapped potential for urban spaces The Blossom intersection getting the new lights and signs has been a sensitive topic for Whitmire, previous city officials and other elected leaders. As a member of the Texas Senate and area resident, Whitmire sought to have the city install a traffic signal or other improvements at the intersection, and felt he was rebuffed. He said that frustration played a role in his decision to run for mayor, even after some improvements were made. The previous public works used a band (aid), which did not solve the safety issue, Whitmire said in a text message. My public works are designing a system that will be in compliance and safe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whitmire noted others, including Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, also supported improvements at the crossing. Briones office, however, said the county had no funding attached to the project, and could not confirm whether the commissioner supported the current project or any improvements at the intersection. Whitmire and Council Member Abbie Kamin, who represents the area, have sparred over the value of improvements she spearheaded in 2023, which Whitmire said followed his own call for signals that was not supported by public works prior to his mayoral term. 'Data just didn't meet the standard' Three years ago, public works officials nixed the idea of traffic signals at Blossom and Westcott, according to emails at the time, citing concerns they would fail to stop drivers and give pedestrians a false sense of security. Traffic volumes are not high enough to demand a typical traffic light, and crash data especially with no pedestrian incidents did not meet the typical city standards to address safety. City officials have repeatedly said that crash data should determine where they spend safety money, though all mayors have used their discretion to direct fixes where they desire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We would get constant requests for full-blown traffic signals in a lot of places, where the volume or the data just didnt meet the standard, said Jeff Weatherford, the citys former director of transportation and drainage operations, who retired in mid-2020. During those discussions, and others as far back as 2014 about safer crossings, public works officials said the safest option would be to restrict left turns at Blossom. That, city officials said, would allow cyclists a safe place midway without the risk of turning vehicles from both streets. Closing the street one of the few with a convenient crossing off the Westcott median into the area south of the Washington-Westcott roundabout was opposed by the neighborhood during meetings in 2021, so officials moved on. Later, as part of a larger project adding raised crosswalks and road and drainage improvements to the nearby roundabout, Kamin spent less than $40,000 on new pedestrian warning signs, a repainted crosswalk and changes to a median along Westcott to provide more refuge for runners and walkers. The sense that the crossing remained risky, however, persisted. This is an accident or worse waiting to happen, and it can be prevented, Schollaert wrote in his 311 report to city officials. A man runs past new traffic signals at the intersection of Blossom and Westcott on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer So far, the data does not bear that out. The closest incidents involving cyclists or pedestrians are two blocks away one involving a cyclist struck by a possibly drunken driver closer to Memorial Park and a pedestrian that didnt stop for a car that had the right of way east of Westcott at Birdsall. The Westcott work also comes while many other intersections that havent had a single upgrade await repairs. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are running a tight race as the US election approaches. (AFP) (ANGELA WEISS / AFP) Colorado native Matt Cordes has been living outside the US since before the Trump era truly began. A 36-year-old mathematics lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Matt moved to Scotland with his husband last year. Before that, he spent several years in Switzerland, and before that Israel. Thats where he was living when the news of Donald Trumps 2016 victory came through. I went to bed before the results came out, and woke up and it was super depressing. There was one other American I knew who was a postdoc in Israel and we were both very shocked all day. And the Trump term was very stressful, because I felt I didnt have the ability to do anything politically. I could vote, but its very hard to do political action if youre abroad. You can make phone calls and send letters, but you cant organise. And moving to Switzerland during Trumps presidency didnt entirely help Matt and his husband escape what was going on at home in the US. Theres a weird MAGA [Make America Great Again] subculture in Switzerland. Id see people wearing MAGA hats, which was a little bit strange, and somehow QAnon infiltrated in a big way. But in general, people were just shocked that Trump was elected. Matt Cordes has been living outside the US since before the Trump era truly began. (Image supplied) (Image supplied) Matt has always voted Democratic in presidential elections. I was happy with Joe Biden, and I think he turned out to be a good president. Hes gotten a lot done. I do feel like he has, like, done the things he said he was gonna do, and I think that he doesn't get credit for that, he says. Like many US citizens, Matt has a keen sense of how the orientation of federal politics can affect him personally in his case, when it comes to same-sex marriage, which the Biden administration managed to have Congress enshrine into law as a federal right. It's essentially everything the federal government can do for recognition of marriage, because of the state's rights issue [in which states rather than federal government make political decisions]. In fact it's still in the Colorado state constitution that gay marriage is illegal, but federally its a right. "If the Supreme Court overturns that and it's illegal in Colorado I don't think our marriages will be ex post facto invalidated, but I don't know. I mean, it depends who's in charge at the time, right? I mean, it's on the California ballot now to undo it in their constitution. Asked what the stakes are in this election, Matt takes a deep breath. As with many other voters, Matt isnt just worried about Trump himself; hes also mindful of the agenda being assembled by some of the former presidents allies, and how it might affect specific groups of Americans. He is particularly concerned about 'Project 2025', a document published by conservative think-tank the Heritage Foundation that lays out a roadmap for a Trump victory. Although Trump has explicitly said he has nothing whatsoever to do with Project 2025, many of his allies and former associates are involved in it. Related to this is Project 2025. Their plan to destroy the administrative state gives the executive branch a lot of power while simultaneously taking away executive power. Making the government smaller and just stripping it back isn't gonna help people. And I'm also worried about marriage rights, LGBTQ, especially transgender rights. I think that there's already a worrying trend in the West where these are being seriously threatened or have been taken away. What also disturbs Matt is Trumps intensified campaign against immigrants, which promises a programme of mass deportation if he wins. I worry about the worrisome rhetoric about immigrants, Matt says. The US is built on immigrants. We celebrate that, and I think its a really nice part of our culture. And I worry that demonising immigrants is not good, especially when these are people who came to the US to ask for asylum. We should be the shining light on the hill and welcome people. I've known people who previously lived in the US who used to be like, Oh, I'd always wanted to move to the US. And since 2016, I think people have sort of changed their mind about that. That's really a shame. Because I love the US, and I think it's a great place to be. There are obviously issues with it, but its kind of sad to see people not want to go there because of extremist politics. So where will he be on the night? I'm tempted to go to bed because I'm an old person, and dont like staying up. But I think it depends on what the polls say. If it's going to be a tight race, I might stay up just so I don't wake up to disappointments. But watching January 6th on television and being in Switzerland was an awful experience. Election results are not like that I hope theres no political violence. If Pennsylvania is called for Harris, or North Carolina, or Georgia, then Ill go to bed. Read more: Elon Musk speaks at a town hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 20 October. Photograph: Michael Swensen/Getty Images A political action committee (Pac) linked to Elon Musk is accused of targeting Jewish and Arab American voters in swing states with dramatically different messages about Kamala Harriss position on Gaza, a strategy by Trump allies aimed at peeling off Democratic support for the vice-president. Texts, mailers, social media ads and billboards targeting heavily Arab American areas in metro Detroit paint Harris as a staunch ally of Israel who will continue supplying arms to the country. Meanwhile, residents in metro Detroit or areas of Pennsylvania with higher Jewish populations have been receiving messaging that underscores her alleged support for the Palestinian cause. Those aimed at Arab American populations claim Harris will ALWAYS stand with Israel and stand up against Hamas and radical terrorists in Gaza. Another notes that she has a Jewish husband, and describes the pair as Americas pro-Israel power couple. Dont miss important US election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts Meanwhile, texts and mailers sent to heavily Jewish areas claim two faced Kamala stands with Palestine, picturing her in front of a Palestinian flag. A Pennsylvania ad asked: Why did Kamala Harris support denying Israel the weapons needed to defeat the Hamas terrorists who massacred thousands? And why did Harris show sympathy for college protesters who are rabidly antisemitic? The different ads, produced by the Future Coalition Pac, can be viewed in Googles ad transparency center. They are stirring up and trying to create trouble, Mark Brewer, a Michigan elections attorney and former head of the states Democratic party, told the Guardian. Messages depicting Harris as pro-Israel or having a Jewish husband in Michigan are not designed to help her theyre designed to hurt her. Metro Detroit has the largest Arab American population in the US per capita, until this election a solidly Democratic voting bloc that helped boost the party in the divided swing state. But the Trump campaign has made inroads with the groups as frustration mounts over the Biden administrations support for Israel in its bombardments of Gaza and Lebanon. Another Musk Pac is separately facing legal action and backlash for mistreating canvassers, including failing to pay them. Related: What does Elon Musk want from all this politicking? Many mailers and billboards are from Future Coalition, which was established in July. In its Federal Election Commission (FEC) paperwork, the Pac claims its ads are in support of Harris, despite the fact that those in Michigan clearly aim to sabotage her. The only funding it recorded was a $3m contribution from the Musk-funded Building Americas Future non-profit. One billboard from the group in a heavily Arab American Michigan area is more open about its aims: it states that the Democratic US Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish and in a tight race with her GOP counterpart, is more focused on arming Israel than helping your family. But some people in Arab American areas around Detroit report receiving up to five text messages a day from unidentified senders touting Harriss alleged support for Israel. The FEC does not require organizations sending political texts to identify themselves, Brewer said, which he called a real problem and a big loophole. The FEC in 2002 ruled that identification in text messages was not required in part because the messages of character limits on the messages. The same Pac is producing purportedly pro-Harris ads targeting Pennsylvania on issues unrelated to Gaza, one of which reads: Imagine a world where the American Dream has no borders, and features a photo of migrants at the US border. Narendra Modi in October. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/AFP/Getty Images Indias prime minister, Narendra Modi, has condemned a deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada, blaming Sikh activists for the violent clash at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Videos on social media showed demonstrators protesting outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in the city of Brampton, where Indian diplomats were visiting ahead of Diwali celebrations. Some protesters held yellow Khalistan flags, representing a region of India they hope to one day carve out as a Sikh homeland. As tensions rose, isolated fights broke out. Canadas Peel regional police said on Monday that three people had been arrested and criminally charged following the attack and they were investigating several acts of unlawfulness. The alleged offences include assault with a weapon and assaulting a police officer. In the hours after the clashes, each side blamed the other for inciting violence. Modi denounced cowardly attempts to intimidate consular staff, writing in a post on social media: Such acts of violence will never weaken Indias resolve. The group Sikhs for Justice alleged in a statement the protest turned violent when a group of Indo-Canadian nationalists, incited by Indian consulate officials attacked the Sikh demonstrators. The group says some attenders retreated into the temple and began throwing rocks and wielding iron rods. Canadian federal party leaders all condemned the violence. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely, Justin Trudeau wrote on social media. The Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, unequivocally condemned violence targeting worshippers and Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic party also unequivocally condemned the clashes. Violence anywhere is wrong, he wrote. The Ontario premier, Doug Ford, said the violence was completely unacceptable and must be condemned. Relations between India and Canada have remained tense ever since Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of assassinating Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan activist. Tensions rose in October when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats including the countrys high commissioner. The move came as federal police warned of a vast, covert network of violence operated by the Indian government in Canada. Indian officials, conversely, say Canada has ignored the rise of Sikh separatism and done little to tamp down on what Delhi says is violent rhetoric. A body has been found in the search for missing artist Sarah Cunningham, police have confirmed. Police had appealed for sightings or information about the 31-year-old who was reported missing after she was last seen around 3am on Saturday in Jamestown Road, Camden. Shortly after 1.10am on Monday, emergency services were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Chalk Farm Underground Station. While we await formal identification, Sarah's family have been informed of this development, said a Met police spokesperson. They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time. Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances. Sarah Cunningham, in the outfit she was last seen wearing (Met police) The death is being treated as unexpected but is not currently thought to be suspicious, said police. London Ambulance Service spokesperson said it sent a number of resources to Chalk Farm Tube station around 1.10am. The first of our crews arrived in three minutes, said a spokesperson. Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene. Sadly, despite the best efforts of first responders, a patient died at the scene. My sister Sarah Cunningham has been missing since 0230am in Camden. Last seen leaving apartment building on Jamestown Road. She was wearing a black outfit. If you have any information please let me or the police know. she has been officially reported as missing. pic.twitter.com/n13brfY9yB Anthony Cunningham (@C24ANT) November 2, 2024 Earlier unconfirmed reports suggested Ms Cunningham had been seen getting into a dark-coloured car shortly before she went missing. Police say this sighting was investigated, but they do not believe the woman was her. Following Ms Cunninghams disappearance her brother, her boyfriend, and members of the art community issued appeals on social media urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. Friends have paid tribute to the artist after the police discovery. Daniel Ison, said on Facebook he was completely shocked and heartbroken and had known Sarah since they were about 6. He called her always such a warm, silly, positive, funny and a fantastically talented person. Another wrote: It was an honour to be able to be a part of the same art studio as her at Bohunk/Fishergate in Nottingham. She was an immense talent. Lisson Gallery, the contemporary art gallery in Edgware Road which represents Ms Cunningham, paid tribute to her on Instagram as an incredibly talented, intelligent and original artist who we all called a friend. Her paintings are authentic, intuitive and pure with the raw power to immediately foster connections with others qualities reflected in Sarahs own indomitable character, said the gallery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sarahs family, friends and loved ones. Kimberley-Rose Abbott, an artist who has worked alongside Ms Cunningham, said: You're an incredible artist, such a loving person, a beautiful soul. You will always be loved by so many that you touched through your creativity and kindness. The Met police had previously issued a missing persons appeal on X, sharing two images of Sarah, including one of her in the black outfit she was last seen wearing. Her brother, Anthony Cunningham, also posted an urgent appeal on social media on Saturday. My sister Sarah Cunningham has been missing since 0230am in Camden. Last seen leaving apartment building on Jamestown Road, he wrote on X. She was wearing a black outfit. If you have any information please let me or the police know. she has been officially reported as missing. On Facebook Ms Cunninghams boyfriend, Jack Brown, issued a similar appeal on Saturday, urging: If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or has seen or heard anything then please let myself or the police know. Lisson Gallery says on its website Ms Cunningham was born in Nottingham in 1993, and went on to receive a masters in painting from the Royal College of Art in 2022. Her work has since been exhibited in Berlin, Los Angeles, Aspen, and Vancouver. #MISSING| Have you seen Sarah? Sarah, 31, was last seen at about 3am on Sat 2 Nov on Jamestown Road, Camden, NW1. She was wearing the black outfit pictured Anyone who sees her or has any information is asked to call 101 and give ref: CAD 2349/02Nov pic.twitter.com/Scypil13Ba Camden Police (@MPSCamden) November 3, 2024 Her most recent Instagram post was made on October 26, when she posted photos of her visiting the Burberry store in Seoul, where her work was exhibited alongside that of two other contemporary British artists. Beneath her post, fans, friends, and concerned members of the public had posted messages hoping for her safe return. There is a world of people that you dont know nor they you, but want you home, safely .. you are loved, wrote one Instagram user. Were all rooting for your safe return, wrote another. The Uline warehouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Photograph: Wirestock, Inc./Alamy The Republican mega-donors Dick and Liz Uihlein, who are the third largest donors in this years US presidential election, have sought information about who employees at their company Uline will be voting for in Tuesdays ballot. A screenshot seen by the Guardian shows how employees at the private Wisconsin paper and office products distributor were asked to take part in what was called an anonymous survey to track who the employees were voting for on 5 November. Below a picture of a blue donkey and a red elephant, the online survey says: Were curious how does Uline compare to the current national polls? While the button employees are meant to click says the survey is anonymous, the webpage also says that employees may be asked to sign in. This is solely to verify you are a Uline employee and to ensure one submission per person. Your name is not tracked, and your answers remain anonymous. Public records show that Dick Uihlein has donated almost $80m to the Restoration Pac in the 2024 cycle, which supports the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, and other Republican candidates. One employee who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution said the request felt like an infringement on their privacy and that people inside the company were angered by it. Another said multiple employees had privately questioned how anonymous the survey really was. There was an assumption that Democrats would not answer the survey truthfully, a source close to Uline told the Guardian. For Uline workers, there is little doubt about who their bosses want to win in this weeks election. The billionaire Uihleins are staunchly pro-Trump and anti-abortion and have had significant influence on local and national politics, including changes to state laws that will make it more difficult for states to pass pro-choice legislation or changes to state constitutions in the wake of the Dobbs decision that overruled national abortion protections. The voter survey is particularly significant because Ulines operations are headquartered in the critical swing state of Wisconsin, which is one of three so-called blue wall states that are seen as necessary for Kamala Harris to win the White House. While Joe Biden won Wisconsin in the 2020 race for the White House, Trump took it in 2016, solidifying its status as a swing state. Asked whether the request for voting information might be seen as intimidating, Liz Uihlein responded in a statement to the Guardian: This is stupid! The survey was for fun after enduring two years of this presidential election. The results were anonymous and participation was voluntary. This is completely benign. Danielle Lang, senior director of voting rights at the Campaign Legal Center, said she did not believe the request was benign. Employers should know to be very careful around pressure on employees, about whether they vote and certainly who they vote for, Lang said. Dont miss important US election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts Regardless of intentions, this very clearly could create anxiety for many employees, she said. Employees rely on employers for their livelihood. Federal and some state laws protect employees from voter intimidation and coercion, including by employers. Under federal law, voters who need help at the voting booth because of a disability may choose so-called assisters under the Voting Rights Act. But those assisters may not be employers or union reps, Lang said. I think that is an implicit recognition of how much power employers can have over employees and the undue influence they can wield, Lang said. In Wisconsin, it is also criminal to solicit a person to show how their vote is cast. A spokesperson declined to answer the Guardians question about the results of the survey, which were due by 25 October. Thousands of people died in Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs in the Philippines, which he began in 2016. Photograph: Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images Soon after his election in 2016, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte launched his so-called war on drugs, a bloody campaign in which as many as 30,000 civilians were killed. Most of the victims were men from poor, urban areas, who were gunned down in the streets or their homes by police, or in some cases, unidentified assailants. The authorities routinely claimed police had killed in self-defence. However, groups documenting the killings have challenged this claim, alleging the police regularly falsified evidence, including by planting drugs and guns at the scene. Witnesses frequently stated that victims were unarmed and did not pose a threat. The type of wounds sustained by victims also contradicted police claims: many were shot multiple times, and in some cases in their backs or the back of their heads. Duterte has been arrested on a warrant issued by the international criminal court, after being investigated for crimes against humanity over the killings. He has been accused of encouraging and even incentivising the killings, and allowing police to act with impunity. After taking office, Duterte publicly stated that he would kill suspected drug dealers and urged the public to kill addicts. Even as the killings prompted international alarm, Duterte remained committed to the campaign, saying many will die, plenty will be killed until the last pusher is out of the streets. It has been alleged in parliamentary committee hearings in November that Dutertes office paid officers up to 1m pesos (13,200) per killing during the crackdowns, depending upon the target. He has denied that such payments were made, or that he authorised extrajudicial killings. However, he has admitted to maintaining a death squad of criminals to kill other criminals while serving as a mayor. Duterte told a senate hearing in October that he took full legal responsibility for the crackdown. Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to a nerve agent in Amesbury. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Two senior police officers have apologised to Dawn Sturgesss family for falsely describing her as a known drug addict while she was in hospital for the novichok poisoning that killed her, an inquiry has heard. One of the officers, who liaised with the hospital treating Sturgess, also apologised for claiming in an email that ambulance and fire service crews who came to her aid had panicked somewhat by concluding her condition was the result of nerve agent poisoning. Sturgess, 44, died on 8 July 2018 after she was exposed to novichok which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire. It came four months after the attempted murders of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in nearby Salisbury. The Skripals survived as did Sturgesss boyfriend, Charlie Rowley, who had unwittingly given her the discarded perfume bottle containing the nerve agent. The inquiry into the incident was shown an email from the temporary superintendent Kerry Lawes, who was a detective sergeant at the time of the poisoning, to the coroner describing Rowley and Sturgess as two well-known drug addicts. My view is this is still an OD [overdose], there is no suggestion of any third-party involvement from officers who attended the scene. In written evidence read to the inquiry on Monday, Lawes said: I now know that there is no intelligence to support the contention that Dawn Sturgess was herself a user of illegal drugs or an addict. Therefore, I would also like to take this opportunity to personally and sincerely apologise for any distress that may have been caused to Dawns families and friends. Lawes said it was unprofessional of her to claim in the same email, sent a day after Sturgess was taken to hospital, that fire and ambulance crews had panicked by concluding she had been poisoned by nerve agent. She apologised for that remark too. The inquiry was also shown an email from DS Eirin Martin on 2 July referring to Sturgess amd Rowley as well-known local heroin users. Challenged about the email by the counsel to the inquiry, Martin said: Charlie Rowley was known to me as a heroin user and a heroin dealer within the area, but Dawn Sturgess was not known to me at that point. She added: I was given a handover [email] which contained information suggesting that Dawn was a heroin user, which is why I think that Ive added those words. However, I recognise now that this is inaccurate, and of course, I apologise. Martin defended authorising the release of a police press release on 2 July in which she was quoted as saying: We believe that two patients have fallen after using from a contaminated batch of drugs possibly heroin or crack cocaine. She told the inquiry: The hypothesis that Dawn had ingested drugs, or had come into contact with drugs that had caused her to be ill, was a valid hypothesis at that time, given the information that we had. Asked why she had not warned the public about a second hypothesis that Sturgess may have ingested nerve agent, Martin said: We were not trying to panic or give any indication there was anything to be concerned about. Stephen Jukes, a consultant who treated Sturgess and had also treated the Skripals, was asked if his assessment about the cause of her symptoms would have changed if he had been told in a phone call by Lawes that there was no intelligence to show she was a drug user. He said: Its hard to say but new information is always likely to tip the balance. But later, under questioning from a barrister for Sturgesss family, he said: I was trying to treat her as I found her. It would not have changed where we were at that time. In his written evidence, Jukes said his colleague Dr Paul Russell, who had experience in this area, thought it highly unlikely that a chemical weapon was involved, and advised that decontamination measures were unnecessary. The inquiry continues. Alex Salmond, who died suddenly last month - Jane Barlow/PA Wire Recent events have revealed, in the starkest way possible, that the bitter battle and ferocious mud-slinging within Scotlands nationalist community is not just continuing but might also be getting worse. It doesnt seem to have mattered to the warring parties that, to all intents and purposes, we are still in what might be described as a semi-official mourning period for Alex Salmond, who died suddenly last month. His private family funeral service was held last week in his adopted home town of Strichen, Aberdeenshire, and a memorial service is being organised for Edinburgh later this month. But the last few days have seen an incredible bout of animosity spring up, with allies of the late SNP leader and former first minister of Scotland accusing those of Nicola Sturgeon, his successor in both roles, of mounting a smear campaign against Mr Salmond. She has denied being part of any such campaign. It follows reports that Police Scotland was assessing a new allegation of a non-recent sexual assault against Mr Salmond. In another development, it has also been reported that a group of five or six women had complained to the SNP in 2022 about his alleged behaviour. Nothing was done about the latter claims, as by then he had resigned from the SNP. The claims of a renewed conspiracy against Mr Salmond came from Chris McEleny, the general secretary of the Alba Party, founded by Mr Salmond in direct competition to the SNP, which he had almost led to a remarkable success in the 2014 independence referendum. Starting anew with a new party was the most obvious illustration that the split between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon was final. Mr McEleny is urging Ms Sturgeon to, in effect, call off the dogs in the shape of those he believes are responsible for the latest claims being levelled against Mr Salmond. Id be astonished if she accedes to a request like this, as doing so would merely add fuel to the accusation that shes responsible for them. Neither the SNP nor Ms Sturgeon responded to a request for a comment. She was at the centre of an accusation by Mr Salmond that she had been the organiser of a conspiracy that saw him face 13 charges of sexual misconduct, which included one of attempted rape, on all of which he was acquitted after a High Court trial in 2020. Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly denied this allegation. However, there is a view among Mr Salmonds friends and allies that his large-scale acquittal now precludes any mention of this period of his life when he did engender a feeling of unease amongst many women who came into contact with him. And senior Scottish civil servants didnt want their junior staff working alongside him. And his own defence advocate had been overheard appearing to tell a train passenger that Mr Salmond could be seen to be a sex pest. He later vehemently denied that was his view of the former first minister. Notwithstanding this, there is little doubt that Mr Salmond has a sizeable following amongst Scotlands nationalists and also a circle of friends across the political divide in Britain as well as in the business community. His memorial service, expected to be held at Edinburghs St Giles Cathedral on St Andrews Day, Nov 30, will be a ticket-only affair for an estimated congregation of around 400. That said, my serious doubts about a rapprochement between the two national parties in Scotland will remain, as will those doubts about Mr Salmonds qualities as a man and a leader. Sir Keir Starmer has rejected Sir James Dysons condemnation of Labours first Budget as spiteful and being the death of entrepreneurship. Downing Street defended the tax, borrow and spending blueprint unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week as a balanced approach. No10 also highlighted moves to encourage more investment in the UK. Sir James launched a stinging attack on the Budget on Monday. But the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The approach to this Budget was to be upfront and honest with the British public about the dire state of the public finances that the Government inherited and to be upfront and honest about the difficult choices and trade-offs needed in order to restore economic stability and lay the foundations for economic growth. At this Budget, the Government set out a corporate tax roadmap to give investors certainty over the course of the Parliament in relation to corporation tax which will remain the lowest level in the G7, maintained our world-leading capital allowances, including permanent full expensing and 1 million annual investment relief, it preserves the generosity of R&D reliefs, it develops a new process for increasing tax certainty...for major investments. The Government has taken a balanced approach. Earlier, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted that the new Government was seeking to support economic growth in Britain and opportunities for everyone in the future. She argued that the Budget would fix the UKs dire public finances and that we cant just keep ignoring those problems. She hit out after an extraordinary attack on the Budget by inventor and designer Sir James, 77. The super-wealthy business tycoon slammed Labours decision to hike inheritance tax on farms and family businesses. He accused the Chancellor of spiteful politics with her fiscal plan including putting VAT on private school fees. 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, he wrote in The Times. Every business expects to pay tax, but for Labour to kill off homegrown 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. Make no mistake, the very fabric of our economy is being ripped apart. No business can survive Reevess 20 per cent tax grab. It will be the death of entrepreneurship. Think of the jobs for working people that will be lost or never created. But Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, insisted few farms would be affected by the IHT changes and spoke of special pleading by some extremely wealthy people. Asked about Sir James spiteful claim, Ms Cooper told Sky News: I dont agree with that. This is about a very positive Budget to fix the foundations but also to be able to grow our economy, to support growth and opportunities for everyone in the future. Because if you dont sort out the public finances then that is going to hit our economy, that is going to hit businesses across the country, that is going to hit growth. Its also going to hit families across the country and its going to hit the public services that every single one of us depend on. We cant just keep ignoring those problems. She added: It does mean difficult decisions. But what Rachel Reeves has done is set out the way to start fixing those problems for the future. The Budget raised taxes by 40 billion, including a 25 billion rise in National Insurance for employers, borrowing by 32 billion, to boost public spending by some 70 billion. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility said the huge spending increase would initially increase economic growth but that it would then fall back. GDP growth is forecast to be 1.1% in 2024, 2.0% in 2025, 1.8% in 2026, 1.5% in 2027, 1.5% in 2028 and 1.6% in 2029. Consumer goods giant Dyson, best known for the invention of the bag-less vacuum cleaner, announced in the summer plans to cut up to a third of its UK workforce as part of global changes. The business created by Sir James, who has been critical of UK economic policies, moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2019. Dyson has around 3,500 UK employees, with offices in Wiltshire, Bristol and London. Sir James previously claimed that growth had become a dirty word when Rishi Sunak was Prime Minister, and he accused the then Tory government of having a stupid and short-sighted approach to the economy and business in the UK. Members of a rescue team carry away body bags containing deceased people at Klatanlo village - ARNOLD WELIANTO/AFP via Getty Images At least 10 people are dead after a volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted multiple times overnight, spewing fireballs and ash on surrounding villages. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre (5,587-feet) twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, first erupted shortly before midnight on Sunday, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages. Footage posted on social media showed villages near the volcano covered by thick ash, with some areas on fire. Residents described their horror when the crater started to shoot flaming rocks at their homes. I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook twice, as if someone had slammed it. Then I realised the volcano had erupted, so I ran outside, said 32-year-old hairdresser Hermanus Mite. I saw flames coming out and immediately fled. There were ashes and stones everywhere. My salon also caught fire and everything inside was lost. Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the countrys disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), confirmed the death toll at a press conference, adding that 10,295 people had been affected by the eruptions. The countrys volcanology agency has raised the alert level to the highest mark, and told locals and tourists not to carry out activities within a seven-kilometre (4.3-mile) radius of the crater. There has been a significant increase in volcanic activity on Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, it said in a press release on Monday. A collapsed building is seen in Klatanlo village - AFP Smoke billows from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki - AFP It warned there was a potential for rain-induced lava floods and told locals to wear masks to avoid the effects of volcanic ash. The mountain had several major eruptions in January, prompting authorities at the time to raise the alert status to the highest level and evacuate at least 2,000 residents. Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent eruptions due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense volcanic and seismic activity. The relocated the statue of university founder William Marsh Rice is seen during a rededication ceremony of the Academic Quad on the campus of Rice University, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. The revamped, four-acre space included the addition of historical context about Rice, including his ownership of enslaved people, in addition to refreshed pathways through the space flanked by trees, community spaces and benches. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer People sit and speak on the relocated pedestal that once supported the recently relocated statue of university founder William Marsh Rice during a re-dedication ceremony of the Academic Quad on the campus of Rice University, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. The revamped, four-acre space included the refreshed pathways through the space flanked by trees, community spaces and benches. In addition to relocating the status in the quad, the university provided historical context about Rice, including his ownership of enslaved people. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Visitors walk through the new, redesigned Academic Quad on the campus of Rice University, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston. The revamped, four-acre space included the refreshed pathways through the space flanked by trees, community spaces and benches and the relocation of the statue of university founder William Marsh Rice. The relocation including the addition of historical context about Rice, including his ownership of enslaved people. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer The melting down of a massive Robert E. Lee statue is jarring to watch. As a blowtorch cuts it into smaller pieces for the furnace, the Confederate generals visage falls away from the rest of his massive head, leaving a gaping hole. Were referring to a Washington Post video from a year ago that showed the dismantling of the bronze monument to Lee after it was taken down from its perch in Charlottesville, Va. The repurposing of the metal into new public art is one of the most provocative outcomes of the protests that followed the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. For descendants of enslaved people, or for anyone with deep emotional investment in an America that no longer glorifies a war to preserve slavery, its cathartic. Houston, though, has a gentler model that deserves attention especially now, as the country seems at greater risk of unraveling than at any time since the Civil War. The way Rice University handled the statue of its founder offers an example of how to encourage dialogue and healing. And so, strange as it may seem on the eve of a nerve-racking presidential election, wed like to discuss benches and pergolas, sweetgum trees and blue mistflower, and a 90-year-old statue, also bronze, that was moved but not removed. William Marsh Rice enslaved at least 15 people and specified that his money should be used, after his death, to create an institute for white inhabitants. Starting in 1930, a statue of Rice, seated high on 13-foot pedestal, occupied pride of place at the center of his namesake institution's main quadrangle the symbolic heart of Rice University. "Willy's Statue," students called it. In September, Rice University reopened its quad after a total redesign of its four acres. Willy was taken off his 13-foot pedestal and moved from the center of the quad to a quiet corner. Once an imposing figure, the bronze figure now seems rather demure, looking to the side, eyes down turned toward an open book. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seen like this, Willy's statue no longer seems to represent a god among mortals. At eye level, Willy looks like a regular human someone who was generous with his wealth but also profoundly flawed. It was a great move, and we praise the university and the landscape architect it hired, Thomas Woltz. Rices quad now feels like a welcoming place. The campus is open to visitors, and we encourage readers to visit to see for yourselves. If youve been before, the erasure of the old symmetry of the quad may shock you more than the relocation of Willie into a sort of naughty corner. Gone are the rectangular lawns lined with skinny Italian cypress trees. Many alumni will miss the austere geometry. Back in the day, though, students would trample the grass in their rush from dorms to lecture halls, carving desire lines in the dirt over generations. Woltz took his cue from those lines, designing curving paths that define three zones. By Lovett Hall the campus's oldest, grandest building, with its marble carvings and arched sallyport there's a ceremonial area for graduation ceremonies. The lushness of 90 newly planted trees and 24,000 additional shrubs and perennials immediately hits you. Most of them are native species. Little placards show plant names with helpful factoids. Did you know indigenous people used the sap from sweetgums as chewing gum? The central area is a commons with an expanse of concrete pavers. It looks too exposed for our hot climate, partly because some of the new trees didnt thrive and replacements havent come in yet. What was once the wide base of the Willie monument was pushed to the side a bit; Woltz suggests it will serve as a small stage. He compares it to the famed Speakers Corner in Londons Hyde Park. It's a smart symbolic shift to be sure, though during our few visits, we didnt see much going on. Hopefully, its brought to life by musical performances, dragon dances, protests. On Tuesday student groups will host an Election Day celebration there. The zone by the library got new shade structures, tables and chairs. Rice has long been known for its quirky student life, but to outsiders it could feel severe. Over the past 30 years, though, it's become livelier with far more "third spaces" to pause and talk. Its amazing what a few outdoor chairs sprinkled around can do along with a few big moves, such as the construction of Brochstein Pavilion, arguably Houstons most elegant coffee and lunch spot (expected to reopen by the end of the month). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Woltz, who is based in Virginia and also redesigned Memorial Park, reminded us that Houston has a growing collection of landscapes that address our countrys biggest challenges all at once flooding, the heat island effect, climate change, wildlife habitat and, most important, social disconnection. The decision to move Willy came after years of study by historians, who released a report that detailed the schools entanglement with slavery, segregation and racial injustice. We applaud Rice for making a bold choice and executing it with nuance though we also think that the school missed an opportunity. Instead of putting up fencing and hiding the statue's relocation, the process should have been public. The communities excluded from Rice for so many decades deserved a moment of catharsis. David Lammy has said any conversations about reparations need to be about the future rather than the transfer of cash. The Foreign Secretary was speaking in Nigeria to sign a strategic partnership covering economic ties, national security and climate change, as part of his first visit to Africa in the role which also takes in South Africa. In the wake of Commonwealth leaders signing a letter calling for talks on reparations for nations affected by slavery, Mr Lammy said concentrating on money was a simplistic press debate. Its not about the transfer of cash, particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis around much of the globe, and certainly in the UK, he told the BBC. That is not the debate I think that people are wanting to have. Theyre wanting to think about the future. Describing slavery as horrific and horrendous in many, many ways, he said scars had been left and the UK Government had apologised for the countrys role in the trade. The Foreign Office said Mr Lammy was pursuing a fresh approach that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar. 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. 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. The partnership with Nigeria will cover economic ties, national security and climate change, and Mr Lammy is expected to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to discuss further trade and climate collaboration. In South Africa, he is set to meet foreign minister Ronald Lamola and agree on the development of a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan. Mr Lammy added: Growth is the core mission of this Government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike. A volunteer walks on a muddy street as he leaves Paiporta, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Hundreds of civil and military emergency workers are searching shopping centres, garages and underground car parks for more victims of floods in the Valencia region that have killed at least 214 people, as public anger mounts over Spanish authorities handling of the disaster. Yellow and amber weather warnings were in place for parts of Valencia and neighbouring Catalonia on Monday, with people in the affected areas advised to stay off the roads and keep away from the coast and rivers. Heavy rain pounded the Barcelona area on Monday morning, leading the regional government to issue civil protection alerts and cancel all local train services. More than 50 flights due to take off from El Prat airport were cancelled or severely delayed. Over the weekend, personnel from the armed forces military emergencies unit (UME) focused their efforts on shopping malls and car parks where people could have been trapped by the floods, which were caused by torrential rains that experts have linked to the climate emergency. On Sunday, UME workers managed to enter the underground car park of the huge Bonaire shopping complex in the Valencian town of Aldaia. . Using a small boat and flashlights, police searched the lots 1,800 parking spaces, telling reporters that so far about 50 vehicles had been found and no bodies had been discovered. The disaster, which has prompted the central government to deploy 10,000 troops and police officers, has killed 210 people in Valencia, three in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Malaga. The number of missing remain unknown. There are fears the death toll could rise as the relief efforts reach previously inaccessible areas. The prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has described the floods as the worst natural disaster in Spains recent history and said all necessary resources would be mobilised to deal with its aftermath. On Monday, another 2,500 soldiers were sent to the affected areas, adding to the 5,000 sent in recent days. A Spanish navy vessel also arrived at Valencias port on Monday, carrying marines, helicopters and lorries loaded with food and water. But anger over the response to the crisis and, in particular, over the Valencian regional governments delay in sending an emergency alert when the floods hit on Tuesday has only risen. On Sunday, a high-profile visit to the badly affected Valencian town of Paiporta was disrupted after a furious crowd threw mud at Sanchez, as well as the regional president, Carlos Mazon, King Felipe and Queen Letizia. There were also shouts of Killers! and Get out! Speaking a few hours after he was swiftly escorted from the area, the prime minister acknowledged peoples pain but said a small minority of those in Paiporta were behind the angry scenes. We know what people need and our priorities are clear: saving lives, finding the bodies of the people who have died, and rebuilding the affected areas, he said. The violence carried out by a few people wont deflect the collective interest. Its time to look ahead and to keep on working with all the means and coordination needed to get through this emergency together. Sources in Sanchezs socialist administration were a little more forthright, describing the protests in Paiporta as a far-right and anti-political show. Spains transport minister, Oscar Puente, conceded the visit may have been mistimed. Maybe it wasnt the best time, he told the Spanish TV channel La Sexta. Theres a lot of anger and people feel abandoned and then you have the activities organised by some people who belong to the extreme right. The countrys interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, told broadcaster TVE that police had opened an investigation into the incidents that marred the official visit. King Felipe, who insisted on continuing the visit, said he appreciated the scale of peoples fury. One has to understand the anger and frustration of many people given all that they have gone through, as well as the difficulty in understanding how all the mechanisms work when it comes to the emergency operations, he said on Sunday. Mayors from the affected municipalities have been pleading with officials to send help as soon as possible. Were very angry and were devastated, said Guillermo Lujan, the mayor of Aldaia. We have a town in ruins. We need to start over and Im begging for help. Please help us. King Felipe VI of Spain (centre right) is heckled by angry residents who throw mud and objects during his visit to Paiporta, in the region of Valencia - Manaure Quintero/AFP As soon as I heard the news on Sunday that a crowd in the flood-stricken region of Valencia had thrown mud at the King and Queen of Spain, I suspected there was something more to the story. So it proves. Under the Spanish constitution, the King cannot deny his prime minister anything. What happened seems to have been as follows. The palace, as is normal, informed the office of the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, that the royal couple would be paying a sympathy visit to the flood zone. Mr Sanchez decided to come too. Such political linkage with a royal visit could not happen in Britain. The prime minister is extremely unpopular because of the slow government response to the floods, in which well over 200 people died. All too aware of this, Mr Sanchez was using King Felipe as, literally, his human shield. Elements of the crowd, incensed by everything that has happened, saw the mixed official party royal, prime ministerial and regional government and started throwing mud. Under this bombardment, Mr Sanchez hurried back to his car. The King and Queen, on the other hand, stayed, talking to and embracing the crowd. The Queen wept with those who grieved. The couple won considerable praise for their courage and empathy. Not much later, the prime ministers office started behind-the-hand briefings that the palace had chosen the wrong time to make the trip. In fact, however, the monarchy was probably the only arm of Spanish officialdom which did move fast. The day after the floods King Felipe sent half of his own royal guard about 50 men to help the rescue, well before the wider army was committed. The BBCs early reports from the mud-slinging did not mention that Mr Sanchez was in the visiting party: yet it is the crucial fact. Judges could once more have the power of life and death in the name of mercy The more I think about this Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the more I worry about what it means for professionals. The draft Bill enlists the help of two types of professionals. The first are doctors. One must diagnose that a patient has a terminal illness and fewer than six months left to live. That doctor, and another independent doctor, must then countersign the patients wish to commit assisted suicide. An assisting health professional must prepare the necessary fatal cocktail of drugs, help the person kill himself or herself with those drugs, except for the final act which must be the persons alone, and then be in close proximity until the person has died. In diagnosing terminal illness, the doctor is treating a patient. In countersigning that patients declaration that he wants help killing himself, the doctor suspends his normal medical duty to assist the health of the patient and instead assumes a non-medical duty to assist the person (no longer a patient) to commit the fatal deed. Why should this be seen as a medical role? It contradicts all other medical roles and so is unprofessional. The other type of professionals involved are judges of the High Court (Family Division). They must be satisfied that the would-be suicide is over 18, has a voluntary, clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life and has signed the relevant declaration. Why should an assisted suicide be a matter for their permission? True, judges tend to be thoughtful people and are versed in the observance of correct process. But what is the legal qualification which means they, and no else, can understand the mind of the potential suicide? It is 60 years since a death sentence was last carried out in Britain, so no current judge has had the power of life and death. Obviously, there is a difference between self-inflicted death and death as a judicial penalty. Nevertheless, it is a strange innovation that deliberate, avoidable human death will, if the Bill is passed, now lie in the power of the judiciary. Again, is it professional? Jordans suit Jordan's suit Tim Stanleys interview with Jordan Peterson in this newspaper last Saturday brought out two things about this Canadian guru which I noticed on the only occasion I met him: that he is both very interesting and definitely cranky. I leave Stanleys excellent interview to speak for itself, but I just want to comment on the picture that accompanied it. Something attracted my eye to the slightly unusual-looking pinstripe of Dr Petersons suit. On closer inspection, I could see that the stripes were not stripes, but words. CLEAN YOUR ROOM, they said, and said it again and again for as far as the eye could see (roughly down to Dr Petersons solar plexus). Dr Peterson is famous for propagating rules like Stand up straight with your shoulders back. CLEAN YOUR ROOM would seem to be a shortened version of his message to teenagers: If you cant even clean up your own room, who the hell are you to give advice to the world? Good advice, but the problem with it in a suit is visibility. Unlike big writing on T-shirts, this discreet messaging, presumably executed by Dr Petersons bespoke tailor, means that you must get very close to the great man to see it. Another problem is when to wear it. I imagine a hostess who has invited Dr Peterson as the star guest at her dinner party, might, once she spots the message, take it personally. I hope Dr Petersons suits have different messages for different occasions, such as CALL MY AGENT, DO NOT DISTURB or HERES LOOKING AT YOU, KID. Chris Bowen says there is a difference between Australians being open to nuclear energy and agreeing to it. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian Support for nuclear power is likely to evaporate once Australians face a clear choice at the next election and realise the Coalitions policy would mean relying more on old coal plants and increased risk of blackouts, Chris Bowen says. The climate change and energy minister said that while some polling had suggested some voters were open to nuclear plants being allowed in Australia surveys had also consistently found they preferred renewable energy. Every bit of research Ive seen, public and private, says that when shown details and given a choice between nuclear and other forms of energy, nuclear fares very, very badly, he said. If you look at the popularity of different forms of energy, its solar, wind, gas, daylight, coal, nuclear, in that order, every single time. The Coalition has named seven sites where it says it would eventually replace coal-fired power plants with nuclear plants but not how much this would cost. Multiple energy analysts argue nuclear energy would be more expensive than other options and a nuclear industry would not be possible in Australia until after 2040. The bulk of the countrys coal plants are scheduled to close in the 2030s. The opposition has suggested it would limit the rollout of large-scale renewable energy it has criticised Labors goal of 82% renewable energy by 2030 and bridge the gap by keeping ageing coal plants running longer and using more gas-fired power. It has not yet said what type of gas plants this means. With nuclear banned, gas is the most expensive form of electricity in the national electricity market and it use is largely restricted to peaking power turned on only when needed. It provided less than 3% of electricity in the national grid over the past month. The chair of the Australian Energy Regulator, Claire Savage, told a parliamentary inquiry she did not believe that nuclear plants could be built in enough time to cover the closure of coal-fired power plants. More than a quarter of the coal power capacity in the national grid was offline on the day she gave evidence due to planned and unplanned outages. Related: Trump says I shouldnt have left White House, despite losing 2020 election Polling on nuclear energy in Australia has produced varied results. A Lowy Institute poll in June found 61% strongly or somewhat supported its use alongside other sources of energy. A Guardian Essential poll was roughly split between people who considered it an attempt to extend the life of gas and limit investment in large-scale renewables and those who said it was serious, and should be considered as a part of the nations energy future. In an interview with Guardian Australia, Bowen said some Australians were open to nuclear energy but he was not concerned as there was a difference between people being open to it and agreeing to it. When you say to people, whether its in a formal market research setting or a punter in the street setting, I dont object to nuclear, morally but I object to it because its so expensive, but probably even more importantly, because it takes so long, and we dont have time if were going to wait the 20 to 30 years it would take, and that means more coal in the system and coal in the system longer, and even the Liberals arent proposing to build new coal-fired power stations so theyre just going to rely on these old ones longer, and thats blackouts then the support or openness evaporates. The Coalitions climate change and energy spokesperson, Ted OBrien, has promised more details of the oppositions proposal before the end of the year. He has rejected claims there would be a risk of an electricity shortage under its plan and said government and clean energy industry analysis of how much it would cost were inaccurate as they were not based on its full policy. Rafael is the 17th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Photograph: NOAA logo National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Forecasters posted a hurricane warning in the Caribbean on Monday afternoon after a late-season disturbance south of Cuba strengthened into Tropical Storm Rafael and set its sights on the US Gulf coast. The 17th named storm of an overactive Atlantic hurricane season will bring heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before strengthening to a hurricane and probably hitting Cuba, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Forecasters are predicting that it will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the US along the Gulf of Mexico, with longer-range projections showing the Louisiana coast, including New Orleans, and Mississippi in the so-called cone of concern. A hurricane warning was in effect for the Cayman Islands, while Cuba was placed under a hurricane watch, and a tropical storm warning was posted for Jamaica. By Monday afternoon, Rafael was about 175 miles (280km) south of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 45mph (72km/h), and moving north at 9mph. The storm was expected to move near Jamaica by late Monday and be near or over the Cayman Islands late Tuesday into Wednesday at near hurricane strength. While weather models suggest the center of the storm could eventually make landfall between Louisiana and the western edge of the Florida Panhandle, dry air and water temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit could cause it to rapidly weaken as it moves north. It is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf coast. Residents in this area should regularly monitor updates to the forecast, the NHC specialist Larry Kelly wrote in an afternoon update. Rafael will bring areas of heavy rain to portions of the western Caribbean, including Jamaica and Cuba through mid-week, where flooding and landslides are possible. Heavy rainfall will spread into Florida and adjacent areas of the south east US mid to late week. Kelly said totals of 3 to 6in and up to 9in were expected locally in Jamaica and parts of Cuba. Annually, hurricane seasons are expected to last at least through 30 November. Hurricanes forming in the late stages of those seasons have been seen more often during the ongoing climate crisis, spurred primarily by the burning of fossil fuels. Major hurricanes Helene in September, and Milton last month, followed similar paths across the Caribbean and strengthened significantly in the Gulf of Mexico before striking Floridas west coast. Forecast models, however, show Rafael as a weaker storm veering away from Florida. On the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Patty dissipated into a post-tropical cyclone on Monday. Although no longer a tropical system, its remnants were forecast to bring heavy rainfall across portions of Portugal and western Spain. The Associated Press contributed reporting If a pollster says they know who is going to win, theyre lying - RYAN COLLERDRYAN M. KELLY/AFP On Wednesday evening, I sat with a group of black, white and Asian undecided voters in the suburbs of Detroit. It is my last focus group of 2024. I am ending as I started: I was last here in January, talking to independents about the race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The city was packed with snow then, but the words voters use about Trump are the same now as then and in the scores of other focus groups in between. Crude. Nasty. Aggressive. Nonsense. Racist. Ignorant. They see the former president as a brute; a heaving, unbound colossus who crushes anyone in his way and exhibits the worst of Americas excesses. All eight respondents felt like this. But when it came to how they would vote, half of them picked Donald Trump regardless. He might be a wolf, said one black woman, but he is not a wolf in sheeps clothing like Harris. For an Asian American in the group, Trumps aggression also means strength, which he would bring to bear on fixing the border. For a black man, Tim, he was a disruptor who would shake things up. For Randi, a 50-year-old white housewife, he is like a film director: the most hated person on the set but with the vision to lead. The other white women in the group picked Kamala Harris, referencing her commitment to womens rights and not being Trump. There are two dynamics at play here. The first undermines the adage that the least favourably viewed candidate loses; people dislike Trump, but they still pick him to be their man. The second is that non-white voters are more open to voting Republican than they have ever been before. Our final JL Partners poll of the cycle has Trump winning 45 per cent of Hispanic voters, a ten-point jump on what he achieved in 2020. It has him on 15 per cent of black voters, double his performance from four years ago. Eleven months ago, I might have raised an eyebrow at these numbers, but after meeting scores of people from both groups, I think this is a real shift. The economy, frustrations with the border, an increasingly liberal Democrat party on family values, and a dislike of Harris have all underscored the move. Meanwhile, Harris hold over her most loyal non-white voters is slipping. Not only is her support among black voters lower than the Democrats enjoyed under Biden or Clinton, but black turnout in early voting statistics is mixed. While Harris will take heart from strong turnout in Detroit and North Carolina, in Georgia the black percentage of the early vote is lower than any recent election there, on 26.3 per cent compared to 28.3 per cent in 2020 and 27.8 per cent in 2016. On the other hand, Trumps base seems to be buzzing with energy. Our poll finds 74 per cent of Trump voters are very enthusiastic about voting, compared to just 67 per cent of Harris supporters. Rural counties are turning out in Georgia, with the top counties for early votes being ones that heavily backed Trump in 2020. Many of these voters are people who have not voted before. That again bodes well for Trump, who leads Harris among previous non-voters by double digits. Trump won in 2016 by turning out these non-voters, and he may be about to do the same again. So far, so good for Trump. But what of the white, college-educated women Wendy and Nora in my focus group? They may end up being Harris own trump card. Angered by Republican positions on abortion, positive about Harris character (she just makes me feel good) and horrified by Trump, women like Wendy and Nora could storm the suburbs for Harris and deliver her the states she needs to win. Harris still leads Trump by two points in Americas suburban areas, which have often plotted the path to the White House. This is the group that Ann Selzer, an esteemed pollster in Iowa, thinks will march Harris to victory. She found Harris up 3 points in Iowa, a deep red state in 2016 and 2020, largely resting on female independents and women over the age of 65. This group votes, and women have swung to Harris since 2020 she now leads among women by 14 points to Bidens 12. Though Trump has also increased his lead with men (from 5 points over Biden in 2020 to 22), men are less likely to get off the couch and get to the voting booth. We can see that in the early voting. More women have voted so far than men, with 54 per cent of the early vote in states that register this being female, compared to 44 per cent for men. That is not historically unusual, but with the swing to women that should alarm the Trump campaign. All these factors leave pollsters like me in a sorry position. Anyone telling you they know who will win is lying to you. The polls have been wrong in the past and could be again. It is exceptionally difficult to model who will turn out in a given swing state, especially with such tight margins. A better ground game on the day in Pennsylvania the state most likely to hand a candidate victory could change everything. But looking at the polling and what has happened already, I believe Trump has the very slightest of advantages. He is galvanising his base in the countryside. He is facing a tidal wave of angry white women, but he is also eroding a traditional blue mountain of non-white voters. Back in Detroit, I ask Sheree, a 31-year-old undecided black woman, who she would vote for if she had to decide today. After countless polls and interviews, it is the last question I ask a voter this year. She mumbles, twists her face, and looks tortured. Then finally she says it. Trump. Nora and Wendy, the white women, look on in shock. Why do you say that, Sheree?, I ask. Because of the economy. I dont know who is going to win. But as I gather up my notes from my final focus group, Sherees voice ringing in my ears, I think Trump goes into it with the tiniest of edges in an historically close race. James Johnson is the co-founder of JL Partners The mutant strain of mpox was first detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Two more cases of the new, more dangerous strain of mpox have been detected in London, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. The two patients have been placed under specialist care at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, the UKHSA said on Monday. They are understood to be members of the same household as the first person to test positive for the new strain, named Clade 1b, after travelling back from Africa last week. Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household, said Professor Susan Hopkins, the UKHSAs Chief Medical Adviser. She added the overall risk to the UK population remains low, and that the authorities are following up further contacts, who will be offered testing and vaccination as needed. Details on the first case, which was announced last Friday, are yet to be shared. However, UKHSA did confirm that the patient had travelled to countries where clade 1b is spreading. They returned to the UK on an overnight flight from Africa on October 21, and developed symptoms shortly after. Clade 1b is a different variant to the ones that have been circulating in the UK since 2022. It is thought to cause more severe disease and spread more easily between people. The mutant strain of mpox was first detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last year. Since then it has infected more than 25,000 people and been responsible for the deaths of at least 1,000. The World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency earlier this year because of clade 1bs rapid spread to neighbouring countries in Africa. It has since been detected in Sweden, Germany, India, and Thailand all in patients who had travelled to affected areas. Formerly known as monkeypox, mpox is primarily spread through close contact, such as sex, skin-to-skin contact and talking or breathing close to another person. The disease causes a characteristic lumpy rash, as well as fever, aches, and pains. It has also been linked to dangerous complications for pregnant women including miscarriage. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security A nuclear fallout shelter sign hangs on a building in New York. The US was among 30 UN member states to abstain in the vote. Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AP The UK was one of three countries to vote against creating a UN scientific panel on the effects of nuclear war because, the Foreign Office argued, the devastating consequences of such a conflict are already well known without the need for a new study. The UK, France and Russia were the only countries to vote on Friday night against a UN general assembly committee resolution drafted by Ireland and New Zealand to set up an international scientific inquiry to take a fresh look at the multifaceted impact of nuclear weapons use. Related: UK urged to break with France, North Korea and Russia on UN nuclear war resolution Backers of the motion said the last such UN study had been carried out towards the end of the cold war and that a lot had changed since then, in geopolitics and in science. A total of 144 UN member states voted for the resolution, and 30 abstained, including the US. North Korea had been expected to vote no, but abstained. In another surprise, China voted for the proposal, the only nuclear-armed state to do so, as did eight Nato allies. The resolution will now go to the full general assembly for a final vote. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: Nuclear war would have devastating consequences for humanity. We dont need an independent scientific panel to tell us that. The UK remains fully committed to its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). The resolution does not advance this cause. The French foreign ministry and the Russian mission to the UN were also approached for comment. The UKs vote was condemned by British arms control advocates, who had hoped the new Labour government would change policy on the issue. Rebecca Johnson, the founder and director of Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy, said: With nuclear use being evoked and threatened in todays wars, Keir Starmers government has ridiculously aligned the UK with Russia and France in voting against UN backing for up-to-date research about nuclear war and the effects of nuclear weapons use when so-called deterrents fail. Not only is this ostrich head-in-sand decision an embarrassing mistake politically it foolishly risks UK credibility and standing in scientific, nuclear, legal and humanitarian circles. Johnson, who is also a co-founder of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, said updating nuclear war research was an imperative to prevent wars going nuclear, so UK scientists should be fully involved in this research, not running away. Nuclear weapons experts say that understanding of the impact of various nuclear scenarios has evolved considerably in the decades since the last UN study. For example, it is now thought that even a limited regional nuclear conflict could trigger a global nuclear winter by propelling huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Patricia Lewis, the head of the international security programme at the Chatham House thinktank, said: The Foreign Office say: We know it all, and Im sure the experts at the Foreign Office and the MoD [Ministry of Defence] do know it all. But so many people in the UK dont know, so many people around the world dont, and so many governments dont. Lewis said the proposed 21-expert panel would almost certainly be approved by the general assembly, in which case it would be in the UKs interests to be part of it. She noted that when the resolution went to the full assembly the UK would have an opportunity to change its vote. Google Maps has updated satellite imagery of Ukraine, revealing the locations of military facilities, according to Kyivs counter-disinformation unit Google has been accused by Ukrainian defence chiefs of accidentally revealing the location of key military positions following an update to its Maps tool. Moscow had already started actively distributing the images for the benefit of Russian forces, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines counter-disinformation unit at the National Security Council. Lt Kovalenko expressed anger at what he viewed as the tech giants irresponsibility. Imagine the situation. Google displays updated images of maps showing the location of our military systems. We are contacting them to fix it quickly, he said on Telegram. The Russians are already actively dispersing these pictures. What is wrong with this world? he added. In a later statement, Lt Kovalenko said that Google representatives had reached out to Ukraine and were working to rectify the issue. He did not specify which of Ukraines military sites were exposed on Google Maps, a navigational tool that freely provides users with satellite imagery and aerial pictures. A Ukrainian soldier sits and waits in a warren of trenches near the front line - Paul Grover But Russian military bloggers appeared to confirm the intelligence leak by Google, publishing screenshots that, they claimed, showed new air defence systems ringing an airport near Kyiv. These were identified as US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missiles from a Google satellite photo dated Sept 28 2023. They were missing in an earlier Google satellite photograph. One so-called Z blogger, a term used to describe pro-war Russian nationalists, reposted Lt Kovalenkos complaint and then, next to a laughing emoji, wrote: Tomorrow will come and then you will be killed. The Telegraph contacted Google for a response but neither it nor its parent company Alphabet were immediately available for comment. The intelligence leak of Ukrainian missile defence systems is the latest setback for Kyivs forces. Over the weekend, Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military said that his soldiers were now facing down one of the most intense Russian offensives since the start of the war. Adding to concerns, Western intelligence said up to 13,000 North Korean soldiers are poised to join the fight for the Kremlin under a mutual military assistance deal agreed between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. The troops are expected to enter into battle in Russias Kursk region which Ukraine invaded in August but are waiting for Russias Upper House of Parliament to rubber-stamp the deal between Kim and Putin. However, Lt Kovalenko said on Telegram that North Korean soldiers had already come under fire in the Russian village of Kurshchnya. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin received Choe Son-hui, the visiting North Korean foreign minister. She thanked Putin for finding the time to meet with her and he replied: Well, today is a holiday, and meeting with friends on a holiday is a very good tradition. Ms Choe has been in Moscow for five days and has held a series of meetings that analysts have said are building up to the launch of North Korean soldiers into the war. She has also told Russian officials that Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, has said he considers Russias war in Ukraine to be a holy war and will support it until its end. Near the frontlines in eastern Ukraine, police reported that three people have been killed in a strike by a Russian glide bomb on a residential area in the Kharkiv region. A new NHS campaign ad will show the main symptoms of a stroke such as weakness in the arms or face Stroke victims and their families should call 999 as soon as just one symptom appears, Englands top doctor has urged. Health officials said widespread confusion about deadly symptoms was leaving people waiting almost 90 minutes to call emergency services. It comes as polling today shows that the majority of people believe they should only call 999 if someone has multiple symptoms. Medical professionals say tens of thousands of people could be diagnosed more quickly, with many lives saved and devastating disabilities prevented, if the crucial call was made sooner. The NHS will today launch the first major update to its Act FAST campaign in 15 years. The public will be urged to call 999 if anyone experiences at least one of three common symptoms: struggling to smile (Face) raising an arm (Arm) or slurring their words (Speech). Professor Sir Stephen Powis called on the public to call 999 even if the first sign of a stroke doesnt seem like an emergency, saying swift action could help save and protect many more lives. The new campaign will stress that just one sign is enough to constitute a medical emergency, requiring immediate action. It comes as a national audit of NHS data found that the average time between first symptom and making a 999 call was 88 minutes. Professor Sir Stephen Powis says the campaign could help save and protect many more lives - Yui Mok Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without prompt treatment a stroke can result in death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems. Every 20-minute delay is associated with an extra percentage in loss of function, research shows. Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: These figures highlight very clearly that we must do more to support people to recognise the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others and take action to call 999 at the earliest opportunity. Stroke symptoms can be less obvious or dramatic than you might expect, but even if it doesnt seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency and its vital you call 999 immediately. He said: This campaign is so important greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke. The advert shows a grandmother struggling to read her grandchild a bedtime story due to stroke Health officials said survival from strokes has improved, thanks to advances in NHS care. But strokes remain the fourth-greatest single cause of death in the UK. There are 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year, down from 66,000 in 2001. The data on how long patients took to call 999 came from analysis of calls about 41,327 patients in 2023/24. The audit by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme at Kings College London, is the first time such data has been published. It came as polling of 2,001 adults in England found that 57 per cent of respondents believed you should have two or three symptoms of a stroke before calling 999. Just 38 per cent of those polled thought they should act on just one sign. NHS data shows the average time between first symptom and making a 999 call was 88 minutes - Ralf Geithe/iStockphoto The NHS campaign will launch a new TV advertisement showing examples of symptoms. In one case a woman can be seen struggling to smile while watching TV (Face), while in another a decorator is unable to lift their paint roller (Arm), while a grandmother struggles to read their grandchild a bedtime story (Speech). The advertisements will run across TV, TV on demand and radio in England until mid-December. As part of the campaign launch, a film has also been released which features stroke survivors listening back to audio recordings of the real 999 calls that saved their lives. Acting FAST remains vital A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but those at increased risk include people aged over 50 years old, people from a Black or South Asian background, or those living with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sickle cell disease. Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke and consultant stroke physician, said: When someone has a stroke, its estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign its time to call 999. Thanks to greater awareness of the symptoms and advances in NHS care, more people are now surviving a stroke than ever before, but there is much more to do to help save lives and reduce the long-term impact of strokes. Acting FAST remains vital whether it is a friend, loved one or even a passerby, dialling 999 quickly saves lives. For the campaign, stroke survivors like Dionne Hudson listen back to recordings of the 999 call that saved their lives Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: It is important to treat a stroke quickly and raising awareness of symptoms is vital to saving lives. It is not just about recognising when a stroke is happening we know that many of the causes of strokes are preventable, and this government is taking action to tackle the biggest killers such as heart disease and stroke. The NHS Health Check programme aims to prevent cardiovascular disease, including stroke, in people aged 40-74 years through assessing risk factors such as blood pressure and referring people to behavioural support and clinical treatment to reduce their risk. Each year the programme engages over 1.3 million people and prevents around 500 heart attacks and strokes a year. We are currently developing a new digital NHS Health Check enabling people to complete this life saving check in their own home. During a stroke it may be hard to smile and one side of the face may droop Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle. She said: Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children can be stroke survivors, and the impact of stroke on them and their loved ones can be catastrophic. This new NHS campaign is so important to help raise awareness that a stroke is always a medical emergency. If you spot any of the three common signs of a stroke in someone, the first thing you should do is call 999. The quicker stroke treatments are given, the better. As we say, time is brain, so its important to recognise any of the signs of a stroke and act immediately. Acting FAST is vital for stroke survival and to help improve the journey to recovery. Brian Turner, a celebrity chef, aged 78, suffered a stroke in 2022. He said: Im so lucky my agent Louise recognised that I was experiencing a sign of a stroke. She noticed that I couldnt speak properly and immediately called 999, ensuring that I could get lifesaving treatment from the NHS. Without her, I wouldnt be where I am now. Im proudly supporting NHS England in urging the public to act FAST and call 999 at the first sign of a stroke. Will Donald Trump or Kamala Harris win on Election Day? For one Houston Chronicle reader, she fears waking up on Wednesday to find out America elected its first dictator. AP Election Day hopes Regarding "Here's what to watch as Election Day approaches in the U.S.," (Nov. 3): I am praying that the right candidate wins on Tuesday. I am so afraid that Wednesday I will wake up and America will have its first dictator in the White House. That the Constitution will be abolished and the law of a felon will prevail. The Americans that will have put the despot in office will be silenced, as they wont matter anymore. The talk was something they understood, but once their vote was cast they will find they're no longer needed. Once their small towns become ghost towns because the cost of living is too great they will realize their mistake. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I have to trust that God will liberate us and that the democracy that your forefathers set in motion will prevail and that this is not the beginning of the tribulation. God bless America, the greatest nation ever. Marie Perez, Houston Regarding "Trump talks about reporters being shot and says he shouldn't have left White House after 2020 loss," (Nov. 3): I had to laugh in reading Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung describing Trump's rambling at a rally as "brilliantly talking." Trump could not brilliantly talk about anything, a fact seemingly lost on half of Americans who apparently relish listening to this bloviating candidate. Hopefully Americans will repudiate destructive Trump on Election Day, Nov. 5, but I doubt that will happen. After all, one should never overestimate the taste or intelligence of the American voter, to paraphrase H. L. Mencken. Ike Harper, Sugar Land Advertisement Article continues below this ad Presidential endorsement Regarding "The Washington Post and L.A. Times yanked their presidential endorsements. Why we didn't," (Nov. 1): I read this today with gratitude to the Houston Chronicle for having the fortitude to stand up to criticism regarding the endorsement of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Coincidentally, Saving Private Ryan was on television and I found myself looking back and forth, from the article to the screen. The irony of watching the fighting on Omaha Beach on D-Day was not lost on me. I found myself tearing up, as I always have, every time I have seen this movie. I dont know if Donald Trump is the embodiment of Adolf Hitler. All I know is the behavior I have seen and what I have heard from him for nine years terrifies me. I believe he should terrify all Americans. Did the men and women who have fought, and often died, defending our Constitution, our freedom, our way of life, die for nothing? For those of you who plan to vote for him on Tuesday, and for those who are still deciding, what would you say if every American soldier who fought for our country since the Revolutionary War were standing in front of you? Trust what Trump is saying, trust what he says he intends to do. Dont lie to yourself and believe that he is working for the common good. He has no respect for our democracy, our Constitution or for the people of this country. Please, make a better choice and honor all our veterans, past and present. Honor the people of this country, your family, your friends, your neighbors and yourself. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Julie Rothermund, Magnolia The real reason you continue to endorse candidates for president and other elected offices is because the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board is blatantly biased against any conservative and especially biased against Donald J. Trump. Your editorial board seems to think that its endorsements will persuade those voters that are on the fence to vote your recommendation, when actually these endorsements only confirm and display your bias and contempt. Rave on, but the truly informed ignore your baseless recommendations. Jim Gayle, Haleiwa, Hawaii Granted, the Chronicle does a very good job with local news and investigative reporting. However your bully pulpit is misused by preaching slanted, liberal opinion pieces. Please simply provide the facts and allow us to form our own opinion, or else include voices and cartoons from positions other than yours. You castigate Fox News, and they deserve criticism, but they also attract an audience by exploring unpleasant truths that the liberal media chooses to sweep under the rug. Our creaky system has provided us with two terrible choices for president. So sad that we cannot do better. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Regarding the down-ballot ticket, Chronicle input is most welcome. These posts are important to the everyday business of government. With early mail-in voting, it would be better if this information were provided earlier. Chris Stauffer, Richmond I welcomed Regina Lankenaus sit-down with Opinion Editor Lisa Falkenberg to discuss the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times' decisions to withhold their presidential endorsement. Ive always enjoyed the opinion section, be it letters to the editor, Thumbs or endorsements. Especially with regard to judicial endorsements, the Chronicle provides me with more background on candidates than I have time to find myself. A true time-saver. During a discussion about endorsements with an old friend who is in a local judicial race this cycle, he told me a Chronicle staff member contacted him to kick the tires, as Falkenberg said. After observing him work through his docket, the staffer offered he was the most qualified candidate and he ultimately received the Chronicles endorsement. While I dont always agree with every opinion piece, I applaud Falkenberg and her staff for informing the public, holding leaders accountable and providing an invaluable forum for debate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joel J. Vela, Houston I commend the editorial board of the Houston Chronicle. First, for having the integrity to endorse Kamala Harris for president. Second, for a series of compelling editorials since that endorsement supporting that position with facts and reason. And third, for the Lisa Falkenberg Q&A on Friday, which explained the division between opinion and news, of which I suspect many readers are not aware. Right now, too many Americans have neither the capability nor the incentive to assess the credibility of the media they consume. They stew in a Jacuzzi of propaganda frothed by the likes of Fox News, which literally admitted in court to lying as part of its business model. And by the algorithmically distorted X (Twitter), owned by the worlds richest man, who may be violating election law to get Trump elected and who has had numerous conversations with Vladimir Putin, another propagandist. If voters don't see the world for what it is, they cant make decisions that are intelligent or in their best interests. For right-wing media, the formula is to fuel the rage, point the finger and let confirmation bias do the rest. Slandering mainstream news is just their cynical way of inflating their own relevance, manipulating their audience into believing theyre not being manipulated. If we dont collectively find a way to educate voters on how to educate themselves, well be dealing with this every four years. As for Jeff Bezos he's just another spineless billionaire hedging his bets against a self-proclaimed dictator in a display of appeasement that would make Neville Chamberlain blush. Maybe my disgust was misdirected, but I canceled my subscription to the Washington Post. My subscription to the Chronicle is rock-solid. Keep up the good work. Robert Campbell, Katy I applaud this paper for continuing to endorse politicians, unlike some of the other papers that have withdrawn comment. I usually take the 180-degree position of the Houston Chronicles suggestions to be sure I am on the right track. John Rolph, Houston Regarding "We endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States | Editorial," (Oct. 25): The Chronicle must have been flooded with letters about its endorsement of Kamala Harris. I think the letters selected for publication are all thoughtful and well-reasoned. Kudos to the editors. I'm not writing to pile on (Full disclosure: I voted for Harris) but there's a single word in the Chronicle's endorsement that really hit home: "conscience." That word hasn't appeared much in the public discourse, and I'm writing for the sole purpose of commenting about it. Regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum, all of us need to do a serious "gut check" and listen to our consciences before going to the polls. These letters were written by people who had done just that. Kudos to them too. NSW police search for missing toddler William Tyrrell in Kendall in 2021. An inquest has resumed this week. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP A police theory that William Tyrrells foster mother loaded his body into a car and disposed of it close to where he died will be examined as an inquest into the toddlers disappearance reopens. The three-year-old went missing while playing at his foster grandmothers home in Kendall, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, on 12 September 2014. On Monday, counsel assisting Gerard Craddock SC reopened the inquest for a fifth round of evidence, saying the focus would be on a theory the foster mother was involved in unlawfully disposing of Williams body after his accidental death. He said the prevailing theory was that the boys foster mother found him already deceased after a fall from the balcony at the Kendall property. Police believe the foster mother might have then loaded his body into her mothers Mazda. Police believe she then alerted a neighbour to the boys alleged disappearance, before driving down the road to dispose of his remains in some undergrowth, the deputy NSW coroner Harriet Grahame heard. It was only then that she called triple zero, according to investigators theory. Police assert that she must have quickly resolved that if the accidental death were to be discovered, she might lose [her other foster child], Craddock said. As part of the renewed investigation based on that theory, police seized the Mazda and conducted a forensic search of Batar Creek Road, where they believe the body was placed. Craddock said that 2021 search left nothing to chance. The foster mother has always denied having anything to do with Williams disappearance. The inquest on Monday heard from Prof Jon Olley, a Griffith University expert in geomorphology who helped police design and carry out the extensive 2021 search. He said layers of vegetation and sediment were removed at designated locations downstream from the property where Tyrell was last seen. Vegetation and soil were excavated and searched up to 10 metres from the edge of Battar Creek Road, River Oaks Drive and Cobb and Co Road. Soil in buckets was examined by hand and water was pumped from the nearby creek. Animal bones were found but no bones or clothing belonging to William were located, Olley said. The expert said the vegetation was so thick it would have been impossible for anyone to travel too deep into the bush. Olley said in our assessment, raking and removing all of the vegetation, all the loose leaf litter, and then raking through whats underneath that would pick up any remains. He said through consultation with another expert it was determined wild dogs could have taken Williams bones if they had been placed within the search area. I wrote an email to a wild dogs expert and asked him a series of questions which related to whether, if remains were there, could they have been removed from the site by animals. And he responded saying absolutely, yes. The polyester Spider-Man suit William was wearing when he disappeared would have lasted hundreds of years if the three-year-olds body had been dumped in it in a local creek, Olley said. Rubber-soled shoes and sandals would have lasted for decades before breaking down. Further evidence was scheduled this week from a truck driver who drove past the site where the foster mother allegedly disposed of the body. The inquest into Williams disappearance began in March 2019 but was adjourned in October 2020. No one has been charged in the case and a $1m reward for information still stands. Related: Google and Meta could face defamation risks over AI-generated responses, Australian experts warn Despite a decade-long investigation involving hundreds of persons of interest and dozens of searches, no trace of the boy has been found. The current round of the inquest will examine the 2021 search of the Kendall property and surrounds the third by police into Williams whereabouts. Craddock said after an initial search for the toddler in September 2014, further sweeps of the area using GPS trackers and police dogs were conducted in 2018 and 2021. The 2018 forensic search was an intensive, thorough search, he said. By comparison, the 2021 search was at a further level of intensity. In looking for William, police followed through on tip-offs from prison inmates and clairvoyants claiming to have information. One lead involved a car that was heard doing a U-turn in the street outside the foster grandmothers home about the time of the disappearance, Craddock said on Monday. But police had been unable to verify that information or track down the vehicle. The inquest continues. A comedian bringing legal action against a production company founded by Steve Coogan has claimed producers obviously copied elements of a sitcom he created, the High Court has heard. Joshua Rinkoff, also known as Harry Deansway, claims Baby Cow Productions infringed his copyright by using elements of his sitcom Shambles in its 2022 series Live At The Moth Club (LATMC). Mr Rinkoff, who created, wrote and directed two series of Shambles which were released in 2013 and 2015, said producers working on LATMC would have seen some or all of his show and obviously copied both the format and distinctive elements of the sitcom. However, lawyers for Baby Cow Productions deny copying the content of Shambles and said there are no substantial similarities between the two shows that would lead one, in context, to believe one has been copied from the other. At a hearing in London on Monday, Tim Sampson, on behalf of Mr Rinkoff, said in written submissions that Shambles was freely available to watch online and had been shared widely on social media by individuals connected to the comedy scene, including producers and writers associated with LATMC. Dr Sampson said there were numerous high-level similarities between the two shows, such as both being set in a real comedy club, interspersing genuine live comedy acts and the use of fly-on-the-wall documentary style, that simply could not all have arisen by coincidence. The barrister said that though the plotlines of two episodes, LATMCs Dont Go In There and Shambles High Spirits, were not identical they were clearly based on the same premise a false belief that the club is haunted. He argued that LATMCs writers made a tweak to their episode to avoid their version being a direct copy. Jonathan Hill, on behalf of Baby Cow Productions which Coogan co-founded in the 1990s said in written submissions that writers who were brought in to work on LATMC were unaware of Shambles. He continued: LATMC is a mockumentary, not a sitcom, and one of its key features is that it presents substantial passages of actual stand-up, which Shambles does not. Mr Hill later said the similar real-life settings and the unsurprising features of showing comedy club personnel are all the series have in common. He added: As can be immediately seen by watching the shows, the two are very different and, leaving aside the defendants evidence that Shambles was not copied or referred to when making LATMC, it is deeply implausible that LATMC was in any way copied from Shambles. The hearing in front of Recorder Amanda Michaels, is due to conclude on Tuesday with a decision expected in writing at a later date. Two more UK cases of a strain of mpox that is thought to spread more easily have been detected in household contacts of the first case, the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of the Clade lb mpox strain in the country to three. The UKHSA said the risk to the UK population remains low and that the two patients are currently under specialist care at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London. We can confirm 2 additional cases of Clade Ib mpox. The affected individuals are household contacts of the first UK case. The risk to the UK population remains low. Read the news story here: https://t.co/3j7TBjmeyG pic.twitter.com/4wrhkU4gPp UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) November 4, 2024 The countrys first case was detected in London last week, in a person who had been on holiday in Africa and travelled back to the UK on an overnight flight on October 21. They developed flu-like symptoms more than 24 hours later and, on October 24, started to develop a rash which worsened in the following days. Contacts of all three cases are being followed up by the UKHSA and other partner organisations and will be offered testing, vaccination and advice as needed. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread. Mpox spreads between people through direct contact with rash, skin lesions or scabs caused by the virus, including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or other skin-to-skin contact. There is also a risk from contact with bodily fluids such as saliva or snot; contact with bedding or towels or clothing; and a possibility of spread through close and prolonged face-to-face contact such as talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing. We've identified 1 case of Clade Ib mpox in a person returning from holiday in Africa. If you've recently travelled to a country affected by the outbreak & have any of the below symptoms, contact NHS 111 avoiding close contact with others until youve had medical advice. pic.twitter.com/7yNQKBhQLS UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) October 31, 2024 Symptoms include skin rash with blisters, spots or ulcers that can appear anywhere on the body, fever, headache, backache and muscle aches. A rash usually appears one to five days after a fever, headache and other symptoms. Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and there have been cases reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany. A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said there had been more than 40,000 mpox cases linked to almost 1,000 deaths in Africa as of the end of September 2024, with Clades Ia, Ib and II circulating in the region. The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern because of the rapid spread of the mpox strain. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said last week that the Government is working with UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission. This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely, he added. We are also working with our international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks. Ravens are a large black bird in the corvid family, which also contains crows, magpies, and even blue jays. Ravens are famous for their size, ability to mimic the sounds of other animals and even human speech, and their importance in superstition and literary traditions. Ravens live in the Tower of London, and its said that Britain will fall if they ever leave (the ones who live there arent in a hurry given they are regularly fed by staff and tourists alike). In America, ravens are most often associated with the spooky poet Edgar Allan Poe, who famous poem The Raven was about a talking bird visiting a mourning man who thinks the animal is some kind of visitor from the land of the dead. And maybe good old Eddy was actually on to something. For although ravens and their odd behaviors may not actually be signs from the beyondthey certainly are capable of making people think that they are. In fact, this woman and her talking raven have a theory that the species love of mimicry may be what is fueling most legends of spooky happenings in woods and other wild places. In this video, a raven-keeper, which has got to be one of the coolest designations out there, explains why she thinks its ravens, and not ghosts, mimics, skin walkers, or other beings of supernatural dread that are actually haunting our woods and wilds. Related: Brilliant Raven Playing with a 'Shape-Sorting' Toy Has People Impressed Its commonplace these days to hear scary stories of people calling for you in the woods, of doors being knocked in the middle of nowhere, and of sounds sounding near and far at once. Is it ghosts? Bigfoot? Other ghouls that wander the mountain halls? Theres even a folkloric monster called a mimic. But what if it was a bird all along? Ravens Are Master Mimics According to this woman, its just ravens. Ravens and other corvids are masters of mimicry. She says they are even better than parrots, who just copy sounds in their squeaky parrot voices, whereas ravens take the time to really sound exactly like whatever it is they are mimicking. She claims her raven, Fable, can make over one hundred different sounds. She can sound like me, she can sound like other people, like a droplet of water, a knock on a door, a machine the list goes on and on. It makes sense that if you were to hear a sound coming from one place and then another, its possible what you are noticing is a bird flitting around among the treetops and playing games of mimicry. Are these tree knocking sounds Bigfoot researchers going on about the sound of ravens clicking? Is the disembodied hello of the forest nothing more than a lonely bird? Admittedly, thats not necessarily any less spooky. In the video, she shows how her raven asks for a kiss by making the mwah sound, butif you listen closelyshe also mimics the sound of her human taking a breath. Now, imagine hearing that at night. My Rule For Recognizing Ravens in the Wild How to tell the difference between a crow and a raven, simplified: 1. If it looks like a crow, it's a crow. 2. If you're not sure, it's a crow. 3. If you're like, DEAR GOD WHAT IS THAT THING, it's a raven. Hope that helps! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. From the polling place to the courtroom, ABC News tracks the latest election security developments as experts warn about the spread of misinformation and disinformation from within the U.S. and abroad. Security experts stress that the nation's voting infrastructure is highly secure, and that isolated voting issues do not indicate widespread election fraud. For coverage of each race, see our election updates. Latest Developments Nov 5, 5:37 PM Officials extend voting hours at some sites following delays Isolated voting delays at several polling places around the country have prompted local officials to seek voting-hour extensions, which typically happens during every election cycle. Among those sites whose hours have been extended are the following: Cobb County, Georgia (20 minutes) A judge granted Cobb County's request to keep two polling locations open an additional 20 minutes until 7:20 p.m. ET because of delayed openings due to "equipment issues," the county said in a statement. Gwinnett County, Georgia (58 minutes) A judge granted Gwinnett County's request to keep two polling locations open for an additional 58 minutes until 7:58 p.m. ET due to a security threat prompted a temporary evacuation earlier today. Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (90 minutes) A judge granted Luzerne County's request to extend voting for 90 minutes until 9:30 p.m. ET after one polling location in Laflin opened late. Cambria County, Pennsylvania (2 hours) A Pennsylvania judge ordered voting hours to be extended for two hours in Cambria County after scanners there were not able to read ballot markings and tabulate votes. Wilson County and Burke County, North Carolina (30 minutes) The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved extending the voting hours by 30 minutes at two precincts after both opened late this morning due to technical issues. ABC News' Luc Bruggeman Nov 5, 5:29 PM Federal judge rejects RNC lawsuit seeking to block GA voters from hand-returning mail-in ballots A federal judge has rejected an RNC lawsuit seeking to block some Georgia counties from accepting ballots that were hand-delivered over the weekend and Monday, according to Marc Elias, a lawyer working for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. Judge R. Stan Baker -- who was appointed by former President Donald Trump -- said the lawsuit from Republicans "does not withstand even the most basic level of statutory review and reading comprehension," per Elias. Republicans had claimed that the seven Georgia counties that were accepting hand-delivered mail-in ballots after the early voting period were violating the law. -ABC News' Olivia Rubin Nov 5, 4:27 PM Voting hours extended at 2 North Carolina polling places The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved extending the voting hours at two precincts after both opened late this morning due to technical issues. The Gardners School precinct in Wilson County and Pilot Mountain Precinct in Burke County will be open for 30 additional minutes. The extended hours in the two countries will not impact the timing of results for the rest of the state, authorities said. -ABC News' Peter Charalambous Nov 5, 4:12 PM US Capitol Police arrest man with flare gun, torch The U.S. Capitol Police said they arrested a man who smelled like fuel and had a flare gun and a torch while going through screening at the Capitol's visitor center. PHOTO: Capitol United State. (STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images) Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told reporters that officers found a flare gun, lighter, and torch lighter in the man's jacket and two bottles that appeared to contain some sort of accelerant, possibly gasoline. The suspect had papers he told officers he intended to deliver to Congress. Investigators are working to determine what his intentions were. Capitol Police said they're unclear if he wanted to set himself on fire or his items. The officers were tipped off because the suspect had "heavier clothing than was warranted for a day like today," Manger said, as afternoon temperatures in D.C. were around 75 degrees. The visitor center has been closed for tours while police investigate. -ABC News' Luke Barr Nov 5, 3:45 PM Election integrity expert warns about the spread of misinformation In a closely contested election, even the slightest hint of doubt about whether votes are counted accurately could incite violence and exacerbate political divisions in the U.S. ABC News' Linsey Davis sat down with Michael Waldman, president of NYU's Brennan Center for Justice, to talk about the unprecedented security of U.S. elections and the threat of misinformation. Read more here. Nov 5, 3:35 PM New York State Assembly candidate arrested for harassing voters A New York State Assembly candidate was arrested the morning of Election Day at a polling site in Queens. The Republican candidate, Jonathan David Rinaldi, was issued a summons for harassing voters while shouting "baby killers" and holding a sign reading "Vote Rinaldi." After he was given numerous commands to stop, police handcuffed him. -ABC News' Aaron Katersky Nov 5, 2:31 PM Law enforcement agencies prepared for unrest beyond Election Day Law enforcement officials say they're prepared to deal with unrest on Election Day, but expect the threat to continue in the days that follow. Election workers across the country are being bombarded with threats and law enforcement agencies nationwide are dedicating "substantial resources" to ensure public safety during the election, a new threat assessment obtained by ABC News says. "It is more likely that in the aftermath of the election results and the counting of the Electoral College votes, that individuals who believe that the election was rigged, stolen, or unfairly decided could decide to conduct lone offender or lone wolf attacks in response," said Javed Ali, the former senior counterterrorism coordinator at the National Security Council and now an associate professor at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Read more here. -ABC News' Luke Barr Nov 5, 2:47 PM FBI says election threats appear to originate from Russia The FBI said in a statement that they are aware of bomb threats in "several states" and "many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains." "None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far," the FBI said. Earlier, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said a series of bomb threats in Fulton County appeared to come from Russia, but did not explain further. "As always, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to state or local law enforcement, or submit tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov," the agency said. -ABC News' Luke Barr and Pierre Thomas Nov 5, 2:21 PM National voter hotline receives 6,000 calls, reports no major issues Representatives from the nation's largest voter help hotline echoed what ABC News heard from state election officials in the battlegrounds: So far, so good. There have been no major disruptions or other issues beyond isolated, garden-variety episodes, the hotline said. The Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE) is run by the nonpartisan Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and is staffed by 4,776 volunteer lawyers across 50 states. ABC News has profiled and embedded with this service in previous elections. As of noon ET, the hotline has received 6,000 calls from voters. The majority of the calls have come in from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida and Michigan. PHOTO: People queue to vote in the 2024 U.S. presidential election on Election Day in Asheville, N.C., Nov. 5, 2024. (Jonathan Drake/Reuters) Most of those were reporting frustration with long lines, delays in polling place opening, or difficulty using electronic voting machines. So far, organizers have seen no widespread episodes of violence or intimidation. The longest lines tracked by hotline are in Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania, particularly near college campuses. Legal teams are seeking voting extensions at select polling places in Georgia, Illinois and Kentucky, where there were delays in opening this morning -- but nothing out of the ordinary. -ABC News' Devin Dwyer Nov 5, 1:47 PM Arizona county official refutes misinformation about voting centers being shut down At a press conference, a Maricopa County official debunked misinformation circulating on X about voting centers in the county being shut down due to issues with the printers. "There have been no vote centers that have been shut down," said Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates. Earlier today, Tyler Bowyer, an executive with Turning Point USA who was charged in the Arizona 2020 fake elector case, posted on X that the right-wing group was sending buses to move people to functioning voting centers in Maricopa County. "We have reports of multiple vote centers with ink issues in Maricopa County," Bowyer posted. Gates said the printers are being serviced as usual. "We are out there going ahead and servicing the printers as we normally would," the Maricopa County official said in response to Bowyer's tweets. The Maricopa County supervisor said that as of Monday, more than 1.5 million voters in the county had returned early ballots. About 70- 75% of those votes will be reported in the first batch of results at 8 p.m., he said. Gates also said that if voters get in line at 7 p.m., they will have an opportunity to vote no matter how long lines are. "Stay in line and go ahead and vote," he said. -ABC News' Laura Romero Click here to read the rest of the blog. Three people have been charged in connection to a September kidnapping and assault in Missouri, according to authorities in St. Louis County. The alleged assault happened between Sept. 13 and 19 in Wildwood, a city about 30 miles west of St. Louis, according to the St. Louis County Police Department, who is leading the investigation. Two of the people involved, Melissa Faix and Robert Crutcher, both 36, went to the victims home in mid September, where they saw another man named Cejay Young pistol whip the victim, authorities said in a news release. Faix and Crutcher are accused of taking two ATV vehicles from the home, as well as a 9 mm pistol, police said. The pair took the items to their Crutchers home, where authorities found the ATVs. Faix's vehicle was also on the property and police found the pistol inside, they said in a news release. Faix and Crutcher, both convicted felons, were charged last Wednesday, police said. Faix was charged with two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, while Crutcher was charged with two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, one count of stealing a firearm and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. But the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office said another man was involved, Cejay Young. He was charged on Sept. 20 with one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of second-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary, authorities said. It was not clear Monday morning who is representing the trio in court. Victim was beaten each day for nearly a week, probable cause statement shows Authorities said the incident began on Sept. 12 when someone the victim knew let Young into his home. The next day, the victim noticed his credit cards and $100 was missing from his wallet, according to a probable cause statement. Later that day, Young began punching the victim, then pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, the statement read. According to the statement, Young forced the victim to go into a bathroom and said if he left, hed kill him. The defendant then had two other people come over who took items from the victim, including guns. Young also allegedly destroyed the victim's TV, five laptops and other items. According to the statement, Young wouldnt let the victim leave or call the police. On. Sept. 19, police were investigating a different crime and showed up to the victims home, the statement read. The victim then told police there was a man in his house holding him hostage. The man said he would kill the victim and his dogs, according to the statement. An officer called for backup and thats when Young fled the scene. Officers chased him for more than 3 hours. Once caught, Young admitted he ran from police, authorities said. According to the statement, Young spent the nearly week-long incident beating the victim, and at one point, the victims nose was bleeding and Young made him clean up the blood. He is also accused of forcing the victim to take pills at night to go to sleep, the statement read. Prior to police arriving at the victims home, Young told the victim he was going to take him to an ATM to get money and maybe we won't kill you, the probable cause statement said. Young is being held without bond while Faix and Crutcher are being held on a $250,000 cash only bond. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 charged in alleged kidnapping, robbery in Wildwood, Missouri The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a couple and their toddler, died in a helicopter crash in southwest Louisiana. The crash took place on Friday night in the town of Iowa, prompting local law enforcement, local firefighters and the Louisiana State Police to respond to the scene, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary "Stitch" Guillory reported. According to the FAA, a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed about 9 p.m. on a rural street in the town, about 60 miles directly west of Lafayette near Lake Charles. Three people were on board, Rick Breitenfeldt, a FAA spokesperson told USA TODAY on Monday morning. Couple, infant killed in helicopter crash on rural street A male, female and infant died in the crash, Guillory told KFDM-TV, and the aircraft appeared to be personal helicopter. The sheriff identified the victims as Jared Savant, 50,his wife Tanya (Hollingsworth) Savant, 35, and their 2-year-old baby, of Kinder. Kinder, a small town in Allen Parish, Louisiana, is about 20 miles north of where the helicopter went down. According to his Facebook profile, Savant owned Savant Auto in Kinder. This was a very tragic accident, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected," Guillory released in a statement Monday. "I would like to extend our gratitude to the community members who live in the area where the crash occurred, without hesitation, they provided assistance at the scene until first responders arrived." It was not immediately known where the helicopter took off from or where it was headed. "Its hard to believe that the two of you... and your gift from God, Romyn, are resting in the arms of our Great Savior tonight," family member Tim Andreas, posted on Facebook. "We are full of sorrow but you are rejoicing because your race is done and all of you are victorious." "My promise to you is I will do my best to cherish and love your daughter and our grandchildren together like you would," Andreas wrote. "I know you will be watching from Heaven and guiding them and me." Helicopter crash that killed parents, 2-year-old baby under investigation No other injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remained under investigation on Monday by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, who will head the investigation. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 dead, including 2-year-old, in Louisiana helicopter crash Alan Ashcroft, 18, was arrested for the murder of his mother after he reported her kidnapping, according to police and local reports (Pinal County Sheriffs Office) An 18-year-old has been arrested for his mothers murder after telling the authorities she was kidnapped, police say. A jogger found Mary Collier, 39, dead near a farm in San Tan Valley, Arizona, just after 9 a.m. October 30, the Pinal County Sherrifs Office said. Collier had blood around her mouth and a broken kitchen knife lying next to her body, according to court documents obtained by AZFamily. James Richey, the runner who spotted the remains, told 12News he knew it was a crime scene when he found her body. He called the police but just minutes later, another 911 call came in from Colliers 18-year-old son Alan Ashcroft reporting her kidnapping, local outlet AZFamily reports. Police did not publicly identify the 18-year-old in their press release, but AZFamily identified him as Alan Ashcroft. Mary Collier (left) was found dead on October 30 in San Tan Valley, Arizona. A runner found her remains near a farm (GoFundMe) Ashcroft told the dispatcher something really bad occurred, according to AZFamily, and that he was at home with his father and two brothers. His brother then told the dispatcher that the 18-year-old and his mother went on a walk together, but only Ashcroft returned. Now, police say the teen is the suspected murderer. Police arrived at his house that day, and Ashcroft tried to run, AZFamily reported. However, Ashcroft did not escape and authorities found the 18-year-old with self-inflicted wounds, the Pinal County Sheriffs Office said. Ashcroft asked deputies to shoot him in the head and claimed he was not innocent, AZFamily reports, citing court documents. Police took Ashcroft to a hospital for a wound on his neck and booked him into the Pinal County Jail on October 31, where hes being held without bond, according to the Pinal County Sheriffs Office. Hes now facing a first-degree murder charge. Investigators say Ashcroft killed his mother by pinning her down and stabbing her in the neck, according to AZFamily. Court documents also reveal Ashcroft and Collier were fighting and hadnt spoken to each other in three days, the outlet reports. Ashcroft reportedly yelled I hate you to his mom the night before her death. I just dont know how someone could be so mad and angry that their first thought is to go and just like, kill somebody, let alone your mother, Richey told 12News. Colliers niece, Zel Harwell, has launched a GoFundMe in the wake of her death. The GoFundMe has raised more than $12,000 as of November 4. The CEO of the American Bankers Association called on the federal government to do more to fight online financial scams. Getty Images The American Bankers Association is urging federal action on online financial fraud. Banks are facing increased liability for scams, with $10 billion in losses reported last year. ABA's proposed measures include a national strategy, new federal offices, and updated fraud laws. Remember the Spider-Man meme where he points at himself? Banks and the federal government are in a similar situation, pointing to each other to solve the problem of online financial scams. For its part, the government wants banks to take on more responsibility, and more consistently refund their customers who fall victim to online scams. Banks, on the other hand, want the government to do more to prevent those scams in the first place. The problem is real. Almost 1 in 3 Americans have been the victim of a scam in the past year, with an average loss of $1,600 a person, according to a study from IPX, a financial analysis firm. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported more than $10 billion in losses last year from online scams. The agency's data also showed that consumers using payment apps reported losing $210 million. It's also a major headache for the banks. American Bankers Association CEO Rob Nichols called for the federal government to create a national scam prevention strategy last week. Nichols also said that Congress should "create and fund" an Office of Scam and Fraud Prevention while speaking to bankers at the association's annual convention in October. "The scale of fraud taking place every day is a massive burden for our country and for the millions of hardworking women and men whose lives are affected by it," Nichols said at the convention, according to Forbes. "It will take a united effort with support from both inside and outside the banking industry to win this fight." The government, meanwhile, has repeatedly called on financial institutions to improve compensation for victims who lose money to scams. In August, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched an investigation into JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, all part owners of Zelle. The investigation came after a Senate investigations committee found that reimbursements from the three banks for disputed transactions on the app fell from 62% in 2019 to 38% in 2023. Also in August, three Democratic senators introduced a bill that would update the 1978 Electronic Fund Transfer Act to require financial institutions to share more of the burden when consumers are victimized by fraud. Nichols said at the convention, however, that fighting back against fraud will require "a whole-of-government approach that starts at the very top." He also said that the government should create "financial crimes intelligence centers." One already exists in Texas, which he said has been a "force multiplier for law enforcement" there. Nichols also called on the FTC to create a database of reported spam text messages available for "all legitimate businesses to access." Nichols said this kind of database would help banks monitor how scams are evolving and "educate their customers" more effectively." Read the original article on Business Insider At the last minute, both the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times opted not to endorse presidential candidates this year. The Houston Chronicle endorsed Kamala Harris. Adrienne Bresnahan/Getty Images Chronicle presidential endorsement Regarding The Washington Post and L.A. Times yanked their presidential endorsements. Why we didnt, (Nov. 1): Endorsements in this day and age likely have little impact on political campaigns. Certainly, the Chronicle editorial boards endorsement hasnt changed the state from red to blue, and the only ones who pay even half-hearted attention to its endorsements are probably the Democrats who dwell in the inner city. The board has endorsed Kamala Harris, knowing full well that her radical policies, if they could be accurately deciphered, are not suitable or beneficial for our nation. If that makes the Chronicles editorial board happy, so be it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad J. Jones, La Porte I really appreciated the interview, along with the insights into the process of making an endorsement. I especially like how this line captured the essence of what you do: [The mission of the editorial board is] to take the facts and find that truth, and to inspire readers to act on it. I view the candidate endorsements as a value-add for my subscription. I read them, and especially in the case of the down-ballot candidates, it gives me a starting point from which to make my decision. Thanks for continuing to prioritize facts. I am mystified at how half of the country is OK with baldfaced, blatant lies from a candidate who should not even be seriously considered after he tried to subvert the election process in 2021. Its also sad that the Washington Post has gone dark and chosen not to endorse a presidential candidate, so not in keeping with: Democracy Dies in Darkness. I have kept my subscription because I want to support journalism, but its a telling and cowardly move by Jeff Bezos. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thanks again for all that you do. Pat Locke, Richmond I find it self-serving and ironic that the Houston Chronicle spends an entire page in the opinion section on the validity of a newspapers political endorsements. When you have a bias, and you analyze news reporting and make sense of it as the article states, your bias comes through on the make sense of it part, whether you like it or not. The article chest-beats that the Chronicles newsroom reports just the facts. There are many different ways to report the facts. Its the difference between starting every article about Donald Trump with: Donald Trump, convicted felon versus starting every article about Kamala Harris with: Kamala Harris, beneficiary of 2024s successful non-violent coup to unseat Joe Biden Both are facts, but word choice is discretionary and there is much to be inferred by the reader. The opinion editor goes on to state that the Chronicle still needs a conscience. Why in the world would a newspaper need a conscience? It reports the news. It doesnt make the news. A newspaper cant have a conscience; only the writers can. A conscience is not absolute, and therefore is prone to bias. When the Chronicle editorial board appoints itself as the conscience, the loud and clear message is that they know better. The message to readers seems to be: The boards definition of right and wrong is correct, and if you dont agree, there is something wrong with your view. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I always find it funny that newspapers think so highly of themselves that they feel subscribers are clamoring for an opinion. As if the editorial boards choices are so righteous that the reading public takes that paper to the voting booth with them. Jay Kopfer, Houston Thank you for your endorsements for contested races. I especially appreciate the research and time the Chronicle editorial board puts into interviewing all candidates. I dont have time to research all of them; those I did look up online merely wrote vague I want world peace and save the children types of answers. I need the Chronicles input and research. I have discontinued watching any cable news programs, discovering they are a business that tries only to keep their own bias. Fox News uses fear to get attention, and CNN is simply cynical about anything Fox reports. No real factual news from either. Therefore, I get my news from the Chronicle and PBS only. I give high praise to Lisa Falkenberg and her strong ethical viewpoints. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Once again, thank you for good, factual and brave reporting. Please continue. I understand it takes more time, but is so very important. As they say, a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. An Iberia Airlines plane ploughs through floodwater at Barcelona airport Barcelona was given a new red alert warning of extreme danger on Monday, with the city being hit by rainstorms and floods, causing chaos for road, train and air traffic. Catalonias regional government warned of continuous and torrential rain across the Barcelona metropolitan area and surrounding areas six days after flash floods devastated the Valencia region, killing more than 200 people. Residents were asked not to travel and to avoid being near rivers, waterways and flood drains. Credit: claudiasarten/X, taleofyone/X, tatispiers/X Footage showed water flooding tunnels and underpasses, and there are reports of cars being carried away by torrents. The warning came a day after Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister, and the countrys king and queen faced the visceral public anger that has been brewing in Paiporta, a town ravaged by last weeks floods in Valencia. The trio were hit with mud and rocks as they visited the town, causing Mr Sanchez to flee. The Civil Guard is investigating the unprecedented attack. Meanwhile, dozens of flights at Barcelonas El Prat airport were cancelled or severely delayed on Monday, with the airport operator Aena advising travellers to check up-to-date information ahead of their journeys. Videos showed flooding around the entrances to the airports. Credit: SERCatalunya/X Spains Renfe train operator said all regional train services have been cancelled in Catalonia, while several motorways have been closed because of the flooding. Some schools in the Barcelona area and Tarragona province, which is further down the coast and has also seen heavy rainfall since Sunday night, were closed on Monday. But where schools did open, Catalonias Civil Protection authority asked parents not to attempt to pick up their children after classes. Schools are a safe place, a statement said, stressing the need to avoid mobility. Residents across several towns were sent texts from 8.30am, warning that heavy rain would last until 2pm local time. While there has been heavy flooding, the impact is not expected to be as devastating as last weeks floods in Valencia. Several motorways have been closed because of flooding - Eric Renom/LaPresse/Shutterstock A lorry trapped in floodwater under a bridge in Barcelona - Eric Renom/LaPresse/Shutterstock Spains state meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued a new red warning for the Barcelona coastline because of an expected cumulative rainfall of 180 litres per square metre in 12 hours. In Valencia last Tuesday, the regional authorities issued a generalised alert once many areas were already experiencing flooding at about 8pm, sparking anger that red alerts concerning heavy rainfall published by Aemet early that morning had not led to advance warning of the flood threat. The search for bodies continues in the hard-hit region inside houses and thousands of wrecked cars strewn in the streets, on motorways and in canals. Motorists attempt to drive their cars through the citys flooded streets Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spains interior minister, said the authorities still could not give a reliable estimate of the missing after reports that as many as 2,000 people were unaccounted for. On Monday it was confirmed that a British couple had been found dead in their car after flooding hit their home outside the village of Pedralba, some 25 miles north-west of the city of Valencia. The bodies of Terry Turner 78, and Don Turner, 74, originally from Staffordshire, were found in their car on Saturday, the couples daughter, Ruth OLoughlin, confirmed to the BBC. RTVE, the Spanish national television channel, has broadcast pleas for help by several desperate people whose loved ones are unaccounted for. A police car is left abandoned in the flooded city Citizens, volunteers and thousands of soldiers and police officers have pressed on with their clean-up effort to clear out mud and debris. In the Aldaia municipality, some 50 soldiers, police and firefighters, some wearing wetsuits, searched a huge shopping centres underground car park for possible victims. Anger at the authorities handling of the crisis erupted on Sunday when a crowd tossed mud at Spains royal couple as they made their first visit to Paiporta, where more than 60 people died. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spains interior minister, blamed marginal groups for the violence. Mr Sanchez was forced to flee in his government car after being hit on the back with a stick, while the vehicles back windows also appeared to be smashed in. But the royal couple, despite being visibly shaken after being hit with mud, stayed behind and engaged with residents, some crying on their shoulders. Spain is used to autumn storms that can lead to flooding, but the latest have produced the deadliest flooding in living memory for Spaniards. The Spanish navys Galicia transport vessel arrived in Valencias port on Monday, with marines, helicopters and trucks loaded with food and water to help with the relief effort, which included 7,500 soldiers and thousands of police reinforcements. Experts have questioned the warning systems that failed to alert the population in time and the speed of the response. They were saying alert for water, but they should have said it was a flood, Teresa Gisbert, 62, said in the destroyed town of Sedavi, adding that she had lost everything. 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California filed a lawsuit against a Los Angeles suburb on Monday, alleging the city's recent moratorium on homeless shelters and temporary housing violates the state's fair housing and anti-discrimination laws. The lawsuit is part of an ongoing effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom to push back against what he sees as local resistance and defiance of state laws in the face of Californias desperate need for new housing. The crisis has prompted a surge in the homeless population in the nations most populous state. Norwalk, a city of 100,000 people some 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, becomes the latest city to face legal actions from the state over housing policies. That came after the city council voted in September to extend its temporary ban on new homeless shelters and emergency housing. City councilmembers in a recent statement said Norwalk has done its fair share to address the homeless crisis but previous state programs, including one that puts homeless people in motel rooms, have led to public safety concerns. The moratorium, which remains in effect until next year, already has blocked a plan by the County of Los Angeles in September to move homeless people into a hotel in the city. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court argues that the city violated half a dozen housing laws by enacting such a moratorium. It is asking the court to halt the citys law. Our message is clear, our message is consistent." Attorney General Rob Bonta said Monday. "If local governments attempt to skirt state housing laws, if they refuse to do the bare minimum to address the dire lack of affordable and accessible housing in California, we will hold them accountable. Monday's lawsuit comes after Newsom publicly blasted Norwalk and urged local elected officials to reconsider the policy. The state in September warned the city of potential legal action and last month revoked the citys housing plan, effectively disqualifying it from receiving state funding for homeless and housing programs. Bonta said state officials also met with the city last week but to no avail. The Norwalk City Councils failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable, Newsom said in a statement Monday. No community should turn its back on its residents in need. The city mayor and a city spokesperson didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment about the lawsuit. California has ramped up enforcement of state housing laws in the last few years. It sued at least two cities last year for rejecting affordable housing projects and homes for homeless people. Last month, Newsom also signed a package of 32 housing bills to make it easier for the state to go after local cities that defy housing laws. The lawsuit will likely escalate the conflict between the state and local governments over how many housing projects cities should approve, and how fast they should build them. California needs to build 2.5 million homes by 2030 to keep up with demand, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. But the state only averages about 100,000 new homes per year, including only 10,000 affordable units. The Democratic governor, who has ambitions on the national stage, has made housing and homelessness a top priority as Californias leader. His administration has spent roughly $40 billion to help build affordable housing and $27 billion in homelessness solutions. Earlier this summer, he started to pressure local governments to clean up encampments that have lined up the streets and crowded business entrances, going as far as threatening to withhold state funding next year if he doesnt see results. People inspect a destroyed building hit in an Israeli airstrike, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari) BEIRUT (AP) The 13-month war between Israel and Hezbollah has killed more than 3,000 people in Lebanon, the countrys Health Ministry said on Monday, more than double the number of people killed since their last major war two decades ago. The war shows no signs of ending, and Israel has said it is carrying out new operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon and in parts of Syria while Hezbollah continues to launch dozens of rockets into northern Israel. Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran. For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon. The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beiruts southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people. Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on Oct. 1, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon. Israel says it is destroying Hezbollah weapons and command centers near the border, including an extensive tunnel system built by Hezbollah. The Lebanese Health Ministry said 16 people were killed and 90 injured in attacks on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 3,002. At least 13,492 have been injured. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and Hezbollah fighters in its toll. Israel claimed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters have been killed. In Israel, 72 people have been killed by Hezbollah attacks, including 30 soldiers, according to the prime minister's office. More than 60,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Also on Monday, Israel announced it terminated the agreement facilitating the work of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza. It was the first step in implementing legislation passed last week that would sever ties with the agency, which Israel says has been infiltrated by Hamas, and prevent it from operating in Israel. The agency, known as UNRWA, denies the allegations and says it takes measures to ensure its neutrality. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday that it has notified the U.N. of the cancellation of an agreement dating back to 1967 that facilitates UNRWAs work. It said UNRWA is part of the problem in the Gaza Strip and not part of the solution. Israel controls all entry into Gaza, and aid groups groups have warned that the legislation could severely hamper UNRWAs work, creating further obstacles to addressing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel says that UNRWA is responsible for only 13% of aid entering Gaza and it says other U.N. agencies and aid groups can fill the gap. But aid organizations say UNRWA is essential, and the agency says the Israeli figures do not account for the key role it plays in coordinating aid deliveries. Without UNRWA coordination, without UNRWA logistics platforms ... no U.N. agency could operate at the scale required, said Jonathan Fowler, a spokesman for the agency. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US was clear about their opposition to the legislation, and gravely concerned about the insufficient number of aid trucks entering Gaza. We have serious concerns about the implications of it being fully implemented, as well as our concerns about the underlying humanitarian situation in, Gaza, even before Israel passed the legislation, he told reporters in Washington on Monday. The agency provides education, health and other basic services to Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation and their descendants, who now number nearly six million across the region. Refugee families make up the majority of Gazas population. The remainder of the legislation is set to go into effect in three months. Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Matthew Lee contributed from Washington. Trump Media & Technology Group stock (DJT)reversed earlier losses to close Monday's trading session about 12% higher as shares brace for another volatile week on Wall Street just one day ahead of the presidential election. Shares continued to rise over 9% in premarket trading on Tuesday, Election Day. The stock suffered its largest percentage decline last week and closed down around 20% to end the five-day period on Friday. And since Tuesday, more than $3 billion has been shaved from the company's market cap, although the stock still has more than doubled from its September lows. Volatility in the stock is expected to continue. One investor has warned that if Trump loses the election, shares of DJT could plunge to $0. "It's a binary bet on the election," Matthew Tuttle, CEO of investment fund Tuttle Capital Management, recently told Yahoo Finance's Catalysts. Tuttle, who currently owns put options on the stock, said the trajectory of shares hinges on "a buy the rumor, sell the fact" trading strategy. "I would imagine that the day after him winning, you'd see this come down," he surmised. "If he loses, I think it goes to zero." Interactive Brokers' chief strategist Steve Sosnick said DJT has taken on a meme-stock "life of its own." "It was volatile on the way up and when a stock is that volatile in one direction, it has a tendency to be that volatile in the other direction," he said in a call with Yahoo Finance last week. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Salem Va., Saturday Nov 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Prior to the recent sell-off, shares in the company, the home of the Republican nominee's social media platform, Truth Social, had risen in recent weeks as both domestic and overseas betting markets shifted in favor of a Trump victory. Prediction sites like Polymarket, PredictIt, and Kalshi all showed Trump's presidential chances ahead of those of Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris. That lead, however, narrowed significantly over the weekend as new polling showed Harris surpassing Trump in Iowa, which has historically voted Republican. And as betting markets tighten, national polls show both candidates in a virtually deadlocked race. Polls in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, which are likely to decide the fate of the election, also show razor-thin margins. In September, the stock traded at its lowest level since the company's debut following the expiration of its highly publicized lockup period. Shares had also been under pressure as previous polling in September saw Harris with a bigger lead over the former president. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. (AP photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Trump founded Truth Social after he was kicked off major social media apps like Facebook (META) and Twitter, now X, following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Trump has since been reinstated on those platforms. He officially returned to posting on X in mid-August after about a year's hiatus. As Truth Social attempts to take on the social media incumbents, the fundamentals of the company have long been in question. In August, DJT reported second quarter results that revealed a net loss of $16.4 million, about half of which was tied to expenses related to the company's SPAC deal. The company also reported revenue of just under $837,000 for the quarter ending June 30, a 30% year-over-year drop. Last month, the company revealed that its COO had stepped down in September. Trump maintains a roughly 60% interest in DJT. At current levels of around $34 a share, Trump Media boasts a market cap of about $6.9 billion, giving the former president a stake worth around $4.1 billion. Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance. By Juliette Jabkhiro and Lucien Libert PARIS (Reuters) -The father of a French pupil whose account of the use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on free speech led to the teacher's brutal murder went on trial on Monday, accused of association with a terrorist network. Days after Samuel Paty, 47, showed his pupils the caricatures, in 2020, an 18-year-old assailant of Chechen origin stabbed him repeatedly and beheaded him outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine near Paris. That happened after the father, Brahim Chnina, published a series of videos on social media, wrongly accusing Paty of disciplining his daughter for complaining about the class, giving Paty's name and identifying the school. Prosecutors accuse Chnina of collaborating with Abdelhakim Sefrioui, who founded a hardline Islamist organisation, to incite hatred towards the middle-school teacher. Many Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet Mohammad blasphemous. "They put a target on the teacher's back," Thibault de Montbrial, a lawyer for Samuel Paty's sister Mickaelle Paty, told reporters. "Their public allegations... the videos they made attacking this teacher... all this spiral led directly to the atrocious decapitation of Samuel Paty." "It will be interesting to see, how after having set up a whole chain of events from the letter A to the letter Y they will say that they are not responsible for the letter Z." Both men are charged with association with a terrorist organisation. Chnina's lawyer declined to comment ahead of the start of the trial. Sefrioui's lawyer, Ouadie Elhamamouchi, has said there is no proof of contact between Sefrioui and the Chechen killer, who was shot dead by police. Elhamamouchi told Reuters that Sefrioui would show the court "that he has absolutely no connection whatsoever with this heinous attack, which he has condemned from day one". Among the six others on trial in Paris alongside Chnina and Sefrioui are two associates of Paty's killer, Abdullakh Anzorov. Prosecutors allege they knew of Anzorov's plans to slay Paty and helped him buy weapons. Both are charged with complicity in a terrorist killing, and French media say they have both denied wrongdoing. Last year, a court found Chnina's daughter and five other adolescents guilty of charges related to taking part in a pre-meditated criminal conspiracy and helping to prepare an ambush. Chnina's daughter was actually not in Paty's class when the caricatures were shown and the court found her guilty of making false accusations and slanderous comments. French media said the 13-year-old made the allegations against Paty when her parents asked her why she had been suspended from school for two days. The latest trial is due to run until December. Teachers from Paty's school will follow the trial closely, said Antoine Casubolo Ferro, a lawyer for 14 of his colleagues. "They expect the (French) republic, justice, to say: stop, don't mess with teachers ... don't mess with freedom of expression," Casubolo Ferro told reporters. (Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro and Lucien Libert; writing by Richard Lough and Ingrid Melander; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Ros Russell) Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock From long working hours to emotionally draining situations, nursing has always been a demanding job. While the COVID-19 pandemic is in the rearview mirror, the situation has yet to improve for those on the front lines of health care. When staffing company AMN Healthcare surveyed more than 1,000 nurses in 2024, only 1 in 5 predicted things would improve for nurses. Turnover and volatility have been widespread among nurses for the last several years. "That trend is likely to continue until nurse concerns are addressed," Robin Johnson, group president of nursing solutions for AMN Healthcare, said in a statement. She emphasized the urgency for the health care industry to continue focusing on improving nurse satisfaction, wellness, and retention. Hospital Care Compare used AMN Healthcare survey data to identify what hospital nurses are planning for the future of their careers as burnout persists. The nurses surveyed said that salaries and working conditions are most important to them. When asked, three-quarters of respondents said higher pay was their first priority. One nurse respondent told researchers, "We need more than a pizza in the lunchroom to indicate support from management." Other considerations were also high on the list for nurses. Nearly 7 out of 10 respondents said it was very important to assign more staff to each patient. "When nursing staff is minimal, patient care suffers," another respondent said. Meanwhile, roughly 3 out of 5 nurses said better schedules were extremely important. One nurse asked rhetorically, "Can we stop treating nurses like they are machines?" "Nurses find it demoralizing when they are unable to provide the quality of care they want to provide," Johnson said. She went on to say that nurses, like other health care providers, want more patient time and more resources so that patients can have the best possible outcomes. Hospital Care Compare For nurses under pressure, alternatives exist Burnout following the pandemic is causing many nurses to rethink their current role, according to a 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare of registered nurses. Because of the pandemic, roughly a third said they were likely to leave nursing this year, compared to about a fifth who said the same in 2021. Among hospital nurses, about 2 in 5 said they plan to seek a new employer. The situation is becoming dire, and many professionals are experimenting with ways to improve the nurse's lot. A pilot program at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Texas assessed the tasks registered nurses performed and classified each depending on whether it needed a license or specific skills. It found that 40% of tasks performed by registered nurses could be safely delegated to other team members such as licensed vocational nurses. At the end of the six-month program, patients spent less time in the hospital, fewer people experienced severe maternal complications, and more nurses chose to continue working at Memorial Hermann. While health care providers consider potential solutions, nurses are considering other options. Apart from finding new employers, becoming a travel nurse during the coming year was a popular idea. Travel nurses fill in temporary gaps in employment at facilities nationwide. It is time-bound, but some opportunities may also be extended as a contract expires. Working as a travel nurse has several advantages, such as allowing nurses to see different parts of the country, build their professional network, and gain experience in various health care settings. Over the next year, 1 in 10 said they planned to continue to work as a nurse, but leave direct patient care. Roles that do not involve patient care allow nurses to develop skills they might not work on otherwise, such as writing and research. These roles can also allow them to work more regular hours. Nurses have a variety of options before them, but with every departure comes a loss for society. Hospitals are already feeling the pinch. A 2023 survey of top hospital concerns conducted by the American College of Healthcare Executives revealed workforce challenges, including personnel shortages, once again top the list. Addressing these concerns requires systemic transformation from health care organizations, professional groups, nonprofits, and legislators, as well as from nurses themselves. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Hospital Care Compare and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. At noon on the eve of Election Day, the familiar mix of tourists, locals, and government workers seeking fresh air on lunch hour milled as usual in Lafayette Square, next to the White House in downtown Washington, D.C. They were met with an unusual sight a heavy, metal fence around 10 feet high surrounded the White House, the street in front, and a bronze statue of former President Andrew Jackson astride his horse at the center of the park. The Secret Service's decision to erect the fence ahead of Election Day left tourists frustrated and Americans on edge at the prospect of violence or unrest in the nation's capital amid an extraordinarily tight election. Signs on a fence erected around Lafayette Square ahead of Election Day read 'No Trespassing: Authorized Personnel Only.' "I'm disappointed," said Rose Jones, 77, standing with her family in front of the heavy perimeter. "The kids wanted to see the White House, and now they can't see it." Jones, visiting from North Carolina, had just one day in the nation's capital. She was not the only who arrived to the square surprised to find Washington's most famous building walled off. "We traveled a lot of time to come here, but it's not open," said Alison Carrillo, 16, in Washington with her parents, brother, and grandmother for the first time. Visitors expressed disappointment that a fence blocked off the White House and part of Lafayette Square. After the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by a mob supporting former President Donald Trump, "It's really understandable that they are closing here," she said. People filtered through a few openings in an outer fence running along Lafayette Square on H St NW. Tourists peered through the inner fence, trying unsuccessfully to snap pictures through the tightly woven wire. 'That's not America' To some, the fences were a bad omen ahead of an election that's been marked by threats of violence. "You see all the fences around here, and you wonder," said Mike Longmeyer, 64, visiting the capital from Redlands, California. More: Trump supporters expect election fraud and violence Construction workers worked on the presidential inaugural stands on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Longmeyer said he and his wife, Teresa Longmeyer, 61, were glad to be flying home the morning of Election Day, before "anything happens." In recent years, he said, divisiveness around elections has "gotten out of hand," he said. "That's not America," he added. "We should pass the baton to the next party and try to work together so we can have a democracy instead of civil war." It isn't only the White House bracing for Election Day mayhem. Local news reported some businesses downtown with boarded up doors and windows, and a high fence was also erected around the Naval Observatory, the official residence of Vice President Kamala Harris. "There will be no tolerance for violence in our city," Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference Monday. "We will not tolerate the destruction of property, and we will not tolerate threats to public safety as well as this election process." "I feel very sad that this the state of things, to be honest with you," Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters. "But the way that I deal with anxiety is to work and to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be." Smith said the Secret Service made the decision to erect the fences around the White House and Lafayette Square Park. Alexandria Worley, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, said fences would also go up around the vice president's Naval Observatory residence and the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump's campaign will watch the returns. "These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday's election," Worley said in a statement. Visitors sense 'some concerns' around Election Day security Nicolas LaPere isn't leaving until after the election in fact, he came to Washington from his hometown of Paris specifically to see it. "It's interesting to see a city waiting for a new president," he said. "We see it with a different view." Washington, D.C., officials put up a fenced perimeter around the White House and Lafayette Square. To LaPere, Washington was relaxed. But the fences around the White House suggested that could change quickly. "Maybe there are some concerns here in the city," LaPere said. "Very strange." On the strip of Pennsylvania Avenue that runs in front of the White House, usually open to the public, construction workers milled around a multistory structure of wooden catwalks, nearly as high as the White House itself. A sign on the fence read: "Please excuse the disruption. The District of Columbia, in coordination with the National Park Service, is constructing the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade Reviewing Stand." The construction of the reviewing stand is a Washington tradition dating back to a simple wooden board covered with canvas on which Abraham Lincoln stood in 1861 to review more than 20,000 troops destined for battle months into the Civil War, according to the White House Historical Association. 'Alarming' Others visitors took a different tack better safe than sorry. "It's a good idea," said Angel Perez, who drove an hour from Maryland to see Washington's landmarks. "You got some crazy people out there, and it's probably better just to keep everybody locked in." Still, the sight of the barricades was "alarming," said Perez, 41. "We had taken a picture here two years ago, and it was right in front of the White House, which is pretty cool. But we've never seen it like this," he said. Longmeyer said the couple walked a couple miles around the perimeter of the White House for a better view before they gave up. "I came to see the White House, and I think I've seen a corner of it," he said. "Taxpayers pay for that. You can't even see it." Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fence around White House before Election Day leave visitors anxious Elon Musk is facing consequential court rulings in the days and weeks ahead as one judge weighs the legality of his multimillion-dollar election sweepstakes while another decides if the Tesla (TSLA) CEO gets a $56 billion compensation package back. Musk is accustomed to doing business battles in court. But on Monday it was his recent foray into presidential politics on behalf of Republican candidate Donald Trump that had him on the defensive. During a hearing in a Pennsylvania state court, lawyers for Musk argued that a series of $1 million giveaways tied to Musks pro-Trump political action committee, America PAC, did not violate state gambling and public nuisance laws, as alleged by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, on Oct. 27, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Krasner, a Democrat, filed suit against Musk and his America PAC on Oct. 28, alleging the sweepstakes amounted to an illegal lottery. He asked the court for an emergency hearing to block the defendants from engaging in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The sweepstakes unveiled by Musk in October offer registered swing state voters the chance to win $1 million in exchange for their email and other personal information and a pledge to support the Constitutions free speech protections and the right to bear arms. On Oct. 19, when Musk announced the petition, he said, "We're going to be awarding $1 million to randomly to people who have signed the petition, every day, from now until the election." District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner. (REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher) (REUTERS / Reuters) A lawyer for Musk argued in court on Monday that the giveaways didnt amount to a lottery because the $1 million winners were not chosen randomly. Instead, the lawyer said, they were chosen for their potential as spokespeople for America PACs agenda, according to a post by New York Times reporter Teddy Schleifer. Before the hearing, Chris Gober, a lawyer for Musk and America PAC, characterized Krasners lawsuit as a partisan agenda masquerading as legal arguments. The case ended up back in Pennsylvanias state Court of Common Pleas after a federal district court judge disagreed with Musks claim that the matter belonged in federal court. As of Monday, America PAC said it had awarded 16 separate $1 million prizes to voters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, and planned to award two more. A fight over pay Musk faces another legal showdown in Delaware, where the judge who voided Musk's $56 billion compensation package earlier this year is close to ruling on whether he gets back the right to that money. Tesla is asking Delaware Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen McCormick to toss out her decision and replace it with the will of the companys stockholders, who approved the pay a second time in June. McCormick in January ruled that Musk's personal relationships with board members and the general counsel were not fully disclosed to stockholders when they voted on this package initially. Last week she made it clear a new ruling is coming soon. "I write to inform you that I aim to issue that decision before the end of this year," McCormick wrote in a letter posted to the courts docket on Friday. McCormicks decision could weigh heavily on Teslas bottom line. In this 2022 courtroom sketch, Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen McCormick listens to testimony as Tesla shareholders challenged a compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) If approved, the pay deal would give Musk the right to exercise approximately $56 billion in Tesla stock options. Back in 2018, when the compensation package was first approved by shareholders, Tesla said the pact would cost Tesla about $2.5 billion if Musk accomplished all of his performance-based milestones. In a later filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said reissuing the compensation plan under Tesla's increased stock price would cost $25 billion. If McCormick does validate the second shareholder ratification, it's unknown whether a new accounting charge would be required. Robyn Denholm, Teslas board chair and the head of its audit committee, wrote in a statement before the vote that requiring a new accounting charge would amount to a misunderstanding of what ratification means. "The company has already taken the expense for these options, and the reality is that ratification saves stockholders from a new charge for a new compensation plan," Denholm said. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Over 100 invasive lizards the size of dogs have been reported throughout South Carolina and are destroying the local ecosystem, including killing endangered species. Over 100 invasive lizards the size of dogs have been reported throughout South Carolina and are destroying the local ecosystem, including killing endangered species. The Argentine black and white tegu has been causing havoc throughout the American South since it was first spotted in 2020. The lizard can grow up to four-feet long and is distinguished by its spotted scales and voracious appetite as scientists say it eats just about everything in sight. The Argentine black and white tegu was first reported in 2020 and has since continued to cause chaos in the South. Ralfa Padantya stock.adobe.com In the four years since its first sighting, the lizard has spread all the way to the Charleston mountains and Midlands in South Carolina. However, state Herpetologist Andrew Grosse said Friday that there is so far no evidence that the lizards have been breeding, as reported by The State. The lizards are primarily known for being kept as pets, with nearly 79,000 imported to the United States from 2000 to 2010 alone. Many of the ones originally spotted in 2020 were either released or had escaped from captivity. Since 2020, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has confirmed 32 sightings across 17 counties, Grosse said. Twenty-nine of these were the black and white tegu. The Argentine black and white tegu is a popular exotic pet that can grow up to 4 feet long. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources The SCDNR has received a total of 114 reported sightings across 27 counties, but have only been able to confirm those that provided a photo or resulted in the lizards capture, Grosse said. The state banned the black and white tegu over Memorial Day weekend in 2021. Anyone who already had a tegu as a pet was permitted to keep it so long as they registered it with the SCDNR, but couldnt breed it or bring more into the state. An Argentine black and white tegu lizard in the grass situated in the Pantanal region. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images The ban, however, has apparently not been enough to stop their spread. The loose lizards have started to tear through the local ecosystem. Experts have theorized that tegu owners are releasing them into the wild after they grow too large to manage, as reported by the Daily Mail. The omnivore is not a picky eater and has gone after eggs, pet food, and even species endangered in the Palmetto State like grasshoppers and young gopher tortoises. The lizards are primarily known for being kept as pets, with nearly 79,000 imported to the United States from 2000 to 2010 alone. AP The SCDNR has encouraged anyone who spots a tegu to contact them immediately and to send a photo if possible. Residents are allowed to shoot the invasive reptile if spotted, but only if it is legal in their area. The tegu is resilient and can withstand most cold weather thanks to its ability to raise its internal body temperature 50 degrees higher than the current climate. The lizards are also set to brumate soon, which makes them immobile for weeks as colder winter weather hits. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth has run six elections without significant snags, and is well trusted by officials of both political parties. Michael Wyke/Contributor In 2023, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth celebrated as the first box of ballots arrived at NRG Stadium. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Because of issues and controversies that arose in the 2020 and 2022 elections in Harris County, many have come to doubt the fairness and accuracy of how the county conducts its elections. However, much has changed in the last year. We believe those changes are for the better. One of us, Bill King, is a former mayor of Kemah and was a candidate for mayor of Houston. Im a fellow at Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy. Im also a fiscal conservative and businessman, and I write frequently about politics in the Houston area. The other of us, Charles Blain, researches and writes about policies that promote opportunity and social mobility. I write frequently about ways to make government run leaner and more efficiently. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year, we joined with other Harris County residents to stand for election integrity. Pillars of the Community is a bipartisan national effort led by election experts Ben Ginsberg and Bob Bauer to restore trust in elections. Through it, we gained access to the county election process to better understand the security and integrity of this election. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Join our live Zoom with education team to recap the HISD bond and what to expect Historically in Texas, the elected county clerk administers the election in each county. But that changed in Harris County in 2020, after Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman stepped down for health reasons. The countys elections were run first by an interim county clerk and then by two appointed election administrators. Two of these officials had no previous background in running elections. The third was an experienced election administrator recruited from another state, but his experience did not appear to translate to Texas elections. In addition to this administrative inexperience, throw in a pandemic during the 2020 election to boot. In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed a bill that took away the power of Harris County Commissioners Court to appoint an election administrator. The new law returned that duty to the elected Harris County clerk, Teneshia Hudspeth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When Hudspeth was elected in 2022, she was no stranger to the clerks office or to running elections. She had worked in the clerks office since 2005, serving under five different county clerks, most of whom were Republicans. She worked extensively in the offices election division. The duty of running Harris County elections was returned to Hudspeths office on Sept. 1, 2023, which gave her just a little over two months to get ready for the November election. Many predicted chaos. But instead, the election ran with almost no problems. Since then, Hudspeth has overseen six more elections. There have been no paper shortages or long lines. The ballot tallies have been filed on time, and they balanced. There have been no lawsuits. She has received near-universal praise from everyone involved. She seems to be trusted by both political parties. This year they agreed for the first time to hold their primary elections in joint locations, both reducing costs and making it easier to find voting locations. Even with an experienced administrator in place, though, running an election in Harris County is a daunting task. We will likely have more than 1.5 million people vote which is to say, more voters than many entire states. Also, because of all our judicial elections, Harris County has one of the longest ballots in the country. There are bound to be some problems on Election Day. It is going to take a while to count the votes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A composite of Vadim Yermolenko next to Alexey and Daria Brayman and a cardboard box of bullets. NEW YORK A New Jersey man who was among seven people charged with smuggling electronic components to aid Russias war effort pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and other charges, authorities said. Vadim Yermolenko, 43, faces up to 30 years in prison for his role in a transnational procurement and money laundering network that sought to acquire sensitive electronics for Russian military and intelligence services, Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, said in a statement. Yermolenko, who lives in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey and has dual U.S. and Russian citizenship, was indicted along with six other people in December 2022. Alexey and Daria Brayman were arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply Russia with high-tech equipment used in nuclear weapons development. Facebook/Alexey Brayman Prosecutors said the conspirators worked with two Moscow-based companies controlled by Russian intelligence services to acquire electronic components in the U.S. that have civilian uses but can also be used to make nuclear and hypersonic weapons and in quantum computing. The exporting of the technology violated U.S. sanctions, prosecutors said. The prosecution was coordinated through the Justice Departments Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency entity dedicated to enforcing sanctions imposed after Russian invaded Ukraine. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in statement that Yermolenko joins the nearly two dozen other criminals that our Task Force KleptoCapture has brought to justice in American courtrooms over the past two and a half years for enabling Russias military aggression. Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected officer with Russias Federal Security Service, was arrested in Estonia and extradited to the United States. Government Exhibit A message seeking comment was sent to Yermolenkos attorney with the federal public defenders office. Prosecutors said Yermolenko helped set up shell companies and U.S. bank accounts to move money and export-controlled goods. Money from one of his accounts was used to purchase export-controlled sniper bullets that were intercepted in Estonia before they could be smuggled into Russia, they said. Konoshchenok was found to be in possession of 6.5mm bullets made in Nebraska. Government Exhibit One of Yermolenkos co-defendants, Alexey Brayman of Merrimack, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty previously to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is awaiting sentencing. Another, Vadim Konoshchenok, a suspected officer with Russias Federal Security Service, was arrested in Estonia and extradited to the United States. He was later released from U.S. custody as part of a prisoner exchange that included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and other individuals. The four others named in the indictment are Russian nationals who remain at large, prosecutors said. The actor spoke at a Nov. 3 panel in L.A. during a special screening celebrating the movie's 10th anniversary Jon Kopaloff/Getty; Everett Keanu Reeves on Nov. 3 (left) and Reeves in 'John Wick' (right). Keanu Reeves pushed himself to the point of sickness in order to pull off intense stunts in John Wick. At a special 10th-anniversary screening of the action movie held Nov. 3 at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles, Reeves, 60, and his costar Ian McShane, 82, sat for a panel discussion with co-director Chad Stahelski and producer Erica Lee. Moderator Grae Drake asked Reeves how far he was pushed to play the titular hitman who gets revenge on the Russian mobsters responsible for the death of his dog. Reeves said the experience was a gift, adding, I had so many wonderful teachers and guidance and worked with so many talented actors, actresses and stunt people in the sense of it's such a dance and collaboration and cooperation. So there's a couple of times where you throw up or puke or whatever, but that's what makes it good! 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. Everett A scene from 'John Wick.' Related: John Wick Co-Directors Say 'No Other Person' Could Play the Character Than Keanu Reeves (Exclusive) McShane also praised Reeves willingness to go the extra mile. He pushes the envelope all the time. So when your leading actors says, We'd like do another one, and it's raining for the seventh day in a row outside and you're standing there, whatever. And you go, Well, Keanu's doing it. Here we are. Here we go, said McShane. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Grae Drake, Keanu Reeves, Erica Lee, Ian McShane and Chad Stahelski on Nov. 3. The movie was a hit, and launched three sequels, which have collectively made more than $1 billion globally. The films have also become famous for their violent and involved fight scenes, including one in which Keanus Wick shoves a sharpened pencil in the eye and ear of a foe. When moderator Drake quipped that nobody's ever looked at a pencil the same way again, Reeves responded: You shouldn't. Because they work! In an interview with Business Insider Oct. 31, Desperate Housewives alum Eva Longoriaconfirmed she stepped in and helped save the movie with a $6 million investment after financing fell through just as filming was set to begin. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane at the Nov. 3 screening of 'John Wick.' Related: Where to Watch All 4 John Wick Movies An agent, and he wasn't even my agent, he called me and said, You got money, you should put your money here. And I didn't even know how a movie was made. I was like, What do you mean gap financing? she said. Longoria said she has since more than doubled her original investment and is annoyed at herself for not staying involved with the sequels. What I'm pissed off about is I wasn't connected to the rest of them. This was a one-time thing. That was the gamble. But that was my only mistake, not being attached to all of the films, she said. Marlene Warren's killing is featured on "Sex. Clowns. Murder," the upcoming episode of People Magazine Investigates, airing on Investigation Discovery on Monday, Nov. 4, at 9/8c and streaming on Max Marlene Warren, Joe Ahrens It was Memorial Day weekend in 1990 and Joe Ahrens was looking forward to hanging out with his friends. Ahrens, 21, was eating breakfast and watching TV with some of his friends who stayed overnight at his house in Wellington, Fla., in Palm Beach County when someone knocked at the door. His mother, Marlene Warren, 40, went to see who it was. When she opened the door, she saw what appeared to be a delivery person wearing a clown costume, a wig and clown makeup, holding a basket of flowers and carrying balloons. How pretty! Ahrens heard his mother say. Seconds later, the clown pulled out a gun and shot Warren in the mouth at point blank range. Frantic, Ahrens rushed to his mothers side, just as the clown was turning to leave. Palm Beach County Sheriff's office Door frame where killer clown shot Marlene Warren dead in 1990. In that moment, the clown looked me right in the eyes and I got to glimpse those eyes, he recalls in this exclusive clip (shown below) the next episode of People Magazine Investigates on Investigation Discovery/ID and streaming on Max. They were big and brown. Airing on Monday, Nov. 4 at 9/8 c, the episode, Sex. Clowns. Murder, goes in-depth on the bizarre killing that went unsolved for 27 years. Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Marlene Warren; Painting of clown by Marlene Warren The episode details how dogged Palm Beach County investigators searched for Warrens killer, finally arresting a suspect in 2017 who had a surprising connection to the victim. "Our goal in this office is to do justice, Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg told PEOPLE that year. We are going to do justice for Marlene Warren. 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. Investigators questioned her husband Michael, who was Warrens second husband, having married him in 1972. They zeroed in on the couple's troubled relationship. Just a week before her death, Warren had told Ahrens that Michael Warren, Ahrens' stepfather, had ceased to care anymore after the sudden death of her 22-year-old son John in 1988. Unhappy in the marriage, she wanted to leave, Ahrens said. For more about Marlene Warren's bizarre death, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. But Michael Warren had an alibi: He was driving to Miami when his wife was shot. He was never arrested or charged in connection with his wife's murder. So police turned their attention to other people who may have wanted the well-liked mother of two dead. For more on Marlene Warrens death, tune in to the next episode of People Magazine Investigates Sex. Clowns. Murder. airing on Monday, Nov. 4, at 9/8 c, on Investigation Discovery/ID and streaming on Max. The sons of Jennifer 'Jennie' Ann Kelly wrote a hilariously honest obit following their late mom's death on Oct. 28 Getty A stock photo of a candle An Australian family's unconventional death notice is being talked about around the world. Jennifer Ann Kelly, known as Jennie, died on Monday, Oct. 28 at age 88, and her sons Sean and Chris Kelly who grew up in the Sydney suburb of Forestville, New South Wales have since written a tribute to their "wild and wayward" mother, per the Sydney Morning Herald. In the piece published by the outlet on Saturday, Nov. 2, Sean insisted the family "refused to say 'passed,' " and referenced Jennie's love of drinking champagne and gin, among other facts about her. The Sydney Morning Herald The unconventional death notice has gone viral Related: Son Wrote Hilarious Obituary So Dad Wouldn't Be 'Forgotten,' Instead It Went Viral and Made Millions Smile We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing said Jennie. She believed that exposing youth to religion was a form of child abuse," the message read. "It was impossible to watch the news in her presence due to her vocal outrage at the way the country is run. She held John Howard in particular contempt," the post added, referencing Australia's former prime minister. The brothers continued, "Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously. "Her rare attempts at 'responsible' parenting or grandparenting were always touching. She said Sean was a much better driver than Chris. News on what's next to follow. Bring a shovel," the post concluded. Getty A stock photo of a spade Related: Sons Hilarious Obituary for Dad Who Broke the Mold Goes Viral: He Is Gods Problem Now After the post made headlines, solicitor and author Sean Kelly said, per the Sydney Morning Herald, Sometimes the words just resonate. And the fact that Mum had opinions and was different and didnt think like everyone else, I just managed to capture her. Author of The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan, Lisa Herbert, shared a link to the post on Facebook, writing, "Rest well, Jennie. We would have been great friends. " Others commented on the Sydney Morning Herald piece. "Your mum sounds phenomenal. The amazing tribute has reached thousands of people in the U.K.," one person wrote. "I wish I'd known [Jennie], she sounds wonderful. Thank you for a wonderful obituary - clearly [Jennie] lived until she died," another added. 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. The death notice comes after Christina Novak went viral for posting a four-sentence obit for her mom in the Kennebec Journal on Aug. 30. It read: "Florence 'Flo' Harrelson, 65, formerly of Chelsea, died on Feb. 22, 2024, without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path." Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Novak, 47, said it was "no joke." "It was written with sarcasm and relief, but its real, she added. It was done in four sentences because I refused to spend another dollar on that woman. "Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died," the obituary continues. "Thats because even in death, she wanted those she terrorized to still be living in fear looking over their shoulders. So, this isnt so much an obituary but more of a public service announcement." As Massachusetts firefighters continue to battle a spike in outdoor fires across the state, a Boston man is in custody after officials said he set a brush fire outside the city over the weekend. Devonte Johnson, 28, of Dorchester, was arrested Saturday on charges of setting fire to another's land, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and setting an open fire and burning trees or land, the Police Department of Milford Massachusetts reported. According to investigators, Johnson set a brush fire that damaged land in a wooded area in Milford, a town just over 40 miles southwest of Dorchester. Police did not release the extent of the damage. A hot spot flares up as Worcester firefighters battle a brush fire in property behind Webster First Credit Union in Massachusetts on Oct. 28, 2024. Police arrested a Boston man on Nov. 2, 2024 for allegedly starting a brush fire in Milton, Massachusetts. Worcester County Sheriff's Office online records showed Johnson remained jailed Monday on $1,500. It was not immediatly known whether he had obtained an attorney. Fatal chopper wreck: 3 dead, including infant, in helicopter crash on rural street in Louisiana Bans put in place after more than 100 brush fires break out in week span The arrest comes on the heels of officials placing burning bans across the state after it saw more than 100 brush fires over a week span that began in late October. One fire claimed a woman's life in Millbury, about 15 miles northwest of where Johnson is accused of starting a fire over the weekend. It was not immediately known whether Johnson is suspected of setting any of the other brush fires. USA TODAY has reached out to Milford police. Jake Wark, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, told USA TODAY, the fires come as weather conditions could cause leaves and dead vegetation to ignite or fuel existing fires. How many acres are burning in Massachusetts? As of late Sunday night, Wark told USA TODAY, 87 brush and wildland fires had been reported in the past seven days, burning nearly 483 acres. The tally includes four new fires reported in the previous 24 hours, Wark reported. On Monday, state officials continued to warn residents to exercise caution with activities involving sparks, flames, or heat sources outside. "With no precipitation, winds of 5 to 10 mph, fresh leaf litter, and direct sunlight on surface fuels, the outdoor fire risk remains very high today and because about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, any of these fires could put people and property in danger," state officials wrote in a press release on Monday. Where are the brush fires in Massachusetts? As of late Monday morning, some significant fires include: Cain Hill (Salem/Lynn): 140 acres, 50% contained; Middleton Pond (Middleton): 188 acres, 70% contained; Pappas (Canton): 33 acres, 90% contained; Wolcott Hill / Blue Hills Reservation (Milton): 4 acres, 70% contained; Curry 24 (Devens): 100 acres, 99% contained; Maple Meadow (Wilmington): 10 acres, 70% contained; Mt. Laurel (Holden): 6 acres, 95% contained; Traders Way (Salem): 15 acres, 50% contained; Old Forest Road (North Andover): 5 acres, 50% contained; Bradway (Monson): 44 acres, 90% contained; Castle Rock (Saugus): 22 acres, 80% contained; Pond South (Middleton): 4 acres, 60% contained; Fitzgerald (Northampton): 55 acres, 85% contained; Moose Meadow (Montgomery): 60 acres, 20% contained; Howe (Spencer): 9 acres, 80% contained. Massive fire at Cincinnati playground shuts down Daniel Carter Beard Bridge; no injuries Brush fire kills Millbury woman Last weekend, a small brush fire claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman in Millbury, Massachusetts, about 50 miles southwest of Boston. It was believed to have originated in an encampment. Maryann Audette was found dead at the scene of the fire, reported Telegram and Gazette, a part of the USA TODAY Network. A GoFundMe was created to help fund her funeral. As we confront an unprecedented fall fire season, Im asking all our residents to protect themselves, their neighbors, and their communities by refraining from any outdoor activities that involve open flames, sparks and embers, or other heat sources, Gov. Maura Healey released in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Monday. I especially want to thank the firefighters who have been battling these fires, very often for days at a time and across the state from their homes and families. We have seen truly remarkable efforts from our fire service." How to avoid starting a brush fire To avoid starting a brush fire, the state Department of Fire Services recommends the following: Avoid cooking outdoors; Use caution when using lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment as their engines can heat up enough to ignite leaves and grass; Dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood stoves by placing them in a metal can, dousing them with water and then covering it with a tight-fitting lid; Smoke materials should be extinguished in a sturdy ashtray; Donot throw cigarettes or other smoking materials over a balcony or into vegetation or debris. Open burning in the state is prohibited through January, officials said. Contributing: Julia Gomez Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man arrested for setting Massachusetts brush fire in Milford Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) PHILADELPHIA (AP) The $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes that Elon Musk 's political action committee is hosting in swing states can continue through Tuesdays presidential election, a Pennsylvania judge ruled Monday. Common Pleas Court Judge Angelo Foglietta ruling after Musks lawyers said the winners are paid spokespeople and not chosen by chance did not immediately explain his reasoning. District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, had called the process a scam designed to actually influence a national election and asked that it be shut down. Musk lawyer Chris Gober said the final two recipients before Tuesday's presidential election will be in Arizona on Monday and Michigan on Tuesday. The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance," Gober said Monday. We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow. Chris Young, the director and treasurer of America PAC, testified that the recipients are vetted ahead of time, to feel out their personality, (and) make sure they were someone whose values aligned with the group. Musks lawyers, defending the effort, called it core political speech given that participants sign a petition endorsing the U.S. Constitution. They also said Krasner's bid to shut it down under Pennsylvania law was moot because there would be no more Pennsylvania winners before the program ends Tuesday. Krasner believes the giveaways violates state election law and contradict what Musk promised when he announced them during an appearance with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump 's campaign in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 19: Were going to be awarding a million dollars randomly to people who have signed the petition every day from now until the election, Musk vowed. Young also acknowledged that the PAC made the recipients sign nondisclosure agreements. They couldnt really reveal the truth about how they got the money, right? Krasner lawyer John Summers asked. Sounds right, Young said. In an Oct. 20 social media post shown in court, Musk said anyone signing the petition had a daily chance of winning $1M! Summers grilled him on Musk's use of both the words chance and randomly," prompting Young to concede the latter was not the word I would have selected. Young said the winners knew they would be called on stage but not specifically that they would win the money. Musk did not attend the hearing. He has committed more than $70 million to the super PAC to help Trump and other Republicans win in November. This was all a political marketing masquerading as a lottery, Krasner testified Monday. Thats what it is. A grift. Lawyers for Musk and the PAC said they do not plan to extend the lottery beyond Tuesday. Krasner said the first three winners, starting on Oct. 19, came from Pennsylvania in the days leading up to the state's Oct. 21 voter registration deadline. Other winners came from the battleground states of Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan. It's not clear if anyone has yet received the money. The PAC pledged they would get it by Nov. 30, according to an exhibit shown in court. More than 1 million people from the seven states have registered for the sweepstakes by signing a petition saying they support the right to free speech and to bear arms, the first two amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Krasner questioned how the PAC might use their data, which it will have on hand well past the election. They were scammed for their information, Krasner said. It has almost unlimited use. Krasner's team called Musk the heartbeat of America PAC, and the person announcing the winners and presenting the checks. He was the one who presented the checks, albeit large cardboard checks. We dont really know if there are any real checks, Summers said. Foglietta presided over the case at Philadelphia City Hall after Musk and the PAC lost an effort to move it to federal court. Krasner has said he could still consider criminal charges, as hes tasked with protecting both lotteries and the integrity of elections. Pennsylvania remains a key battleground state with 19 electoral votes and both Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly visited the state, including stops planned Monday in the final hours of the campaign. Krasner who noted that he has long driven a Tesla said he could also seek civil damages for the Pennsylvania registrants. Musk is the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla. He also owns the social media platform X, where America PAC has published posts on the sweepstakes, and the rocket ship maker SpaceX. A photo of Alexandria Bell rests at the scene of a floral memorial to the victims of a school shooting at Central Visual & Performing Arts High School, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, in St. Louis. Bell and teacher Jean Kuczka were killed, along with the gunman. (Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/AP) 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 October 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. 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. 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 familys home with them inside. 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 October 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 doesnt explain why, and police didnt 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 October 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 October 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 sisters 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 October 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 more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Moldovan president Maia Sandu secured a second term in office in a pivotal presidential runoff election marred by accusations of Russian interference and electoral manipulation. Her victory, with 55 per cent of the votes, was confirmed by Moldovas Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on Sunday night, leaving her opponent, former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, with 45 per cent. The re-election of the pro-European leader reinforces Moldovas drive toward closer ties with the European Union. Ms Sandu, in her victory address, lauded her supporters and praised the election as a historic win for democracy. Moldova, you are victorious! she declared. Today, you have saved Moldova! She further accused hostile forces from outside the country of orchestrating a campaign of vote-buying, and electoral interference, aimed at derailing the democratic process. Moldovas President Maia Sandu smiles while holding a bouquet of flowers as she celebrates with supporters the preliminary results of presidential election runoff (AP) "You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the peoples power when they choose to speak through their vote," she added. For Ms Sandu, who has led Moldovas pro-Western government since 2021, the support from the electorate signals a continued mandate to pursue EU membership, a trajectory fiercely opposed by Russia. The stakes were high for Moldovas diaspora, with more than 325,000 casting ballots, mostly in favour of Ms Sandu, marking a record turnout. The people of Moldova have chosen their President a powerful lesson of unity and democracy! Congratulations to @sandumaiamd on winning a second term! Ready to continue building a stronger Moldova together! pic.twitter.com/GsNaFr0jvx Dorin Recean (@DorinRecean) November 3, 2024 However, Moldovas electoral process faced severe disruption. On Sunday, Moldovan police said they had "reasonable evidence" of organised transportation of voters a practice banned by Moldovas electoral code to polling stations from within the country and from overseas. They are "investigating and registering evidence of coordinated air transportation from Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, in an effort to sway the vote. "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. Were seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential runoff todayan effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Authorities are on high alert. Thread with instances of meddling, which I'll be updating in real time Stanislav Secrieru (@StasSecrieru) November 3, 2024 Stanislav Secrieru, Ms Sandus national security adviser, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that cyberattacks were targeting Moldovas voter record systems, particularly the connections between domestic and international polling stations. 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. Additionally, Moldovas foreign ministry revealed that bomb threats temporarily halted voting in overseas polling stations, including those in Frankfurt, Liverpool, and Northampton. The threats, believed to be aimed at obstructing the democratic process, added a further layer of disruption to an already contentious election day. 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, Ms Sandu told reporters: "Thieves want to buy our vote, thieves want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater." Mr Stoianoglo, Ms Sandus Russia-aligned opponent, refrained from conceding defeat directly, instead issuing a call for unity. Everyones voice deserves respect, he told reporters, while expressing hope for an end to the hatred and division imposed on us. His response highlighted the polarisation that has gripped Moldova, with pro-Russian factions challenging the countrys westward shift. Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd, on your victory tonight. 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. pic.twitter.com/YcCurwhpCq Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 3, 2024 The election also uncovered a major vote-buying scheme, reportedly funded by convicted oligarch Ilan Shor, who now resides in Russia. Prosecutors say that nearly $39m was funneled to more than 130,000 recipients between September and October through a sanctioned Russian bank. Investigators have conducted extensive raids, seizing over $2.7m in cash and detaining individuals suspected of electoral manipulation. Among those implicated is a physician in the Gagauzia region, accused of pressuring 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. European leaders, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, expressed support for Ms Sandus win. It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges youve faced in this election, Ms von der Leyen posted on X, signalling the EUs endorsement of Moldovas pro-European aspirations. The high-stakes election underscores Moldovas precarious position amid intensifying geopolitical tension. Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, noted that the election result is unlikely to quell the countrys political divisions. "On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarization to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections." Mr Cantir argued that Moldovas electoral authorities need more resources and better-trained staff to combat voter fraud effectively and "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 Ms Sandu and cited concerns about corruption and voters uninformed about the two candidates. Citizens of Moldova Republic vote in the second round of the presidential election in Bucharest (EPA) "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." Moldovas path to EU membership gained momentum in 2022 when it was granted candidate status in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine. While Brussels agreed in June this year to begin formal membership negotiations, analysts warn that next years parliamentary vote could see even greater Russian interference. Additional reporting from agencies Taco Bell has a new Decades menu celebrating fan-favorite items from the past. Courtesy of Taco Bell Taco Bell is reviving five menu items from past decades for a limited time. The nostalgic menu includes items like the Tostada, Meximelt, and Gordita Supreme. We tried the new Decades menu, and the Caramel Apple Empanada was our clear favorite. Taco Bell is the latest fast-food brand to bank on nostalgia, with a new limited-time menu featuring fan-favorite items from the past. When the first Taco Bell restaurant opened in Downey, California, in 1962, it offered five items: frijoles, tostadas, burritos, tacos, and a chili burger. The menu has undergone multiple changes since, often removing and re-releasing fan favorites like the Mexican Pizza. Now, Taco Bell hopes to evoke a sense of nostalgia in customers with its new "Decades" menu, which features five previously discontinued items. The menu includes the Tostada from the original 1960s menu, the Green Sauce Burrito from the '70s, the Meximelt from the '80s, the '90s-era Gordita Supreme, and the Caramel Apple Empanada of the 2000s. This isn't the first time a fast-food chain has leaned into nostalgia to win over customers. Wendy's launched a collaboration with Paramount, which owns Nickelodeon, and "SpongeBob SquarePants," to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary with a limited-edition burger inspired by the Krabby Patty and a pineapple-flavored milkshake. It came on the heels of McDonald's launching limited-edition cups inspired by iconic Happy Meal toys and its viral Grimace-themed shake, which paid homage to the character first introduced in the 1970s. Additionally, in 2021, Burger King rebranded for the first time in 20 years, returning to a design reminiscent of its '70s and '80s branding. Nostalgia can pay off. In July 2023, McDonald's reported the Grimace shake helped boost sales by more than 10% during the quarter the campaign launched, while Fast Company reported that in the days after Burger King's rebrand, customer visits increased by 39%. We tried all five items on Taco Bell's new Decades menu and ranked them from our least favorite to our favorite. 5. Tostada Taco Bell's tostada features refried beans, lettuce, and shredded cheese on a corn tostada shell. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Original release: The tostada, with its refried beans, tangy red sauce, lettuce, and shredded cheese layered over a crunchy corn tostada shell, was part of Taco Bell's original 1962 menu, but it was discontinued in 2020. Price: $2.19 Note: All prices listed here may vary in different markets. The soft refried beans and tangy sauce perfectly complemented the crispy corn shell. The crispy tostada was part of Taco Bell's launch menu in 1962. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider Anneta: The corn shell was satisfyingly crispy, and the refried beans on top were well-distributed across the tostada. They also packed a punch of delicious flavor thanks to the red sauce. But I found the lettuce to be limp and distracting, especially since it covered the rest of the ingredients. Customizing the tostada with some pico de gallo would help, but otherwise, I'd probably skip this. Priyanka: I usually prefer crispy-shell tacos over soft ones, so I enjoyed biting into this crunchy tostada. It felt like I was eating one giant, perfectly layered nacho, minus the melted cheese and sour cream. And while initially this looked more like a side dish than a main dish because of its size, I realized how filling it was after a couple of bites. However, I thought the tostada was a bit bland and would've benefited from another layer of hot sauce or some pico de gallo. 4. Gordita Supreme Taco Bell's Gordita Supreme was originally released in the '90s. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Original release: The Gordita Supreme, which appeared on Taco Bell's menu in the '90s, features a flatbread shell filled with seasoned beef, sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Price: $2.99 The fluffy flatbread was the star of the Gordita Supreme. The Gordita Supreme features beef, lettuce, tomato, and a three-cheese blend in a flatbread. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Anneta: The flatbread was the best part of my Gordita Supreme. It was warm, soft, and delightfully pillowy. But with no additional sauce and your standard rotation of veggies lettuce and tomato there just wasn't much flavor to it. I doused my Gordita Supreme with some avocado verde salsa, which helped a little. I think this really needs some pico de gallo and purple cabbage, two new ingredients for Taco Bell that helped elevate its fantastic Cantina Chicken Menu. Priyanka: Since I don't eat red meat, I swapped the beef for chicken, which I thought complemented the other ingredients well. The light layer of sour cream gave the folded wrap a nice pop of freshness alongside the lettuce and diced tomatoes, and the chicken was well-seasoned. However, this dish would be better if the flatbread were lightly grilled or toasted. 3. The green sauce burrito Taco Bell's green sauce burrito. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Original release: The green sauce burrito, which debuted in 1970, was among the chain's most loved and replicated items until it was discontinued. The burrito contains refried beans, onions, cheddar cheese, and a spicy green sauce made from green chili, tomatillos, jalapenos, and spices. Price: $2.49 The simplicity of the ingredients used in this burrito allowed the green sauce's flavors to shine. Taco Bell's green sauce burrito is made with refried beans, cheese, and the delicious green sauce. Priyanka Rajput/Business Insider Anneta: I don't usually go for a bean burrito at Taco Bell (I'm all about the Grilled Cheese Burrito and, more recently, the Cantina Chicken Burrito), but the Green Burrito took me by surprise. The green sauce brings so much flavor and elevates the entire burrito, adding subtle heat and pairing perfectly with the delicious refried beans. My only wish is that my burrito had more crunchy onions for a little extra texture. But I couldn't resist finishing the entire dish, even though it was the last item I tried on the Decades menu. Priyanka: It took a few bites before I reached the oozing refried beans and crunchy onions, but once I did, the burrito was flavorful. Even though it was made using simple ingredients, it came together well, and I liked that it didn't contain rice. To elevate it slightly, I'd add some pico de gallo and request that my tortilla be extra toasty next time, but it was a solid dish. 2. Meximelt Taco Bell's Meximelt. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Original release: The Meximelt was on Taco Bell's menu for 30 years before it was discontinued in 2019. The dish, which first appeared in the '80s, features a tortilla full of seasoned beef, pico de gallo, and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Price: $2.99 The Meximelt tasted super fresh and was packed with so much flavor. The Taco Bell Decades menu is available for a limited time nationwide. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Anneta: The ingredient list in the Meximelt is simple and short, but each one is performing at its peak. The pico de gallo added a burst of freshness to every bite, and the three-cheese blend was perfectly melted, wrapping up the beef in a deliciously cheesy hug. I usually douse my Taco Bell order in hot sauce, but there was so much juice and flavor in the beef of the Meximelt that I completely forgot to add it. Even my boyfriend, who isn't a huge Taco Bell fan, was impressed. Priyanka: Similar to the Gordita Supreme, I swapped the beef in the Meximelt for a layer of chicken, and I'm glad I did! At first glance, I thought it looked a lot like the Gordita Supreme and would probably taste the same. But with the first bite, I was proven wrong. The tortilla was a bit thinner than the Gordita's flatbread, which I preferred since it allowed the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through. 1. Caramel Apple Empanada Taco Bell's Caramel Apple Empanada. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Original release: The caramel apple empanada was first introduced in 2004 as part of Taco Bell's Big Bell Value Menu but was discontinued in 2019. The sweet treat consists of apple pieces and a creamy caramel filling encased in a crispy pastry. Price: $3.65 The Caramel Apple Empanada was our clear favorite from the Decades menu. Taco Bell's Caramel Apple Empanada was our clear favorite. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Anneta: I was a huge fan of Taco Bell's Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, released for a limited time earlier this year, so I had high hopes for the Caramel Apple Empanada and it delivered. My empanada came out piping hot. As I took my first bite, the crispy shell immediately gave way to the warm and lovely filling. The shell had a great crunch and a super satisfying flakiness. The empanada also had plenty of juicy apple chunks, which paired well with the subtle hints of caramel. This is a great sweet treat, especially for the chilly winter season. My only complaint is that it isn't a permanent menu item! Priyanka: A bite of this crunchy, creamy empanada instantly put me in the holiday spirit. I've tried apple pies from various fast-food chains, but this one stands out for its perfectly crisp golden pastry and well-balanced apple caramel filling. I ate my dessert about 15 minutes after I'd received it, but when I took it out of its paper sleeve, I could still feel the warmth, which was very impressive given the cold weather outside. I also loved not having to work through layers of crispy dough to get to the heart of the dish: the filling. The two were perfectly balanced right from the first bite. The tart apples and salted caramel paired beautifully without being overly sweet. If there's one item on this menu you shouldn't miss, it's the dessert! When Business Insider contacted Taco Bell about the menu and our thoughts on it, the brand said it "is proud to have been able to provide fans with new and authentic innovations for decades." It added, "As our fans continue to call for the legendary mouth-watering favorites that they miss, or that they have only heard about and never got the chance to experience, the Decades Menu is reintroducing the classics from the first five decades to connect generations of Taco Bell fans with nostalgic flavors that have withstood the test of time." Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump on Sunday leaned heavily into claims of election fraud and appeared to call for violence against members of the press at his rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, continuing an almost decadelong streak of attacking the media. Speaking about the bulletproof glass positioned in front of his lectern, the former president said that for a bullet to hit him in an attempted assassination, a shooter would have to shoot through the fake news, and I dont mind that so much. I have a piece of glass over here, and I dont have a piece of glass there, and I have this piece of glass here, Trump said, pointing out the glass around his lectern that has become common since he survived two assassination attempts earlier this year, one of which occurred at a similar outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Often cruel to his critics, Trump has been dwelling on his enemies' violent demise in the final weeks of his campaign. Trump has called Democrats "the enemy within," called for shoplifters to be shot on sight, imagined former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney facing a firing squad, and suggested his former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff deserved to be executed. Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., on Nov. 3. All we have really over here is the fake news, Trump added. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. Earlier in the rally, Trump also blasted the press, telling his supporters that the media is so damn bad. Its unbelievable. He also named several media outlets specifically, telling attendees, Its one thing when CNN and MSNBC are crooked as hell. Look at CBS. Look what CBS did, Trump said before blasting the network for its interview last month with Vice President Kamala Harris on Face the Nation, which he has repeatedly said was unfairly edited to paint Harris in a positive light. On Thursday, the former president sued the network, alleging that the interview with Harris was misleading. Later in the rally, Trump said, ABC, ABC, fake news, CBS, ABC, NBC. These are, these are, in my opinion, in my opinion, these are seriously corrupt people. In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung defended the former presidents Sunday comments, saying, 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 added, 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! Trumps attacks are part of a longtime trend of attacking the media, which hes done publicly since his first presidential run in 2016. Back then, he referred to members of the press as dishonest, not good people and scum during press conferences and campaign events. The former presidents remarks on Sunday came during a long speech in which he also attacked Harris as corrupt, called President Joe Biden a poor, stupid guy, and blasted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. I took over a mess because I took over the mess that Barack Hussein Obama [left], Trump said at Sundays rally, adding that Obama was a major troublemaker, a big divider and a terrible president. Trump also told the crowd, I think were going to start having a little fun with Michelle. I think were going to have a little fun with Michelle, but I always treated her with a lot of respect. A spokesperson for the Obamas did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At another point in the rally, Trump said he should not have left the White House on Jan. 20, 2021, when Biden was sworn in. The day that I left, I shouldnt have left. I mean, honestly, because we did so, we did so well, the former president told supporters. And at the beginning of the rally, Trump focused his remarks on criticizing the way the election has been carried out, sharpening his attacks on mail-in voting and election security at the end of a cycle where some Republicans have been advocating for early voting. The former president launched into an extended criticism of the American election process, calling for single-day voting and paper ballots while casting doubts about Election Day and the ensuing ballot counting process. I just heard that a couple of states may go an extra 12 days. How the hell do you have an election? You know, they spend all of this money on these damn machines and paper ballots, youd have the, youd have the answer by 9 oclock tonight. Its damn, its a damn shame, Trump said, later arguing: You ought to have the election over by 9 oclock. Im hearing now theyre going to take weeks. Trump also repeated unfounded claims of widespread election fraud in states like Pennsylvania and said the upcoming election is all about the lawyers. Every polling booth has hundreds of lawyers standing there. Its all about the lawyers. Everybody, standard lawyers. Nobody should have that. You should have a damn ballot and you hand it in, the former president said. Caroline Wilburn is a breaking news reporter for the Houston Chronicle. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Caroline worked as an election stringer for the Associated Press and as a breaking news fellow at the Texas Tribune. At the Tribune, she got a crash course in interpreting data, distilling complicated policy and following statewide trends on a tight deadline. Shes also a skilled video editor and podcast producer. She won a first-place award for audio news production at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. A Pennsylvania father was arrested Friday and charged with fatally shooting the mother of his young son and the boys grandmother after breaking into the victims New Jersey home, prosecutors said. Junior Edwards, 37, allegedly carried out the sickening double homicide early Wednesday morning while his 8-year-old son was inside the Willingboro Township home, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said. (L-R) Marisol Nunez and Catherine Nunez. Facebook Edwards, of Lansdowne, was slapped with two counts of first-degree murder and related charges in the shooting death of 33-year-old Catherine Nunez, who shared the son with the suspect, and her 54-year-old mother, Marisol Nunez. Both women suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene in an upstairs bedroom. Edwards allegedly broke into the home by smashing a first-floor window around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, according to prosecutors. The child was home during the gunfire but was not injured. Junior Edwards, 37, allegedly carried out the sickening double homicide early Wednesday morning while his 8-year-old son was inside the Willingboro Township home. Willingboro Township Police Department The alleged murder weapon, a handgun, was found outside the home, the prosecutors office said. Authorities did not reveal a motive for the fatal attack, but the victims family reportedly claimed Edwards was a monster who had threatened them many times. The American dream turned into an American nightmare, Wilson Nunez, Marisols brother and Catherines uncle, told the Courier Post. When Catherine traveled into New York City once a week for her utility firm job, her mother, Marisol, would watch the youngster overnight, the grieving loved one said. Both women suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene in an upstairs bedroom. NBC Philadelphia This loss has left our family devastated, and its a reminder of how fragile life can be, the family said in a GoFundMe page launched to raise money for funeral costs. Edwards is also charged with home invasion burglary with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and endangering the welfare of a child. He was hit with the charges while already in custody on unrelated charges in Philadelphia. New owners renovating a house in eastern France made the shocking discovery of human remains that are likely that of a former owner who vanished 15 years ago, prosecutors said Monday. "A corpse reduced to a skeleton was found on Saturday afternoon" in Erstroff, just across the border from German city Saarbruecken, said Olivier Glady, prosecutor in nearby town Sarreguemines. The remains were found "in a difficult-to-access spot under the roof whose entrance was almost hidden," Glady told AFP Monday. The new owners were renovating the home after buying it in 2023 following the death of the former owner's widow. "While looking for the source of rainwater leaking into the roof structure, one of the owners entered the cubbyhole almost without realizing, and found the skeletal remains inside," Glady said. The body "is very likely" that of the former owner, who disappeared in 2009 when he was aged 81, he added. This file photo shows public prosecutor of Sarreguemines, Olivier Glady, addressing the media in Sarreguemines, France, on August 7, 2023. / Credit: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images Local police are investigating the cause of death, and the remains have been sent to Strasbourg for forensic examination, Squadron Leader Benoit Vautrin said, according to regional newspaper Le Republicain Lorrain. Le Republicain Lorrain reported that the man's disappearance had gone unresolved despite numerous intensive searches of the area. The newspaper identified the man as Alois Iffly. His wife died in 2020, prompting the sale of the house. "The scene where the body was found hints at suicide," prosecutor Glady said, adding that a rope was found still hanging in the attic. End of an era for iconic moving walkways at San Francisco airport What Colonial Williamsburg may teach us about politics today The unintended consequences of Texas' strict abortion laws | 60 Minutes Check into the haunted Clown Motel, if you dare! (Robyn Wilson) Its witching hour deep in the Nevada desert. The time of night when ghosts and demons are most likely to appear. Im standing torch in hand in an eerie, dark bedroom of the self-proclaimed most haunted motel in America, trying to glimpse the paranormal in action. Can you feel that cold air? says Christopher Alefeld, my ghost-hunting guide for the night. You can feel it in some of the rooms. It just feels different. More tense. Our ghost-detecting equipment (an EMF meter) bleeps and lights up with activity, indicating it has picked up on changes in a nearby electromagnetic field. It feels like Im a member of the Ghostbusters when Im told a sudden unexplained spike in the EMF reading is considered evidence of the paranormal. But here at the Clown Motel its a regular occurrence. They even have a disclaimer on their site about the potential risks involved in having a supernatural encounter. And, yes, you heard correctly because your run-of-the-mill regular haunted motel just aint scary enough, this is a clown-themed haunted motel. Travel down the Extraterrerstrial Highway in Nevada for a road trip into the unknown (Robyn Wilson) Read more: 9 of the best road trips in the USA The motel is located next door to an old cemetery in the historic mining town of Tonopah, where dead miners and former murder and suicide victims as well as those wiped out in the Tonopah Plague of 1905 are said to use the thousands of clowns that fill the motels adjoining clown museum as vessels to communicate with the living. And, guess what, Im staying the night. Of course, I opted for the room with a malevolent entity who has a tendency of waking our guests in the early hours of the morning. Go hard or go home, thats what I say. Now hand me that disclaimer! I go to bed and, despite myself, I drift off. Until, suddenly, Im woken at 4am to a loud clatter in the room above. Isnt that supposed to be an empty room? The sound of restless footsteps thudding around continues for a few minutes, then falls silent. I just hope whoever or whatever it is, they arent too malevolent. There are more than 5,000 clowns in the museum, which are said to contain the spirits of the dead (Robyn Wilson) The next morning, I find Ive survived the night. My ghostly experience seems the ideal way to start my journey down Americas road of the paranormal otherwise known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, or the far less playful Nevada State Route 375. This is where, 35 years ago this November, UFO tourism started to take off after conspiracy theorist Bob Lazar famously claimed live on TV that hed been part of a project to reverse-engineer extraterrestrial technology near a top-secret government site located off Route 375, known as Area 51. In the years that followed, the dedicated ET Highway was born, with locations along the route becoming hotspots for alien obsessives trying to spot unidentified flying objects. Tonopah is the first stop on the route or last, depending on where your journey starts on this 100-mile stretch of road. Aside from ghosts, the towns rich mining history means there are more than 100 acres of buildings, mine shafts and even a tunnel to explore. It also has excellent house-brewed beers at the Tonopah Brewing Company, for anyone seeking a little Dutch courage before a night of ghoulish fun. The Area 51 school district bus is one of many photo ops along the road (Robyn Wilson) After taking a look around, I hit the road towards Rachel, a small community with a population of just 48, according to the latest count, and the closest town to Area 51 (which, in case you were wondering, is not on the pitstop list). It also formed the backdrop to parts of Independence Day, the 1996 alien-invasion blockbuster starring Will Smith. Read more: The best things to do in Los Angeles Theres evidence were now in alien country. Road signs even warn of low-flying aircraft. I pull up outside a large UFO hanging from a crane marking the entrance to Little ALeInn, the communitys only bar/motel/diner. A group of extraterrestrial enthusiasts in matching fluorescent green T-shirts are milling around outside, taking photos next to a life-size grey alien. Naturally, I join in. We get to talking about the truth. Do they consider themselves believers? I dont not believe, says one. Theres definitely something fishy going on, adds another. A photo op beckons me away from the group: an Area 51 school district bus, with a hooded Martian as its driver. Truly, an Instagrammers paradise. Tonopah Cemetery, where victims of the 1905 plague were laid to rest (Robyn Wilson) As I hit the long straight desert road again, I keep an eye out for the routes famous Black Mailbox among the distinctive Joshua trees that dot the landscape. Lazar apparently brought tourists to meet at the mailbox with hopes of spotting alien spacecraft, and it remains a popular hotspot for sightings. Sadly, theres nothing in the skies today. Pressing on, I reach the Alien Research Center, a souvenir store/pitstop where you can add your name to a wall of signatures (look out, too, for the alien Marilyn Monroe at the back of the shop). Im the only person there aside from McKenzie, who looks after basecamp for her uncle. Read more: How to spend a day in Crenshaw, LAs modern hub of art and creativity She tells me about some of the peculiar characters she meets working out here alone. Like this one guy, she says. He came in here wrapped completely in tin foil. The worst part though? He had nothing on underneath. I look shocked, but she seems pretty unfazed, and judging by the way she later dealt with two men doing doughnuts in her car park, I got the sense that you dont mess with McKenzie. UFO crash-landing site at the E.T. Fresh Jerky (Robyn Wilson) My final stop beckons, and I hop back in my car towards E.T. Fresh Jerky the crash site of a UFO, or perhaps just a giant fake UFO model on display. Ill let you make up your own mind on that one. After a few more irresistible snaps, I head inside to buy a lot of extraterrestrial beef jerky (for veggies and vegans, they also do jerky fruit), where I spot an unsurprisingly chatty alien Donald Trump in a box (kind of like the Zoltar machine from the film Big). One for the Tim Burton fans among you (*holds hand up*), theres also a 6ft tall alien from Mars Attacks! Sadly, that was about as close as I got to the real deal when it came to aliens on my trip down Americas road to the paranormal. But whos to say many others whove experienced sightings here are wrong? As they say: The truth is out there. Read more: Woodstock was a pivotal moment in history how much hippy spirit is left in upstate New York? Where to stay Fancy spending a night at Americas scariest motel? (Robyn Wilson) The Clown Motel proclaims itself to be Americas scariest motel and not just because of its ever-growing clown collection, with figurines, artwork and paraphernalia lining the shelves. The motel is also no stranger to paranormal activity, according to reports from previous guests, with a notice warning that during your stay you may experience unexplained phenomena. If this sounds up your street, and you want to brave a night in the motel, themed rooms from The Exorcist to IT as well as standard rooms, are available to book. Doubles from 100/night. Book here Drop by Little ALeInn, near the infamous Area 51 (Robyn Wilson) Located in the remote town of Rachel, Little ALeInn is the place to stay if Area 51 is an essential part of your paranormal-themed road trip. The restaurant/bar/motel offers simple room lodgings, camping and RV parking, as well as popular food offerings such as its world famous alien burger, breakfasts and other homely American fare. Motel doubles from 80/night, campsite spots from 8/night. Book here How to get there British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer return flights from London to Las Vegas from around 630. Norse offers return flights from London to Las Vegas from around 400, but there are added charges (inflight meals, headphone sets for your TV etc). Read more: How you can enjoy Las Vegas without spending a dollar in a casino WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. cybersecurity agency director Jen Easterly said on Monday that her department has not seen evidence of any activity that could directly impact the outcome of the election, despite a surge in disinformation. She added that the 2024 election has faced an "unprecedented amount of disinformation" from foreign adversaries. U.S. agencies have warned that Russia and others intend to fan divisive narratives ahead of the election, an accusation Russia has denied. Last week officials in the state of Georgia described a fake video circulating online of Haitian immigrant with multiple Georgia IDs claiming to have voted multiple times as "targeted disinformation". In a statement, senior U.S. intelligence officials linked the video back to Russia. A senior Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency official said there was a high likelihood that foreign disinformation efforts will continue in weeks and months after election up until January 6. Easterly said the "election infrastructure has never been more secure and that the election community has never been better prepared to deliver safe, secure, free and fair elections." (Reporting by Christopher Bing) Donald Trump is sunsetting his presidential campaign in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Monday night with a final rally in what his team called a tradition for the swing state three election cycles in a row. The move represents one last attempt to win over voters in a state made up of coalitions including the largest black city in America, the largest Arab population in America, plus a massive crowd of people and the union workers, autoworkers, Teamsters, a Trump campaign rep told The Post. I think that you can objectively say Michigan is the most left-leaning of the seven [swing states]. However, were kind of the weirdest state of the seven just because of how many coalitions are in Michigan, the Trump representative said. Donald Trump shakes hands with Dearborn, Mich., cafe owner Albert Abbas in the battleground state last week. AP Trump looks at a screen showing presidential foe Kamala Harris during a campaign rally at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., on Friday. REUTERS The 45th president also finished his campaign trail in the state during his 2016 and 2020 bids. Mondays final rally is expected to feature a speech by Trump around 10:30 p.m. The Trump rep said his camp expects the turnout to be huge in the 20,000-seat Van Andel Arena. Follow The Posts live blog for the latest updates on the 2024 presidential election Im proud to be able to say that we have that tradition, the representative said of the candidates last campaign stop. Trump dances his way off stage at the end of a rally in Warren, Michigan, on Nov. 1. Getty Images Michigan is one of the key swing states both Trump and Harris are vying for, and if she loses even one of the ones considered blue wall states, that would only bring her closer to defeat. Follow along with The Posts coverage of the 2024 election The Trump rep said his camps easiest path to winning the necessary 270 electoral votes is through the GOP candidate holding on to Georgia and Arizona and North Carolina and then picking up Pennsylvania but that every state counts and that Michigan is also an opportunity to get to the simple majority needed. Trump greets people as he visits Abbas restaurant, the Great Commoner, in Dearborn on Friday. AP Both candidates have spent the last weeks of the election homing in on the swing states and making final efforts to drive up turnout in light of the razor-thin polling margins. Michigan, where RealClearPolitics has Harris leading by 1.2%, has produced particularly hot headlines in the fight to court Arab American voters. Trump visited an Arab American coffee shop in Dearborn, vowing to bring peace to the Middle East, while Harris has pledged to do everything in her power to end the war in Gaza as protesters continue to heckle her across the country about her stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The unveiling of the Cisco 360 Partner Program has left Australian and New Zealand (A/NZ) partners cautiously optimistic about the first significant change to its partner program in 25 years, preferring to wait for more information about how the changes will directly impact them. Rodney Hamill, Cisco A/NZ channel chief, told ARN at the vendors Partner Summit event on 30 October that the revised partner program aims to reward partners who add value through deep tech skills and customer success, rather than just volume. The competitive market in Australia and New Zealand is driving this change, as partners are increasingly competing on the same deals, said Hamill. The program also focuses on security, with significant investments in security-specific tools and certifications. According to Hamill, our partners have already contacted him with questions about timing and when they can start using the new designations and where they stand in the value stack. Overall, partners here seem pretty excited, he said. Theres a general acceptance that its a good change that will reward partners who add value. Partners specialising in deep tech skills or focusing on customer success are going to benefit. Some partners that only focus on shopping might be at a disadvantage, but thats good for the value-added partners. There is a lot of structuring around some of those existing value adds and making it really clear to our partners what they have available to them, how they unlock it and how they engage. It gives me a foundation to build some really exciting things into 2025 and beyond, he said. The model features five tiers; Alliance, Ignite, Velocity, Titan and Galactic with each providing differentiated experiences curated to match unique business needs and size. As partners reach higher levels in the program, theyll unlock new benefits that elevate their experience and fuel growth. The program is the first step as Pax8 plans to continue to roll out more opportunities for partners to take advantage of as they rise through the program tiers to earn new benefits. Some early benefits include curated event experiences and tiered pricing for professional services projects, which will help partners manage costs. Partners can also expect to receive higher levels of technical support as they advance through the program. In addition, Pax8 Voyager Alliance introduces flexible payment options, offering multiple solutions dependent on a partners tier to aid in making financial business decisions. With the transparency it provides, you can see exactly where you fit, the resources available, and the benefits youll unlock at the next tier. Were excited to strengthen our relationship with Pax8 and continue growing together, 3rdmill CEO Natalia Scheidegger added. Future program benefits will include Pax8 Voyager Alliance Rewards where partners can accrue points that can be used to invest back into their business by applying them to Pax8 services, education and Pax8 Marketplace purchases. Next year, we will introduce enhancements to Voyager Alliance that revolutionise partner rewards in the SMB cloud marketplace, Donovan said. The Indian company close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi already has reduced supply and is now asking for payment of US$ 850 million. Bangladesh is struggling with foreign payments due to a shortage of foreign currency, while the caretaker government wants to revise the terms of the deal with India because its prices are too high. New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Adani group plans to cut energy supplies to Bangladesh if the latter does not settle its debt of US$ 850 million by 7 November. In September, the Indian company run by billionaire Gautam Adani, who has close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told Bangladesh that outstanding payments were becoming unsustainable and halved power supply, from about 1,400 megawatts to just over 700. Power is guaranteed under a 2017 agreement, signed when the Awami League was in power in Bangladesh. However, costs rose due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 (Bangladesh imported fuel from Russia) and the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India further worsened the situation, while other controversies followed. Difficulties in payments have also increased due to a drop in foreign currency reserves, for now guaranteed thanks to remittances from the diaspora. "Last month, we cleared million, and this month, a letter of credit has been opened for an additional 0 million," said Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, the power and energy adviser in the interim Bangladesh government. According to anonymous sources cited yesterday by the Times of India, the Bangladesh Power Development Board's letter of credit was not accepted because it does not meet the terms of the agreement. "We are trying to meet the gap by running other plants," said Rezaul Karim, chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, speaking about supply cuts by Adani. Under the 2017 agreement, the Godda plant, in the Indian state of Jharkhand, provides a minimum amount of electricity needed to meet demand in a given region. In both India and Bangladesh, opposition parties raised several questions about Adani's involvement and exorbitant prices. According to sources familiar with the matter, Bangladesh's caretaker government, led by economist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is reviewing the contract with Adani Power, which, compared to other private providers, charges rates that are almost 27 per cent higher. Already last year, the Bangladesh Power Development Board had asked the Indian company to revise the agreement. An unidentified official told the Bangladeshi news agency UNB that high prices are the main bone of contention. As public transport ridership declined in recent years, some bus companies have had to interrupt their service. A new regulation by the central government requires local administrations to ensure that bus companies keep operating at a time when local governments hidden debt reaches record levels. Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) As of 1 December, local authorities in the People's Republic of China will take over the management and financing of public bus services. Recently, the central government issued a new Urban Public Transport Regulation requiring debt-ridden local governments to deal with the rising number of public transport companies forced to suspend services or delay paying wages because of serious liquidity problems. Under the new policy, Without the consent of municipal governments, urban public transportation enterprises must not terminate services, the new regulation reads. Already in early 2023, a bus company in Shangqiu (Henan province) shut down because of serious financial woes, forcing local authorities to intervene, the Sixth Tone online magazine reported. In the following months, more companies suffered the same fate in the provinces of Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Hebei. Writing in China Newsweek, Yang Xinmiao, deputy director of Tsinghua Universitys Institute of Transportation, noted that the main reason for financial losses is a sharp decline in ridership in recent years, by around 20 billion trips annually, due to competition from ride-hailing and bike-sharing services. China's rapidly aging population has also heavily impacted the sector. Many cities have in fact introduced fee exemption for seniors, further cutting companies revenues. As a result, bus companies have become heavily dependent on government subsidies, which now account for more than half of their revenue. This burden falls entirely on local finances, since the central government cut back its subsidies for electric buses originally introduced in 2015 to support Chinas green energy transition. Already burdened by high debt, local administrations found themselves unable to pay for debt-ridden bus companies, and so let them file for bankruptcy, citing the lack of any country-wide legislation forcing them to take over the service. The new regulation addresses the issue directly, giving municipal administrations authority in urban public transport in the areas within their jurisdiction. It calls on them to ensure that funding for public transport is included in their budgets, so that they can provide bus service operators with financial subsidies in a timely manner. This measure will greatly affect municipalities. According to the latest estimates by the International Monetary Fund, the "hidden" debt of Chinas local governments is at a record high. To deal with this, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is discussing plans to lift local governments debt ceiling to swap out their hidden debt. Did ghosts really appear during the filming of EXO's hit track, "Growl"? Learn more about the spooky stories the members experienced behind the scenes! In 2013, the "Nation's Pick" boy group debuted with now one of K-pop's most iconic songs, "Growl," which elevated their status in the Korean music scene. Aside from its addictive lyrics and melody, it also became the talk of the town for its music video filmed in a single take. As the MV earned massive attention, some keen-eyed viewers experienced an eerie feeling watching it as they claimed to spot a "ghost" caught by the camera. In the video, an image of a faceless man hiding in the dark was seen standing behind a transparent glass window. This immediately raised suspicions that it could be a ghost, due to the location where it was filmed. In particular, to film the MV, EXO members, and the crew traveled to Shindongsin Industrial High School in Seoul and used its warehouse. The school is infamous for its haunted and terrible background for its frequent record of bullying and students taking their own lives due to school pressure. Prior to using the warehouse, it was abandoned for 7 years after three students committed suicide together in the past and even some of the school staff were hesitant to lend it to them. READ ALSO: 5+ K-pop Idols Who Had Ghostly Experiences at Their Companies/Dorms: TWICE Sana, More The group filmed from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., in which the members themselves experienced spine-chilling encounters. For Sehun, he heard his mother telling him to wake up. Xiumin, on the other hand, felt sleepy all the time despite trying so hard to fight it. Luhan was then certain that he saw people inside the warehouse before they came, while Chanyeol claimed to have seen Baekhyun's doppelganger when the real one was with D.O. the whole time. When this story circulated, a lot of people watched to confirm if it was a ghost, and while some believed it so, the truth was explained by EXO themselves that the entity was actually not a ghost, but an SM staff! Looking closely, the "ghost" was seen with a water bottle, and he was accidentally included in the take as he was not aware that he would be seen in the camera. The ghost story, which scared every EXO-Ls in 2013, turned out to be just a camera mishap! RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Scariest Moments When Fans Met K-Pop Idols For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dela Cruz Today's news: pro-European Maia Sandu wins in Moldovan elections; Burmese General Min Aung Hlaing will travel to China for the first time since the coup; Netanyahu staff member detained for leaking documents to compliant media to break hostage negotiations; In a Japanese city, online vote to let citizens choose the mayor's end-of-term allowance. PAKISTAN The Punjab government in Pakistan has decided to close all primary schools in Lahore for a week from today due to record levels of pollution. On Saturday, the concentration of PM2.5 was over 40 times the level deemed acceptable by the World Health Organisation. The provincial environmental protection agency had already announced new restrictions in four hot spots in the city. Tuk-tuks equipped with two-stroke engines and restaurants having barbecues without filters were banned. Government offices and private companies will have to make half of their staff work from home. MOLDOVA In Moldova, pro-European President Maia Sandu claimed victory for a second term in office after a tense runoff election yesterday with her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, supported by the pro-Russian Socialist Party. With over 99% of the votes counted, Sandu won 55% of the vote and in a late night speech promised to be president for all Moldovans. MYANMAR-CHINA The leader of the Myanmar junta, Min Aung Hlaing, will travel to China this week to attend some regional summits. This was announced today by Burmese state media: it will be the general's first visit to the influential neighbouring country since he seized power in a coup in 2021. Min Aung Hlaing will attend summits of the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) and will join a meeting with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam on 6 and 7 November in Kunming. ISRAEL A staff member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detained in Israel on charges of leaking information that could have harmed hostages in Gaza. Eli Feldstein, a former associate of Ben Gvir, allegedly leaked partial documents to compliant media outlets with the aim of corroborating Netanyahu's demands in the truce negotiations with Hamas and absolving him of responsibility for their failure. Three other people whose identities have not been disclosed are also under investigation. CANADA-INDIA In Canada, a protest by radical Sikh groups erupted into violence yesterday at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area, with some worshippers being attacked. The incident occurred at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in the city of Brampton, where pro-Khalistan protesters had gathered outside the premises to oppose the presence of Delhi consulate officials. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa stated that the violent disruption was orchestrated by anti-India elements. The attack drew condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and across the Canadian political spectrum. JAPAN Residents of Tsukuba, a city in Japan's Ibaraki prefecture, are voting online to determine the mayor's end-of-term allowance. The 130,000 people aged 15 years and older were asked to rate Tatsuo Igarashi's performance during his second term by 11 November. Voting is done via the city's smartphone app. Depending on the average score he receives, the 46-year-old mayor will receive between 22 yen (0.13 euro) and 20,394,000 yen (123,171 euro). KYRGYZSTAN-CHINA The government of Kyrgyzstan announced the construction of a trade and logistics city called Manas, which will be built on an area of 700 hectares in the Cuj region, on the banks of the Ala-Arcinsk Basin, with a large investment from China, meeting Chinese standards according to the strategic programme of the Eurasian Continental Bridge. Malaysia sends a letter of complaint to Vietnam over its alleged expansion of a coral reef in the disputed Spratly Islands that both countries claim as their own. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews/Agencies) Malaysia has sent a letter of complaint to Vietnam over the latters alleged expansion of a coral reef in the South China Sea that is claimed by both countries, Reuters reported speaking to local officials. The letter was reportedly sent to Vietnam's Foreign Ministry in early October, but so far Malaysia has not received any reply. The move sheds light on another dispute over the sea, one that does not involve China. The complaint concerns the alleged artificial expansion of the Barque Canada Reef, an islet in the Spratly Islands where Vietnam has built several infrastructures, according to satellite images analysed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. A few days ago Radio Free Asia reported that Hanoi was also building an airstrip on the reef. The tiny Spratly Islands are the object of overlapping claims by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and the Philippines with various levels of occupation. Significant construction has taken place in recent years as countries seek to boost their territorial claims and show that they can sustain human settlement on dozens of islets. China's activities have attracted the most attention, with seven islands built on submerged reefs. Although territorial disagreements between Malaysia and Vietnam are rare, Kuala Lumpur has regularly opposed what it says is an encroachment by Vietnamese fishermen in its Exclusive Economic Zone, even leading to the arrest of some Vietnamese crews. The proposal was supported by island nations such as Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Samoa and Tonga, which are still experiencing the consequences of atomic tests in the region. Russia, France and the United Kingdom voted against. According to experts, a clear picture on the consequences of a nuclear conflict could favour new disarmament agreements. New York (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The UN General Assembly has passed a resolution to establish a commission of independent experts to assess the consequences of a nuclear war. An issue that is still topical for Pacific Island nations because of nuclear tests carried out in the region up until the 1990s. The decision, promoted by New Zealand and Ireland and supported by Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Samoa and Tonga, was approved on 1 November with 144 votes in favour. Among the nuclear weapon countries, Russia, the United Kingdom and France voted against, while the United States, India, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan abstained. China, on the other hand, voted in favour. The resolution calls for the creation of a 21-member panel of experts who will examine the physical and social effects of a potential nuclear war at the local, regional and global levels, analysing the repercussions on climate, agriculture, public health and socio-economic systems. Although the scientists assume that hundreds of thousands of people would die in the event of a nuclear conflict, they believe that the real impact on humanity is currently uncertain due to research gaps. The study, to be presented in 2027, will be the first of its kind in over 30 years. In fact, the last UN survey dates back to 1988 and focused only on climate change. At the time, France was the only nation still conducting nuclear tests in the Pacific. It stopped in 1996, detonating 29 devices in French Polynesia in the last eight years alone. In September, the UN Human Rights Council issued a report on human rights violations resulting from the US nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, a group of five islands and 29 smaller atolls in the northern Pacific Ocean. The 67 tests conducted between 1946 and 1958 left a heavy legacy: health problems, environmental damage, housing difficulties and violations of indigenous rights. For Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, the nuclear tests have left deep scars among the population. The island nation last month elected to join the UN Human Rights Council next year, and has included climate change and nuclear justice among its priorities. Nine island nations, along with New Zealand and Australia, had ratified the Rarotonga Treaty in 1986 to ban the use, testing and possession of nuclear weapons in the region. However, today, although the number of nuclear warheads is lower than the peak in 1986, nuclear arsenals are again on the rise. According to the Federation of American Scientists, nine countries - Russia, the United States, France, China, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel and North Korea - possessed around 12,121 nuclear warheads at the beginning of 2024. Several scientific academies of the G7 countries also recently issued a joint statement, emphasising that in the context of the current global instability, it is imperative to highlight the known consequences of nuclear war. For the Pacific countries, the decision approved by the General Assembly is therefore also an important attempt to raise awareness on nuclear disarmament. Fiji's Permanent Representative to the UN, Filipo Tarakinikini, explained that the world needs to understand the unprecedented devastation of nuclear weapons, especially in this day and age, with the passing of the generations that lived through World War II. We must awaken people's awareness of the real horrors of nuclear war, he said. The hope is that a clear picture of the effects of nuclear power will increase efforts to implement treaties against nuclear weapons. by Mathias Hariyadi Around midnight, large boulders ejected from Lewotobi Laki-laki, hitting buildings up to 6 kilometres away. The victims - among them Sr Nikolin Padjo, Missionary Servant of the Holy Spirit - were caught in their sleep by the fiery lapilli. In the Minor Seminary in Hokeng, roofs were destroyed and structures burned, injuring 14 people. Caritas Indonesia is coordinating aid with the dioceses of Larantuka and Maumere. Maumere (AsiaNews) - Last night, around midnight, the clear sky above the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano turned red. At 1,703 metres high, located on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, it erupted at 11.59pm local time. The phenomenon was not anticipated by any alarm and claimed at least 10 victims, who were hit by large, fiery lapilli in their homes as they slept. Among them was Sr. Nikolin Padjo, Missionary Servant of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), who was also caught in her sleep. A huge flaming boulder fell into her room, and the entire house and adjacent structures immediately caught fire. This is not the first time the Lewotobi Laki-laki has erupted. But last night, before the eruption, due to the absence of danger warnings, people were not prepared for possible disasters. Sr. Herdiana - a sister of the deceased nun - spoke to AsiaNews confirming the tragedy and pointing out that all the other nuns are seeking refuge elsewhere in the regency of Eastern Flores. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDAB) has ordered the evacuation of the entire area within a 7 km radius of the volcano; residents are moving to villages 20 km away. The local government has declared a state of emergency for 58 days to allow the central government to provide aid to the approximately 10,000 affected residents. The authorities are still collecting data on the number of displaced people. A new report on the situation today, the day after the eruption, confirms that an entire family also died as a result of last night's eruption. Caritas in the dioceses of Larantuka and Caritas Indonesia are finalising their humanitarian response to the emergency. The executive director, Fr Freddy Rante Taruk, has arranged to coordinate the response with the two local dioceses, Larantuka and Maumere. All the inhabitants of our complex have fled to safer places with only the clothes they are wearing and without anything to take with them, said a nun, urging emergency humanitarian aid to help the victims. In addition to the local complex of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, the San Domingo Minor Seminary in Hokeng, 6 km from the crater, was also severely affected by last night's eruption. A major eruption like this, which lashed residential areas near the volcano, had never happened before, local priests told AsiaNews on a forum of seminary alumni. The last eruption had occurred in 2023, but last night's eruption caused an unprecedented disaster. The San Domingo Minor Seminary, based in Hokeng, suffered serious damage due to its proximity to Lewotobi Laki-laki. It has 232 seminarians, 42 employees and teachers and 12 priests and seminarians of the major. All were given shelter in the Lewolaga Paruch church, run by the Missionaries of the Holy Family (MSF). From Hokeng Seminary to Lewolaga it takes almost 30 minutes by motorbike, while the distance is only 15 km. The fall of huge stones and other materials has severely damaged the roofs of the structure. All the roofs of the building are completely damaged. At least 14 people living in the seminary suffered more or less serious injuries. Many structures were set on fire due to falling lapilli. Pictures that have been disseminated show a thick layer of ash on the streets, and moving residents wearing protective masks. The Reuters news agency points out that Indonesia is located on the Pacific Fire Belt, an area of high seismic activity located above many tectonic plates. The eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano follows a series of other eruptions. In May, a volcano on Halmahera Island, Ibu, caused the evacuation of seven villages. North Sulawesi's Ruang volcano also erupted in May and prompted the authorities to evacuate more than 12,000 people. In addition, the tragic effects of the eruption of the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra province last May also killed more than 60 people. Everything is possible. We are moving bilaterally, making small, very small steps towards a positive result, and everything is possible, he stated in parliament on Monday, but provided no further details. On Friday, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev met primarily to address border delimitation and demarcation, but also touched upon transport links, according to an official press release by the Armenian government. Grigorians office did not respond to RFE/RLs Armenian Service immediately today when asked if discussions could shift to a bilateral format, suggesting a written request be sent instead. Previously, Grigorian and Mustafayev addressed regional unblocking in a tripartite format that included their Russian counterpart, Alexei Overchuk. This format was established under the Moscow-brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement that ended fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and supposed Russian control over a transport corridor through Armenia connecting mainland Azerbaijan to its western exclave of Nakhichevan. However, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has repeatedly ruled out any Russian presence along this potential route, emphasizing Armenias need to maintain sovereignty over any transport links passing through its territory. As a reflection of the current situation, the Armenian-Russian-Azerbaijani working group on regional unblocking has not convened for over a year now. Grigorian noted two weeks ago that the lack of consensus was the primary reason for the groups inactivity. Until there is such a consensus, it makes no sense to continue discussing the details, he remarked. Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, where they reportedly discussed the restoration of specific cargo transportation. However, Parliament Speaker Simonian declined to provide details on these discussions. Id ask you to approach it with understanding and not to expect too much information from me or our other officials, as it could harm the process, he cautioned. The opening of a railroad was actively discussed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2021-22 and the discussions then were mediated by Russia. The Armenian government had estimated the construction cost at $200 million but insisted that formal agreements must be reached before any work begins. Local Government Minister Gnel Sanosian today offered limited insights into the current negotiations, putting emphasis on Yerevans vision of regional connectivity summarized in the governments Crossroads of Peace project. He highlighted discussions about the Meghri, Yeraskh, and Ijevan sections previously operational infrastructures that are currently inactive. Without specifying amounts, Sanosian mentioned that preliminary calculations have been made, and added that once concrete agreements are reached, these will be finalized, including construction timelines and budget planning. We dont see any problem. The Armenian government has the capacity to implement such large projects. In implementing such projects, countries often attract credit funds as well, he noted. Despite four years of negotiations on unblocking transport links, no significant progress has been achieved. Armenia opposes the extraterritorial logic of a potential road through its southern Syunik region, while Azerbaijan insists on unimpeded access to Nakhichevan via what it calls the Zangezur Corridor. An official in Baku said in August that this disagreement prompted the parties to remove the issue from ongoing peace talks by mutual consent. Nonetheless, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced in parliament last week that proposals for unblocking transport links had been sent to Baku, though he did not clarify if this occurred before or after the issue was taken off the table in peace negotiations. He revealed that the proposals aim to simplify border crossing and customs procedures. Rustam Badasian, head of Armenias State Revenue Committee, explained the implications of these proposals, indicating that advance information exchange between the two countries could facilitate smoother processes. For example, we have experience with Georgia where we exchange our export data in advance, making the import phase easier, he said, adding that scanner images could also be exchanged beforehand. 4 November 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) A panel discussion was held on "New Azerbaijani storytelling and novel writing" within the framework of the 41st Istanbul International Book Fair, where Azerbaijan is the guest of honor. According to Azernews, the panel discussed the processes of Azerbaijani prose and the tradition of realism in our literature. The subject of Karabakh and writer-reader relations are also highlighted in New Azerbaijan prose. During the event, Azerbaijani writers Agshin Yenisey, Narmin Kamal, Javid Zeynalli, and Ulvi Babasoy spoke at the panel. Besides, the authors answered the readers' questions. There was also a presentation of the book "The Great Azerbaijani Poet Nizami" translated into Turkish by Yevgeny Bertels, a prominent Russian orientalist-scientist. It is worth noting that this book by Yevgeny Bertels (1890-1957), a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, laureate of the USSR State Prize, was published in Baku in 1940. The researcher also studied the works of Alishir Navai, Sadi Shirazi, Abdurrahman Jami, Abulgasim Firdovsi, and other prominent poets of the East. Further to the event, a panel discussion on "Publishing culture in Azerbaijan" was organized at Azerbaijan's stand. Publishers Shamil Sadiq, Nurman Tariq, Rafiq Ismayilov, and others spoke about the current situation of the book industry in our country and the tasks ahead in the development of this field. On the same day, signing ceremonies of the books "Absurd Menu" published in Turkish by writer Ravan Javid, and "The History of the Future" (in Turkish) by essayist and literary critic Kismet Rustamov were held at the stand. It should be noted that the exhibition held in Istanbul will continue until November 10. 4 November 2024 14:52 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The 30th Minsk International Film Festival Listapad has kicked off in Belarus under the slogan "Cinema with a Quality Mark", Azernews reports. Azerbaijan is represented at the film festival by producer, director, and screenwriter Javid Imamverdiyev, as the chairman of the jury of the "Cinema of the Young" competition. Together with him, the films will be evaluated by the director and producer of documentary films Domenico Lucchini (Switzerland), and film director Kirill Khaletsky (Belarus). More than 2,200 applications from 112 countries have already been submitted to the festival. Viewers will see seven competition programs in which they will see the best films from different corners of the world. This year, the Listapad Festival proudly announces the return of two competitions. The national competition features 23 films created by talented Belarusian directors, while the national film schools competition includes 15 student works from leading film schools. The main feature film competition offers viewers 18 films from 24 countries. Among them is the drama by Indian director Payala Kapadia "Everything That Seems to Be Light", which was awarded the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. A total of 12 works from 7 countries are included in the documentary film nomination. Animated masterpieces have also found their place at the festival: 50 films from 24 countries. The "Cinema of the Young" competition, where 11 films from 17 countries offer new views on the search for oneself and family. In 2024, this direction reflects the unification of countries, revealing the potential of young talents. For young viewers, the film festival is pleased to announce the films for children and youth audiences "Listapadzik", within the framework of which 8 films from 6 countries will be shown. During the competition, the premiere of the animated film "Bird Sirin. Wings of Slavic Legends", was shot by Belarusfilm. The Minsk International Film Festival Listapad has been held since 1994. The film forum was intended to unite the best films (feature and documentary) created in the post-Soviet space. In 2003, the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad officially acquired international status. 4 November 2024 10:18 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more 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, Azernews reports. On November 2, personnel and warships of the Azerbaijan Army, participating in the exercise, arrived at the Anzali 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. 4 November 2024 13:13 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more A meeting was held in Copenhagen with Azerbaijanis living in Denmark, Azernews reports, citing the State Committee for Work with Diaspora. It was noted that the meeting began with the singing of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and the commemoration of the cherished memory of those sons of the homeland who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country. Safar Sadiqov, the chairman of the Denmark-Azerbaijan "Vtn" Society, provided detailed information about the activities of the Azerbaijani community in Denmark and the "Vtn" Society he leads, presenting a video about the work done. Fuad Muradov, the chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora, spoke about the country's diaspora policy, emphasizing that every Azerbaijani living abroad is under the attention of our state. A comprehensive presentation was made on the committee's activities, Azerbaijani Houses abroad, Coordination Councils, weekend schools, and numerous ongoing projects. Asgar Naghiyev, the first secretary of Azerbaijan's embassy in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, highlighted the importance of the community meeting in networking the diaspora and intensifying ties with Azerbaijan. Professor Dr. Masoud Ashina, a neurologist at the University of Copenhagen, head of the International Headache Society, and director of the Human Migraine Research Association, drew attention to the role of our compatriots in Denmark in shaping Azerbaijan's image in the international arena and defending its interests. Ozgur Kafadar, the secretary general of Turkey's embassy in Denmark, also participated in the meeting. Community members highly valued the holding of such a large-scale meeting for the first time in Denmark and the exchange of ideas in various areas, expressing their intention to continue contributing to diaspora policy. At the end, a meeting of the Scandinavian Azerbaijani Coordination Council was held, where Masoud Ashina was elected coordinator for Denmark. The community meeting was moderated by Amid Huseynov, the deputy chairman of the Denmark-Azerbaijan Vtn Society, and Leyla Qasmova, a member of the society. It is noteworthy that in accordance with President Ilham Aliyev's policy of constant attention and care for Azerbaijani communities and compatriots abroad, the State Committee for Work with Diaspora systematically organizes meetings with Azerbaijanis living in various countries, listens to the proposals and problems of our compatriots, and takes necessary steps towards the creation of a unified network of world Azerbaijanis. 4 November 2024 20:04 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Armenia's desire to undermine the COP29 event continues as it seeks to strengthen its strategic interests on the international stage. It appears that the revanchist factions in Armenia are looking for new ways to implement their political plans, viewing the upcoming elections in the United States as an opportunity. These revanchist groups have become more active regarding the "return of the liberated Azerbaijani territories" to Armenia following the Garabagh conflict. This is undoubtedly a strategy by the Armenian administration aimed at finding new foreign allies. Donald Trump's candidacy in the presidential elections presents a particular opportunity for Armenia to interfere in this electoral process. The Armenian lobby's outreach to Trump, including sending letters and establishing direct contact, is an attempt to secure its interests within the political environment of the U.S. This serves as a means for Armenia to increase its influence in the U.S. and realize its political goals. Such diplomatic actions by Armenia must be questioned regarding their legitimacy. Armenian officials frequently make peace calls in media interviews, but behind the scenes, they continue to implement their deceitful plans. Clearly, such behavior aims to escalate tensions in the South Caucasus and delay peace efforts. To counter these maneuvers in the diplomatic arena, broader discussions and a critical approach towards the Armenian side at the international level are essential. With only a few days left until COP29, it is unacceptable to engage in provocations in the region. The eyes of the world are currently on this significant event hosted by Azerbaijan. However, the Armenian lobby is trying to damage Azerbaijan's image on international platforms and manipulate issues that are on the agenda for its political goals. Using the tense environment created after the conflict, the lobby attempts to undermine such an important event organized by Azerbaijan. This not only harms international cooperation but also delivers a substantial blow to the ongoing peace process in the region. Media organizations that support these efforts deserve particular condemnation. Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 is significant for its international recognition and attention to contemporary ecological issues. This event will serve as a platform for discussions among countries to address global ecological problems. Media outlets like the New York Times, which ignore racism, Islamophobia, and other social problems in the countries they operate in, have published articles supporting Armenia's nefarious actions while claiming there is a lack of freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. The narrative surrounding Armenia's policies against Azerbaijan is often distorted in these media organizations, focusing solely on Armenia's perspective when discussing freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. However, just recently, the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, exposed the falsification of elections in Armenia and the lack of freedom of speech to the world. Denying these facts while attempting to tarnish Azerbaijan's reputation is simply hypocritical. While freedom of speech is undoubtedly an important issue, it is essential to consider the context and historical circumstances of both sides. As Azerbaijan strives to promote peace and cooperation on various international platforms, it is often compelled to combat distorted information that emerges in international media. While fighting against both Armenia and its provocative policies on one side and the injustices of international institutions on the other, Azerbaijan's liberation of its historical territories and hosting a beneficial event for the region and the world, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, is a significant achievement. In contrast, the situation of Armenia, which has been propped up for over 30 years by various countries and organizations' material and moral support, is evident. 4 November 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The French are outraged by President Emmanuel Macron's decision to speak inside Notre Dame Cathedral in honor of its opening. As reported by Azernews, citing the RIA Novosti, the French president is set to deliver a speech on December 7 to celebrate the cathedral's reopening after restoration. The speech will be delivered inside the building because "it would be difficult to gather an audience" outside. French society has launched memes on social media featuring Macron in a Catholic cassock, and citizens have called his upcoming speech scandalous. In addition, the French note that the organization of political meetings in places of religious worship is prohibited by the country's legislation. The grandson of the famous General Charles de Gaulle, Pierre, stated that even the French kings did not dare to encroach on the cathedral, except for a man who does not believe in God, nor in France, nor in his people. On October 24, French politician and head of the Patriots party Florian Philippot said that the French authorities want to make entry to Notre Dame Cathedral a paid service because most of the money goes to support Ukraine. Notre-Dame de Paris caught fire on April 15, 2019. As a result of the accident, the roof of the cathedral was completely destroyed, and the fire caused it to collapse, along with the famous spire and clock. Reconstruction of the cathedral began in 2022 after two years of preparatory work. In November 2023, it was reported that restorers had installed a spire identical to the one that burned down in the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. The wooden structure is 96 m high. The cathedral is scheduled to reopen to visitors on December 8, 2024. Earlier, France saw interference in the elections in Macrons address to Moldovans. 4 November 2024 22:23 (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. In January-September 2024, steel exports from Turkiye to Uzbekistan increased by 25.9 percent compared to the same month in 2023 and amounted to 56.3 million dollars, Azernews reports. 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! 4 November 2024 23:27 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Russia has promised to send troops to North Korea in the event of a war with South Korea, Azernews reports. Wee Song Lak, a member of the intelligence committee of the National Assembly and former Seoul Ambassador to the Russian Federation, stated that military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow will continue even after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The diplomat emphasized that both parties agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked, in accordance with their mutual defense pact. The publication highlights that the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will require Russia to provide food supplies, significant financial guarantees, and a commitment to intervene if South Korea engages in hostilities. Interestingly, this evolving alliance comes amidst growing concerns about regional stability in East Asia. The potential deployment of North Korean troops could further complicate diplomatic relations and heighten tensions not only with South Korea but also with other nations in the region, including Japan and the United States. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the implications of this military cooperation could be significant for future conflicts and alliances in the area. 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? Heres how the Epoch Times reports the Presidential race as of November 3: With just two days to go before the Nov. 5 General Election, multiple final polls show that the 2024 presidential race still appears to be close. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are crisscrossing the country to rally voters in the states that matter most. At the same time, each side is investing massive resources to drive up turnout for the final voting period. What Final Polls Are Saying Multiple final polls released by The New York Times-Siena College, Morning Consult, Rasmussen, ABC News, Atlas Intel, and NBC News show that Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck, although the picture becomes more murky when broken down by swing states. Morning Consults final survey of the election shows that while Harris has a 2-point lead over Trump nationally, Trump is ahead of Harris in North Carolina and Georgia by 2 points, ahead by 1 point in Wisconsin, tied in Arizona, and tied in Pennsylvania. The only swing state where the former president is trailing is Michigan, where he is down 1 point, according to the pollster. An NBC survey released this weekend shows that Harris has the support of 49 percent of registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, and Trump received an identical 49 percent. About 2 percent of voters said they were not sure. Released this weekend, the final New York Times opinion poll shows Harris with marginal leads in Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin and 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. That poll shows Harris leading Trump by 3 points in Nevada, 2 points in North Carolina, 2 points in Wisconsin, and 1 point in Georgia. The two candidates are tied in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and the survey shows Trump ahead by 3 points in Arizona. In an ABC News-Ipsos poll released over the weekend, Harris had 49 percent support, while Trump had 46 percent. The final poll from Rasmussen Reports, posted on Nov. 1, shows that Trump has a 3-point lead over Harris. The final survey from Atlas Intel shows that Trump is ahead in all swing states by 1 point to 6.5 points, with the pollster saying he has significant margins over Harris in Nevada and Arizona. A model produced by poll analyst Nate Silver, who used to operate the FiveThirtyEight website, has given Trump a 53.8 percent chance of winning over Harriss 45.8 percent. Silver, at the same time, has accused some pollsters of putting their finger on the scale and lying to keep the presidential race close in polls, according to a podcast interview last week. Early Voting Breakdown As of the morning of Nov. 3, about 75 million people had voted early across dozens of states. More than 41.5 million had voted in person early, compared with 34.7 million who had returned mail-in ballots, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab. About 67 million mail ballots had been requested. The total of early in-person voting has significantly outpaced the total seen in the 2020 election, which featured more voting by mail because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. According to the tracker, 35 million people cast in-person early ballots, whereas more than 65 million returned mail ballots in 2020. Of the two dozen states that report early voting by party affiliation, registered Democrats have a slim 1.7-point lead over registered Republicans. Some 14.6 million Democrats have cast early ballots, Republicans have cast 13.9 million, and unaffiliated voters have cast almost 10 million, according to the election tracker. Swing State Breakdown Although Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan dont report by party affiliation, four other battleground states do. In Arizona, registered Republicans are ahead of registered Democrats by about 180,000 votes, while unaffiliated voters make up about 26.7 percent of the total votes cast, the tracker shows. The state has only mail-in ballots, not early in-person voting. In Nevada, Republicans have a 40,000-vote lead in the early vote total, buoyed by a strong in-person vote showing, the data show. Days after early voting opened in North Carolina, registered Republicans took a slight lead over Democrats and had maintained the advantage as of early on Nov. 3, according to the tracker. GOP voters had a 42,000-vote lead over Democrats in that state. Although only 1.7 million people have voted early in Pennsylvania, Democrats have a 400,000-ballot lead over Republicans, the tracker shows. Pennsylvania, which has about 9 million registered voters, reports only mail-in ballots. Final Events Trump began Nov. 2 with an appearance in North Carolina; he stopped next in Virginia and returned to the Tar Heel state in the evening. There is perhaps no more important swing state than Pennsylvania, where Trump is campaigning on Nov. 3. He also has appearances scheduled for North Carolina and Georgia. Harris campaigned in Atlanta on Nov. 2 before a rally in North Carolinas capital, signs that her team is sensing opportunity in the South. Shes planning multiple stops in Michigan on Nov. 3, shifting to a Democratic-leaning state in the blue wall where her allies believe that she is vulnerable. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Conclusion One of the fun things about this job is that we have the chance to predict publicly how we read the likely outcome of Tuesdays Presidential election. To that end, here it is: We predict Trump will win the presidential race with space to spare. Our reasoning is simple. He is the stronger of the two candidates and has the better record going into this election. We see Harris as the weaker to the two candidates and thus have faith in most American voters that they will vote for who they perceive as the better of the two candidates. The greater issue, for us, is whether Republicans will gain a majority in the Senate and keep their majority in the House. On that issue we will have to take a well just have to wait and see. According to a Nov. 4 news release from the Department of Justice, Adnan Khan, MD, conspired with others to illegally distribute controlled substances through his business, New England Medicine and Counseling Associates in Manchester, N.H. NEMCA operated a network of practices across New England, providing clinical treatment for patients with substance use disorder. Dr. Khan and a co-conspirator knowingly prescribed controlled substances to patients at NEMCA, who were diverting their prescriptions. He admitted to requiring patients to pay $250 in cash for office visits to receive drug prescriptions and falsified medical records, despite many patients having healthcare coverage. Dr. Khan then used the earnings to purchase an airplane and multiple properties in the region, among other assets and personally deposited the cash, including amounts over $10,000, at his bank. Dr. Khan also acknowledged discussing with a co-conspirator his concern that pharmacies refusal to fill prescriptions would lead to a loss of diverters who were selling their meds and represented a significant portion of NEMCAs revenue at that time. Dr. Khan faces up to 10 years in prison and is barred from prescribing controlled substances as a condition of his release. Keith Levitt, MD, and Morgan Ortiz face a series of criminal charges spanning two connected cases concerning fraudulent activities allegedly committed between March 2019 and April 2021, according to a Nov. 1 news release from the New Mexico Department of Justice. Mr. Ortiz and Dr. Levitt are accused of operating a now-closed substance abuse recovery program that billed Medicaid for more than $800,000 in false claims. The defendants face 16 counts, including Medicaid fraud, identity theft, unauthorized medical practice, conspiracy and forgery. Here are five updates from Kaiser to know: 1. A Salem, Ore., radiologist filed a lawsuit against a Kaiser-affiliated physician group alleging he faced retaliation after bringing forth fraud allegations against two other physicians. The practice, Northwest Permanente, is the largest medical group in Oregon and southwest Washington and strongly disputes the allegations. 2. Members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers began an open-ended strike Oct. 21 at Kaiser locations in Southern California.The union represents about 2,400 mental health workers at Kaiser facilities throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, Bakersfield, Orange County and the Inland Empire. 3. Kaiser recently became a founding partner of the WNBAs new team, the Golden State Valkyries. As part of this partnership, Kaiser Permanentes logo will be displayed on the front center of the teams home and away jerseys. Additionally, the health system will serve as the official medical provider for the Valkyries. 4. Kaiser deepened its long-standing relationship with HCA HealthOne, a Denver-based system that includes more than 170 care sites and nine hospitals, to provide additional healthcare access in central Denver. 5. Kaiser Permanente has shared plans to lay off 20 employees across multiple California locations, effective Dec. 6, according to multiple WARN notices obtained by Beckers. Here are five things ASCs need to know: 1. UAB Health System assumed ownership of all Ascension St. Vincents care sites, including the hospitals at Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair, as well as the Trussville Freestanding Emergency Department, imaging centers and other clinics that are part of Ascension Medical Group. 2. UAB Health aims to strengthen hospitals in the state, especially as financial hardship has caused other hospitals nationwide to close. 3. I look forward to seeing how the combining of these two great health systems enhances patients access to a larger network of care, creates exciting opportunities for our people and makes Alabamas healthcare system more sustainable, UAB Health CEO Dawn Bulgarella said in a Nov. 1 news release shared with Beckers. 4. Ascension has sold several hospital assets in the last year, including several Michigan-based facilities, including two ASCs, to Midland-based MyMichigan Health. Ascension also sold Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital System in Binghamton, N.Y., 50% of its stake in Network Health in Wisconsin and all assets and operations associated with Providence Hospital in Mobile, Ala. 5. Ascension is looking to ASCs for its growth plans amid a $3 billion operating loss in fiscal 2023. Ascension has added 21 ASCs over the last three years and aims to grow that number to more than 100 in the next few years, President Eduardo Conrado told Beckers in an interview. Some healthcare leaders, and many in the ASC space, claim that these laws make it challenging for new, smaller providers to open their doors by imposing burdensome approval processes that favor larger providers. This is one of many factors that often prompt ASC owners to partner with hospitals or larger health systems in order to open a new practice, as these partnerships can ease the CON approval process. These partnerships can also allow ASCs to gain better leverage in negotiations with payers and can prevent opposition from other potential competitors. Hospitals and health systems are increasingly interested in ASC joint ventures. One survey from VMG Health found that 60% of health systems would consider a joint venture partnership with an ASC. And in 2023, 48% of hospitals had at least one ASC, according to Avanza Strategies 2023 Avanza Intelligence Hospital Leadership ASC Survey. While these arrangements may help new ASCs work around CON denials, some have observed continued challenges in these partnerships down the line. I have seen certain hospital systems restrict their HMO patients from going to the ASC, even though they are part owners, to keep all the money in house. When hospital HMOs restrict patients to the hospital for surgery, costs increase for the patients, Patrick McEneaney, DPM, and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists in Crystal Lake, Ill., told Beckers. Illinois has CON laws and approvals can be hard to come by, in the state, said Dr. McEneaney. You would think that because the hospital is a part owner, that youd have access to their patients [and] their HMOs, he continued. Depending on where youre at and which hospital you connect with, thats not always the case. Health systems may choose to restrict their HMO patients within their own networks, even if the cost of the procedure may be lower for a patient if performed in the ASC. For example, cataract removal, a common outpatient procedure, has a $1,368 ASC facility and physician fee, compared to a $2,198 fee for HOPDs. A July 2023 study by Rand Corp. also found that most physicians working in vertically integrated hospitals or health systems were 65% less likely to use ASCs for procedures, compared to physicians who were never a part of a vertically integrated system. Hospitals will restrict people who have HMOs to not be able to go to a surgery center that they may own, because they want to keep everything at the hospital and at hospital rates, Dr. McEneaney said. Where its better for the system and its better for the patients to potentially be at a surgery center rate, that may not be allowed with the plan that theyre in. While many hospitals and health systems have formed productive and collaborative relationships with ASCs, there can still be tensions in competitive markets. Competitors, like hospitals, are on edge. Theyre in a definite defense position and employ tactics that are oftentimes anti-business, anti-competitive and keep the ASC industry from reaching its full potential, Shakeel Ahmed, MD, CEO of Atlas Surgical Group in St. Louis, told Beckers. He said that in many markets, this can lead to hospital leaders opposing CON applications for ASCs. ASCs are at the short end of the stick for the certificate-of-need business, because you have to go to the state to apply for one, he continued. In Illinois, not only do you need to get approval to open an ASC, but you also have to obtain approval for each additional specialty. Oftentimes the hospital will bring in the cavalry to oppose you. The hospitals own all the healthcare enterprises around them, and you will frequently see them show up with 30 to 40 letters of opposition. Cleveland-based University Hospitals is leaning into "retail healthcare" by expanding its urgent care centers to 36 retail centers across northern Ohio by 2026, cleveland.com reported Nov. 3. Retail healthcare focuses on moving urgent cares out of medical buildings and putting them in hassle-free locations near where people work, shop and live. "When you really looked at our market, we didn't have a lot of urgent cares," Rick Cicero, UH vice president for strategy and partnerships, told the news outlet. "We knew we had to create an urgent care that met the needs and wants of the community." Here are five things to know: 1. UH started building urgent cares in 2023 and opened its 21st urgent care center in October. It plans to expand into six more counties in the next two years. 2. UH is building new urgent cares and is moving existing centers out of medical buildings and into retail centers. Patient volumes are up 20% for seven of the urgent care locations since they were moved out of medical buildings. UH is also choosing locations that are near primary care facilities to allow for easier follow-up care. 3. The new urgent care offices will have UH's name, but are owned by a venture called University Hospitals Urgent Care. The system has also partnered with WellStreet Urgent Care to aid in the network expansion. 4. UH's urgent care centers will soon match the number of centers operated by Cleveland Clinic. 5. UH is part of a growing national trend to expand urgent care and express clinics. The trend addresses the needs of younger people, many of whom do not have a primary care physician and often turn to urgent care for medical needs. About 56% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials said they visited an urgent care more than three times in the past 12 months, according to the Urgent Care Association, a trade group for the industry. Average weekly travel nurse pay in the U.S. in October was $2,271.66, down 0.52% from the previous month and down 3.86% from October 2023, according to data shared with Becker's from Vivian, a healthcare career marketplace. Here is the average weekly travel nurse pay for each state as of October 2024, along with the percentage difference between October and September. Note: States are listed in descending order based on their average weekly travel nurse pay in October. California October: $2,812.11 Month-over-month decrease: 0.07% Alaska October: $2,720.35 Month-over-month decrease: 1.40% Delaware October: $2,587.92 Month-over-month increase: 1.57% New York October: $2,531.51 Month-over-month increase: 1.21% New Jersey October: $2,528.34 Month-over-month increase: 0.13% Nevada October: $2,508.67 Month-over-month increase: 1.55% Massachusetts October: $2,515.28 Month-over-month decrease: 0.14% Minnesota October: $2,444.12 Month-over-month decrease: 0.05% Oregon October: $2,436.93 Month-over-month increase: 0.56% Rhode Island October: $2,423.70 Month-over-month increase: 1.69% Wisconsin October: $2,402.89 Month-over-month increase: 0.51% Connecticut October: $2,387.20 Month-over-month increase: 2.07% Illinois October: $2,369.01 Month-over-month increase: 0.89% Vermont October: $2,363.68 Month-over-month increase: 0.61% Washington October: $2,348.35 Month-over-month increase: 1.64% Wyoming October: $2,330.32 Month-over-month increase: 0.28% New Hampshire October: $2,323.21 Month-over-month decrease: 0.10% North Dakota October: $2,322.67 Month-over-month increase: 0.98% Pennsylvania October: $2,319.93 Month-over-month decrease: 0.11% Montana October: $2,304.78 Month-over-month increase: 1.89% South Dakota October: $2,301.31 Month-over-month increase: 0.88% West Virginia October: $2,283.50 Month-over-month increase: 0.77% Idaho October: $2,260.29 Month-over-month increase: 2.94% Missouri October: $2,240.73 Month-over-month decrease: 0.01% Ohio October: $2,237.21 Month-over-month increase: 0.15% Indiana October: $2,218.81 Month-over-month increase: 1.04% Iowa October: $2,211.70 Month-over-month increase: 0.48% Kentucky October: $2,209.71 Month-over-month increase: 0.55% Utah October: $2,208.55 Month-over-month decrease: 0.26% Colorado October: $2,188.50 Month-over-month decrease: 0.12% Nebraska October: $2,186.93 Month-over-month decrease: 0.69% Maryland October: $2,185.51 Month-over-month decrease: 0.22% Arizona October: $2,178.79 Month-over-month decrease: 1.13% Kansas October: $2,172.79 Month-over-month increase: 0.14% Michigan October: $2,149.41 Month-over-month increase: 1.10% Florida October: $2,142.91 Month-over-month increase: 0.10% Oklahoma October: $2,130.19 Month-over-month increase: 0.91% South Carolina October: $2,107.59 Month-over-month increase: 0.64% North Carolina October: $2,092.90 Month-over-month increase: 0.94% Tennessee October: $1,998.51 Month-over-month increase: 2.57% Georgia October: $2,017.38 Month-over-month decrease: 0.56% Arkansas October: $2,033.52 Month-over-month increase: 1.14% Louisiana October: $2,031.49 Month-over-month decrease: 0.02% Texas October: $1,958.94 Month-over-month decrease: 0.31% Alabama October: $1,953.41 Month-over-month increase: 0.51% Mississippi October: $1,802.30 Month-over-month decrease: 1.45% An 80-bed hospital in Bainbridge, Ga., identified a ransomware attack Nov. 2. Memorial Hospital and Manor issued a statement via Facebook about the incident, noting the impact on its EHR. "The attack was discovered early Saturday morning when employees were seeing notifications of potential risks found by our virus protection software. Once we learned about the incident, we immediately initiated an internal investigation and are working toward a solution," the Nov. 3 statement reads. The hospital is evaluating options to restore and recover its EHR and has reverted to paper-based processes in the meantime. Memorial Hospital and Manor has a 28-member medical staff, 20 consulting medical staff members and 475 employees. Commentary: Washington's perverse Cuba embargo -- a Cold-War vestige despised globally Xinhua) 09:48, November 04, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly early this week to denounce Washington's 62-year embargo on Cuba. This near-unanimous vote -- with 187 in favor, only two against and one abstention -- goes beyond rejecting a dated policy. For 32 years in a row, the United Nations has called for lifting the unilateral embargo, amplifying the message with each and every vote: the world has long loathed its economic stranglehold on Cuba. The embargo is a vestige from the bygone Cold War era, an outdated ploy that Washington still resorts to as a stand for so-called "democratic principles." Yet the blockage has less to do with democracy than with systematically stemming Cuba from pursuing a different path of social development. Since 2019, Washington has screwed up sanctions on Havana, adding economic pressure through such measures as restricting oil shipments to Cuba, and tightening limits on travel and remittances. The chokehold's cumulative cost is staggering, with the damage over the past 62 years amounting to nearly 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars, according to Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. Addressing the General Assembly, Parrilla expounded on the toll of U.S. "economic warfare" on the Cuban people during October's nationwide blackout, caused by a shortage of fuel and spare parts essential for Cuba's power plants and grid. "Many families lacked running water, hospitals work under emergency conditions, and schools and universities suspended their classes, and businesses interrupted their activity," he said. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic when humanitarian needs should have outweighed politics, Washington still toughened up its restrictive policies against Cuba, cutting the Caribbean island off from basic medical supplies, food, and essential resources. The U.S. policies have drawn stern international rebukes, notably those from U.S. allies. Speaking out through a Hungarian representative on Wednesday, the EU said, "The U.S. embargo and connected measures do not contribute to promoting these aims (in economic openness, human rights), they impede their achievement." In fact, the U.S. stance toward Cuba has become a hallmark of its broader foreign policy filled with unilateralism, disregard for international norms, and a brand of exceptionalism that asserts U.S. laws should extend beyond its borders. This annual vote is more than a policy critique. It is part of a global shift. Since 1992, the UN General Assembly has voted 32 times on resolutions demanding an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, with an ever-louder voice for lifting the blockade over the years. Emerging economies and countries across the Global South are pushing for a more just and equitable world order. In contrast, the United States finds itself increasingly isolated, clinging to unilateral punitive measures rooted in Cold War hostilities. Even within the United States, public opinion largely disapproves of the embargo, viewing it as a failed policy that merely breeds resentment. A previous survey by the Pew Research Center found that 73 percent of Americans favored normalizing relations with Cuba and lifting the trade ban. These massive outcries notwithstanding, U.S. politicians choose to turn a deaf ear to the call from either its people or the international community. As the international landscape is fraught with changes and turbulence, a stable global future depends ever more on peaceful development and win-win cooperation rather than outdated power play. As the General Assembly's vote shows, the world is ready to forge ahead, leaving the shadow of the Cold War behind. After all, there is nothing wrong about wishing for a better world. Washington would do well to listen. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A Utah mother of two battling terminal cancer has raised more than $900,000 to plan for her funeral and the trust fund of her children. Erika Diarte-Carr, 30, is a single mother to Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5. The Utah resident initially set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $5,000 to cover a funeral service. Over 33,000 donors have banded together for the cause. As of Sept. 29, Diarte-Carr has raised $980,562. The donations will be put into a trust fund for her two children. Getting the Diagnosis On May 7, 2022, Diarte-Carr walked into the emergency room to get treatment for a normal shoulder injury. During surgery, doctors learned she had Stage 4 small cell lung carcinoma, a rare cancer. The shoulder pain was caused by the cancer, which had already metastasized to other parts of her body, including the skeletal system. Her condition improved following treatment. However, she was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome in January 2024. Cushing's is a rare hormonal disorder where the body makes too much cortisol or is exposed to too much cortisol. This disorder affects only 40 to 70 people out of every one million, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Some of its symptoms include weight gain and high blood pressure. Cushing's can be fatal if left untreated. Stopping Treatments Following Cushing's diagnosis, Diarte-Carr suffered numerous health issues, including losing the ability to walk. She restarted treatment on Sept. 18 but was later told she only has a life expectancy of only three months. Diarte-Carr has since stopped treatment, choosing instead to spend her time with her children. She is now planning her own funeral. "I never expected to have a big funeral service or a lot of people reach out and help me. With the way it's gone, I'm just in shock ... just very grateful for everybody and everything that's been there," she told ABC4. She added that she set up the GoFundMe campaign after her illness left her unable to work for months. Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health joined a collaboration with Microsoft, Epic and other health systems to enhance nursing workflows using ambient listening technology. Intermountain's Chief Nursing Officer, Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, told Becker's the primary motivation for joining the collaboration was to ease the often cumbersome workflows that pull nurses away from patient interactions. "Nurses want more than anything to spend time with their patients," she said. "With the aging population and a projected nursing shortage, we have to think about how we can make care more efficient." A recent time-motion study conducted by Intermountain revealed that nurses spent approximately 28% of their time on documentation. In response, Intermountain set a goal to reduce that figure by implementing this technology, which could boost bedside time from 36% to more than 40%. The partnership with Microsoft and Epic could offer a promising solution. Microsoft brings its technical expertise, while Intermountain contributes its understanding of healthcare operations, particularly in nursing workflows. This enables Intermountain to provide Microsoft with real-time, daily feedback, ensuring that the technology is shaped by the needs and insights of front-line nurses. For instance, Dr. Richards highlighted a request from nurses for seamless system access to the tool, akin to the tap-and-go functionality commonly found on hospital computers. Microsoft began refining this aspect of the technology based on that feedback. Currently, 19 nurses and six nursing assistants at Intermountain are testing the tool in a three-month pilot, which is set to expand to include 100 caregivers. Dr. Richards noted that the ambient listening technology has already enhanced nurse-patient relationships. One nurse reported that the tool facilitated a more interactive assessment process, transforming the experience into an educational dialogue with patients. Dr. Richards said such changes can strengthen the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients, leading to reduced anxiety and improved patient satisfaction. Moreover, the technology is streamlining the way nurses enter and validate information, allowing for real-time documentation and minimizing the need for later data entry. This capability enables nurses to confirm entries swiftly, granting providers immediate access to up-to-date patient assessments. "When you see colleagues asking for the tool, you know it's something valuable," Dr. Richards said. "We need it to be so easy to use that it's harder not to use it, and we're already seeing that level of enthusiasm." Here are 10 revenue cycle management updates that Becker's reported in October: 1. Revenue cycle management company Alpha II has rebranded as Aptarro. 2. "Payer behaviors are really creating toxic health for our patients and our providers," Kathy LeBrew, executive vice president, chief transformation officer, and chief revenue officer at Minneapolis-based M Health Fairview, told Becker's. 3. Private equity firm Patient Square Capital signed a definitive agreement for a strategic investment in revenue cycle management company CorroHealth. 4. Lubbock, Texas-based UMC Health System named Karen Veselsky vice president of revenue cycle. She joins the health system from New Orleans-based LCMC Health where she served as system vice president of revenue cycle operations. 5. Revenue cycle management company Gryphon Healthcare is facing multiple lawsuits after thousands of patients' data was exposed by a data breach involving one of its partners. 6. Sixty-five percent of health system revenue cycle leaders surveyed believe generative AI will have a substantial effect on their medical coding operations, according to Akasa. 7. Granville Health System in Oxford, N.C., promoted revenue cycle director Jamie Purvis to CFO. 8. University of Miami Health System named Joseph Scargle as vice president of revenue cycle. 9. Fredericksburg, Va.-based Mary Washington Healthcare selected Ensemble Health Partners for a revenue cycle management partnership. 10. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion warning debt collectors including third-party revenue cycle management companies that they are violating federal law when they collect on inaccurate or invalid medical debts. Voters in Bernalillo County, N.M., will decide whether to renew property tax funding for the Albuquerque-based University of New Mexico Hospital in the upcoming general election. Five notes: 1. Residents have supported the funding measure for 72 years. Approval in this election would extend the levy for another eight years, according to an Oct. 8 news release from the UNM Health. 2. The tax is calculated based on a "mill," or $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value, the release said. 3. The mill levy has appeared on local ballots every eight years since the hospital was established in 1952. 4. The levy accounts for about 10% of the hospital's budget and helps fund various costs, including food services, supply maintenance, facility cleaning, cybersecurity and interpreter services. 5. "Because Bernalillo County voters have continued this investment for seven decades, UNM Hospital has been able to deliver an ROI through expansions of health care services to meet the needs of our growing and aging population, training thousands of health care professionals, and establishing a reliable health care hub in our state for high-quality, safe, compassionate and often complex care," Kate Becker, CEO of UNM Hospital, said in the release. Patricia White has been tapped as CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toledo (Ohio), according to a Nov. 4 news release shared with Becker's. The 40-bed, inpatient hospital is part of Birmingham, Ala.-based Encompass Health, which owns and operates rehabilitation hospitals across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Ms. White has more than 25 years of healthcare experience, and has held senior management positions in clinical operations and business development. Larry Levine, president and CEO of Valhalla, N.Y.-based Blythedale Children's Hospital, will step down from his position at the end of 2025, according to a Nov. 4 news release shared with Becker's. Mr. Levine has helmed New York state's only independent, specialty children's hospital since 2001. He has served nearly 50 years in healthcare. "For more than two decades I have been endlessly inspired by the courage and determination of our young patients and their families," Mr. Levine said in the release. "We've accomplished so much on their behalf and now I look forward to passing the torch to a new CEO, to build on our work and take Blythedale to new heights." During Mr. Levine's tenure, Blythedale Children's invested $170 million to expand and modernize its facilities, acquire advanced technology and patient care equipment and rebuild the infrastructure, according to the release. He also conceptualized and implemented numerous programs, including the health home and caregiver education programs, and has served as a public policy advocate. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health has completed its acquisition of UCI Medical Affiliates from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina. The purchase includes 52 Doctors Care and 20 Progressive Therapy Clinics, which are staffed by nearly 200 physicians and advanced practice providers, according to a Nov. 4 news release shared with Becker's. Doctors Care is the largest and most established urgent care provider in South Carolina, opening its first minor emergency medical center in Columbia in 1981, according to the release. Dean Swindle, Novant's chief strategy officer and president of Novant Health Enterprises, said the acquisitions extend the system's provider network to dozens of new communities across South Carolina. "While some of the communities served by Doctors Care and Progressive Physical Therapy clinics are already familiar with Novant Health, we look forward to introducing ourselves, including our nationally recognized safety and quality program and our compassionate clinicians, to even more areas of the state," he said. Novant entered South Carolina in February when it acquired three hospitals in the state along with their affiliated physician clinics from Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in a $2.4 billion deal. Jason Bernd, president of Novant's South Carolina region, told Becker's in October that the system's vision for the state is to "have a more asset-light, ambulatory-focused strategy, where we can get care at the right cost, at the right location, convenient for patients in these communities." Novant signed a definitive agreement in July to purchase UCI Medical Affiliates from BCBS South Carolina. Medisca, an ingredient supplier to compounding pharmacies, will pay $21.75 million to resolve allegations of false and inflated prices, according to the Justice Department. The Texas-based company was accused of knowingly inflating the average wholesale prices for resveratrol, an anti inflammatory, and mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid, to increase reimbursement earnings. Medisca bought resveratrol for about $0.37 per gram, repackaged and sold for about $2 per gram, and reported an average wholesale price of $777 per gram, the Justice Department said in a Nov. 1 news release. Mometasone furoate was bought for about $8 per gram, repackaged and sold for more than $1,000 per gram, and had a reported AWP higher than $7,300 per gram. The alleged fraudulent pricing scheme caused Medisca's compounding pharmacy customers to bill federal programs inflated amounts for compounded medications with those ingredients. Doug McMakin, former owner and operator of a compounding pharmacy that bought ingredients from Medisca, filed these claims in a whistleblower lawsuit. Mr. McMakin will receive $3.4 million from the settlement. Kieran McAllister of Cable and Accessories in Derry, with Ollie Bellew of Bellew Electrical An electrical wholesaler in Londonderry has been snapped up by a company in Co Louth for an undisclosed sum. Cable and Accessories, which has seven branches including two in Co Donegal, was founded by Patricia and Basil Kyle. The business has now been acquired by Bellew Electrical in Dundalk, its second big acquisition since buying Wesco Electrical in the summer. The Derry business was founded in 1984 and has grown to now employ 45 people across branches in Derry, Omagh, Limavady, Enniskillen, Letterkenny and Buncrana. A spokesperson said the deal brings together two companies with a strong commitment to customer service and technical excellence, positioning them for continued success and market expansion. They said the companies will continue to exist under separate brands but will benefit from their combined product ranges and market positions. Ollie Bellew, chief executive of Bellew Electrical, said: "We are delighted to welcome Cable and Accessories into the Bellew Group. Their reputation as a trusted and respected electrical wholesaler aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and commitment to quality. "By joining forces, we can strengthen our presence in the market and enhance the service we offer to our customers. Together, we look forward to driving innovation and growth across Northern Ireland and beyond." Kieran McAllister, managing director of Cable and Accessories, added: This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Cable and Accessories. "Joining the Bellew Group provides us with the resources and strategic support needed to continue growing and serving our customers at the highest level. "Our teams share the same dedication to customer satisfaction and technical expertise, and were confident that together, we can achieve even greater success." Bellew Electrical secured new investment from private equity firm Waterland Ireland last year, allowing it to accelerate its growth across Ireland. Waterland partner Laura Dillon said: "This acquisition is another significant step in Bellews growth journey. We are delighted to support Ollie and his team in this strategic move, which not only expands their market reach but also enhances the companys service capabilities. "Cable and Accessories is a strong business with deep local ties, and together, they will be well-positioned to lead across Irelands electrical wholesale sector." A Spanish shipbuilding firm is racing to finalise a takeover of Harland & Wolff, Sky News has reported. Navantia, a company dedicated to civil and military naval construction, is purportedly close to confirming a deal with the owner of Belfast shipyard, in a deal that could rescue up to 1,000 jobs. The firm already had a 1.6bn contract with H&W, in which the latter is to to build three fleet solid support (FSS) ships that transport crucial supplies to aircraft carriers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the civilian branch of the Royal Navy. Now, Sky News has learnt that Navantia is understood to have been providing financing liquidity to H&W on a week-by-week basis since the company filed for administration, with this week's payment said to have been due last Friday. Harland & Wolff announced in September that its parent company would enter administration, putting the initial contract with Navantia in doubt. It is the second time in five years the famous shipyard that built the Titanic has announced it was going into administration. The administration only applies to the holding company, and not to the groups subsidiaries. The British and Spanish governments have also been engaged in discussions about the prospective new deal, according to Whitehall sources. It is likely to incorporate jobs guarantees if the UK Government agrees to recut the FSS deal, they added. If completed, a definitive deal could be announced as soon as the latter part of this week. Canadian parents are outraged after someone jokingly left a bowl full of razors out on Halloween night in an effort to make a political statement. A resident of Calgary's Bowness left out a bowl of razors in lieu of candy on Halloween night last week, including an accompanying note blaming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the increase in prices that supposedly made other treats unaffordable. "Sorry we can't afford apples this year because of Trudeau. So this year just razors," said the note. "I've never ever seen that before. You hear of stories ... with pins or razors or whatever, but I've never come across something like that," said one mother who spoke to 660 NewsRadio. She had reportedly been trick-or-treating with her two children when they came across the bowl of razors. She instructed her children to put the razors back after they unknowingly picked them up. "It was unnecessary, political views have nothing to do with kids having fun on Halloween," she said. "That could be something that could be on your end, whether it be dark humour or sick jokes whatever. Kids are out to have fun." Police confirmed to 660 NewsRadio that the incident was reported to them but stated they currently lack sufficient evidence to make any arrests. Originally published by Latin Times. For two centuries Danske Bank has been helping businesses across Northern Ireland grow and expand. Its now ensuring it remains at the forefront of technology, helping customers access digital products and services at the touch of a button. Ulster Business speaks to Shaun McAnee, managing director of corporate and business banking, and Liam Curran, chief information officer, about the digital transformation which is helping their customers, and the bank, move forward at pace Still Northern Bank behind the surface, the bank has traded as Danske Bank for over a decade but has always remained a local organisation firmly rooted in Northern Ireland. It continues to have its own locally based chief executive, executive committee and independent board. Its also a bank which is developing leading digital services to help both business and personal customers with their financial journeys. Its embracing the latest technology, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and looking ahead to investing in the next generation of cloud computing to improve the experiences of all its customers. It continues to work with many of Northern Irelands longest-established giants of industry, as well as burgeoning new businesses here across growing sectors. We bank around 50% of the Top 100 locally managed Northern Ireland businesses, Shaun McAnee says. We have around 40,000 business customers, and for many years have held a leading position in the marketplace across multiple fronts. This year alone its supported the Northern Ireland business community with more than 500m in business lending approvals. Danske Bank remains a local bank we are all based here. During my time at the bank, we have been fortunate to have had a succession of strong local chief executives, and executive teams that have positioned us firmly as the leading bank for business. My corporate and business banking teams are totally focused on supporting businesses in Northern Ireland of all sizes, from micro businesses to SMEs and up to the largest corporates. Shaun says. Danske has a team of around 80 locally based business relationship managers, supported by 30 product specialists, alongside 24 branches and a Business Direct team in their award winning local contact centre based in Dunmurry. The digital element though is an increasingly important part of Danske Banks offering, with, for example, more than 80% of personal customers using its digital platforms. This is a bank formed 200 years ago by local businesspeople for local businesspeople, he says. And we still have many business customers who have been with us for generations. Our 200-year history gives us such a strong platform to build from, but now it is all about ensuring we are fit for the future, Shaun says. Danske Bank is a banking partner for many local household names, such as the pharma giants Norbook and Almac, IT services business Kainos, Belfast Harbour and Belfast International Airport. We support businesses with both their working capital needs and long-term investments, acting as a key enabler of growth in terms of helping customers facilitate business expansion and job creation both here and internationally, Shaun says. We also have people on the ground who are specialists across areas such as foreign exchange markets, asset finance, invoice finance, trade finance, cash management and sustainability planning, for example. Theyre all local people, and they can be deployed to help our customers. Danske Bank has focused its efforts on ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and prides itself on acting on customer feedback which also means reacting to increasing expectations on the digital front. Turning to technology and digital transformation, Liam Curran is the man tasked with heading up the banks technology and digital development unit, which employs around 140 people locally. Within this area, are a host of skilled and experienced data scientists, analytics engineers, software engineers, robotics developers, project managers and IT specialists. In terms of technology, we offer the best of both worlds, Liam says. We benefit from the strength of the technology we get from the Danske Bank Group and the security around that, as well as being able to develop locally. We, and they, have exciting plans which will see us continue to invest heavily in technology, he says. This year there has been a strong focus on the data side, allowing us to improve digital engagement and better personalise our interactions with customers. Looking ahead, in addition to continuing to build on our data platform, we will further invest in new solutions that are powered by AI. This along with our other digitisation plans will make banking easier and enable more proactive support for our customers. Shaun says the banks digital offering is more important than ever. For example, smaller businesses are now becoming much more reliant on banking technology to make their lives easier, he says. Customers no longer just want to interact with us nine to five, but 24/7. Advancing technologies are also helping the bank become more efficient in terms of its internal processes. Weve been very much focused on trying to create efficiencies for our colleagues, so that we can free them up to spend more time with customers, Liam says. In the past three years, we have removed over 200,000 hours of bank colleague time on admin tasks through automation and digitisation. We are also now utilising around 100 robots across the bank. And, in terms of AI, we recently launched our own Danske Bank GPT platform - which hundreds of colleagues here in Northern Ireland are actively using to help them in their roles. Digital onboarding processes have helped aid mass acquisition of new customers this year. Over 13,000 new personal current accounts, and over 1,000 new small business accounts, have been opened with the bank in 2024. Danske Banks bespoke digital platform for business customers is called District and was introduced by the Danske Bank Group. Liam says it remains market leading across the local market. Its highly customisable for each individual businesss needs, he says. You just need to take a look at the figures to see how customers are transitioning to the digital banking environment. Just three years ago, 20% of the banks products and services were provided digitally. That figure now stands at more than 60% and is set to rise markedly. Over 80% of personal loans this year have been applied for digitally, while the vast majority of customers block cards or amend their standing orders themselves digitally. Looking ahead, technological growth and development will become more vital than ever before to the success of Danske Bank. Its about giving customers that 24/7 access to the bank, Liam says. Digital technology is primarily about making banking easier for the customer, putting it in their hands literally, to do what needs done and at a time that suits them. Looking to the future, Liam says the Danske Bank Group have a huge focus on further revolutionising their whole technology stack, with the planned introduction of Cloud technologies and new partner platforms. Shaun says he increasingly sees technology as an enabler for customers but he is quick to point out that for Danske it will always be in addition to having great people on the ground, local leadership and the ability to support customers through its many locally based specialist teams. Music and Gigs Sundays are pretty busy for me but its all of my own choosing and I wouldnt have it any other way Northern Ireland I have the best black book in NI: Ian Paisley opens up on life after politics and the peculiarities of Trump Rosemary Nelson: There were some rogue police officers who would have been quite happy for her not to be around Pearce ONeill is arrested after a stolen car rammed police in west Belfast on November 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) A cocaine addict allegedly crashed into two police vehicles in a car stolen during a creeper-style burglary in north Belfast, a court heard today. Pearce ONeill is also accused of trying to break into two other homes as part of the same 48-hour crime spree. Legal aid row could lead to miscarriages of justice in NI if not resolved Head of striking barristers issues stark warning as courts system is paralysed by one-day walkout Barristers stage a protest outside the High Court in Belfast during their strike on Monday Kurtis Reid Mon 4 Nov 2024 at 17:00 The head of the Bar of Northern Ireland has warned there is a potential for miscarriages of justice if a dispute over legal aid payments continues. A coastguard helicopter was deployed for the search on Sunday morning An image released of two men who handed in a backpack belonging to Mr McLennan on Saturday Police have appealed for two men who handed in a backpack belonging to a man who was reported missing from the Giants Causeway to come forward. A multi-agency search is underway for Lester McLennan, who travelled to NI from the south of England with his mum, took a bus from Belfast to the area at approximately 9.30am on Friday November 1. He was subsequently reported missing and a search was launched on Saturday. The coastguard, community rescue teams, police resources and Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland North (SARDA) are working side by side to locate the missing 20-year-old. A coastguard helicopter was also deployed on Sunday morning in an attempt to aid the search for the missing man. Community Rescue Service (CRS) in Coleraine has said that while weather conditions for the search are good, daylight hours are limited. But teams working as part f the multi-agency search are working to cover a widening area, with efforts continuing into the night. A coastguard helicopter was deployed for the search on Sunday morning Regional Commander of the CRS, Sean McGarry said: "At the minute theres different search teams involved spread out across the country. Were searching areas that havent yet been done, spreading out a bit further every time. "There is no indication at this moment and time where he might have gone other than the fact we do know that he made it to the Giants Causeway. We know he travelled from the south of England with his mother to Belfast, where he left to go up to the Giants Causeway for the day. The Giants Causeway is a popular tourist destination, drawing in nearly 700,000 visitors in 2023. Due to the rugged nature of the terrain, its rocky outcrops can pose a risk to visitors taking the cliff top trail.# On Monday, the attractions social media account posted a photograph of two men who handed in a backpack understood to belong to Mr McLennan at their visitor centre on Saturday afternoon. Mr McGarry advised members of the public to refrain from searching, adding that the involved rescue teams are fully equipped to handle the rough terrain. Mr McGarry added: "There are cliffs, water and land so its a mixed bag, however all of our guys and the search teams are very well experienced. "The conditions are pretty good, we only have a limited amount of daylight but we will continue searching in the night. Police are also asking for an individual who found a black backpack close to the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre to come forward so they can pinpoint exactly where it was found. Lester is understood to have been carrying a black backpack when he went missing in the area. A spokesperson for the PSNI 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. 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. 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. An image released of two men who handed in a backpack belonging to Mr McLennan on Saturday News Catch Up - Monday 4th November HM Coastguard received a report of an overturned catamaran at around 4.20pm (PA) A helicopter and lifeboats have been dispatched to a search operation after a boat overturned off Larne. HM Coastguard received a report of an overturned catamaran approximately 12 miles from Larne at around 4.20pm on Monday. It dispatched a helicopter from Prestwick, Scotland. RNLI lifeboats from Red Bay and Larne were also tasked with responding and were at the scene on Monday evening. Both P&O Ferries vessels on the Larne-Cairnryan route assisted with a search and rescue operation. They were later released by the Belfast Coastguard to return to their respective ports. The operation remained ongoing late on Monday evening. 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 the Oldpark representative. 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. Mr Magee further claims the complaint is malicious and selective, and says that he has fully engaged with the NI Local Government Commissioner for Standards, and has provided a full response. The PSNI said a report of inappropriate messages was received in June 2024 but no criminal offences were detected. Sinn Feins national chairperson Declan Kearney confirmed that Mr Magee had been suspended 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. In a full document, KRW Law 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. 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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content 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 17-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. Sinn Fein's JJ Magee Who is councillor JJ Magee ? Billions of euros in tax receipts from Apple should be used to establish a state construction company, People Before Profit has said. Ireland is to receive 14.1 billion euros in back taxes and interest from Apple as a result of a landmark ruling in the European Court of Justice earlier this year. The judgment restored a 2016 European Commission ruling that found Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, contrary to EU state aid rules. On Monday, People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett said establishing a state construction company is the only way to deliver social and affordable homes at the required scale. Mr Boyd Barrett said: The housing crisis in Ireland continues and will not be solved by repeating the same failed private market-based policies and actions that successive FF and FG governments have pursued. We need tens of thousands of social and affordable homes built each year to cater for the many paying extortionate rents or stuck on housing lists year after year. The private building industry cannot build on the scale required. He said the new body could access the land, finance and labour that is needed at scale to directly build at least 35,000 social and affordable homes per year. The party argues that a state construction company would also be able to build homes cheaper than the private sector by cutting out land acquisition costs and the profit margin as well as reducing sales, marketing and finance costs. People Before Profit said close to 200,000 euros can be eliminated from the cost of building a three-bedroom home under such a mechanism. Finance Minister Jack Chambers has said it is imperative that the Apple money is not used on day-to-day spending or tax cuts, with the Government instead committing to investing in the known challenges of housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure. In the Budget announcement, he said a framework for allocating the windfall receipts should be brought to the Government for approval in the first quarter of next year. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Stardust campaigner and survivor Antoinette Keegan is to run for election as a National Party candidate in the Dublin constituency of Fingal East. Ms Keegan, 62, said the Stardust tragedy, which claimed the lives of 48 young people, would be her main campaign issue, but would also pledge to improve housing and hospitals. Her sisters Mary, 19, and Martina, 16, died after a fire broke out at a Valentines Day event in 1981 at the popular Stardust nightclub. She and her late parents have been to the fore of the more than 40-year campaign for justice for the victims, the injured and their families. In April, an inquest concluded that the 48 victims who died in the fire had been unlawfully killed, after which Taoiseach Simon Harris delivered a State apology to the families in the Dail. Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan, who lost her two sisters Mary and Martina, outside Dublin Coroners Court (PA) My life has literally run around politics, through this Stardust tragedy, because it was always against governments and fighting the campaign for truth and justice, Ms Keegan told the PA news agency. We knew it was wrong from day dot one, and the government knew it was wrong, but the government shut the doors on us and what we had to do for 43 years my parents both should still be alive today. Ms Keegans father John died aged 49 and her mother Christine died in July 2020 aged 84. Ms Keegan continued: It should have never taken 43 years, but it was the political power that done this to us, and thats one of the reasons for running. She said that some of the Stardust families will be involved in her campaign for election. Ms Keegan said there are many issues important to working class communities, including to housing, hospitals, and hospitality. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins with Stardust survivor and campaigner Antoinette Keegan (PA) I know its not going to be sorted overnight, because its a long time that these problems has been ongoing. But the fact of the matter is I want to make a change, if I can, and thats my reason for running. Though the government announced in August that there will be a redress scheme for the Stardust families worth 24 million euro, that has not yet been paid over to the families or the survivors of the tragedy, Ms Keegan said. She said there has also been no update on progressing the unlawful killing inquest verdict. Among her other campaign pledges are to end homelessness, provide a more transparent and updated social housing list, increase the number of affordable homes, invest in hospitals and provide healthcare for the elderly. She will also call for building regulations and recommendations to be implemented and for more funding for the Dublin Fire Brigade. The three sitting TDs in Fingal East are Housing Minister and Fianna Fail TD Darragh OBrien, Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell and Labour TD Duncan Smith. Asked if she thinks the government would be intimidated by her running for election, she said: I dont know about that but Ill rattle their cage anyway. The Prime Minister will announce new investment in the UKs Border Security Command as he said the world needed to wake up to the reality of people smuggling. (Gareth Fuller/PA) The Border Security Command is set to see its funding doubled as Sir Keir Starmer fixes his sights on ending small boat crossings. The Prime Minister is expected to use a speech to the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow on Monday to kick off a week-long blitz on the issue that will see him travel to Hungary for talks on tackling people smuggling. Mondays speech will see Sir Keir pledge another 75 million for his new border command, taking its total funding to 150 million over two years. The money will be used to fund high-tech surveillance equipment and 100 specialist investigators who will target criminals engaged in people smuggling. The Prime Minister will use a speech to Interpol to focus on people smuggling (Darren Staples/PA) The Prime Minister is expected to say: The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesnt stop at our borders. Theres nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel. The Government also intends to legislate to give border security forces enhanced powers, expected to involve expanding counter-terror tactics to deal with people smuggling. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, announced in the Kings Speech in July, will be the fourth piece of immigration legislation since 2022 as successive governments have attempted to tackle this issue. The Prime Minister is also expected to say: This is a vile trade that must be stamped out wherever it thrives. So were taking our approach to counter-terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command. Were ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies. His speech comes after more than 5,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats in October, making it the busiest month of the year so far for crossings. Crossings continued into November, with 433 people arriving in the UK via small boats over the first two days of the month. In total, 31,904 people have made the journey so far this year, up 16.5% on the same point in 2023 (26,699) but still down 22.1% on the same point in 2022 (39,929). Later in the week, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a summit of the European Political Community in Hungary, where migration and people smuggling are expected to feature on the agenda. Writing in the Daily Express, Sir Keir said: The criminals work across borders we must too. We must break up their networks and deepen our cooperation with other governments and law enforcement agencies. Its time to treat these vile gangs like the criminals they are and go after them with every means at our disposal. The Prime Minister is expected to pursue a crackdown on people smuggling at a meeting of the European Political Community later this week (Kin Cheung/PA) A Conservative Party spokesperson said: Keir Starmers announcement on tackling gangs will mean absolutely nothing without a deterrent to stop migrants wishing to make the dangerous journey across the Channel. It is a shame that Starmer has not recognised the extent of the crisis in the Channel sooner, as he and the Labour Party voted against numerous measures to stop the gangs while they were in opposition. If Starmer continues to ignore the need for a deterrent to stop migrants crossing the Channel, there will be more deaths in the Channel as more and more migrants continue to cross it. He needs to get a grip of the crisis in the Channel. Along with the investment in the Border Security Command, the Prime Minister will announce a 6 million increase in the UKs support for Interpol as it tackles global organised crime. The Government will also provide 24 million to tackle serious international crime affecting the UK, including drugs, firearms and fraud, particularly in the Western Balkans. Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, said: Serious and organised crime causes more harm, to more people, more often than any other national security threat. And almost all of serious and organised crime now has an international nexus. Distance, borders and languages are meaningless to criminals. This is why collaborations with Interpol have never been as important as they are today. Tackling organised crime, and especially immigration crime, remains a top priority for the NCA. We are currently leading around 70 investigations into the gangs or individuals involved in the highest echelons of this type of criminality, and we are devoting more resources to it than ever before. UDA loan sharks extorting money from woman whose son took own life over drug debt Sources in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast claim the suicide was a direct result of pressure to make regular repayments A UDA mural on Sandy Row Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 22:15 UDA loan sharks are extorting money from a woman whose son took his own life over a drug debt. Political issues at home and abroad occupy many of the front pages of Mondays newspapers. The fallout from the Governments first Budget continues to occupy The Daily Telegraph, which says Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted the country could not afford to let all farms pass on their estates without paying inheritance tax. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Daily Express also focuses on the Budget, saying the Chancellor has admitted she was wrong to say taxes would not have to rise during the election campaign. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Ms Reeves Budget is branded spiteful by businessman Sir James Dyson on the front of The Times. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Daily Mail crosses the floor of the House as it declares new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch a leader who knows how to get Britains economy booming. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Brexit returns to the front of The Independent, which reports on Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq saying most of the impact of leaving the EU has yet to be felt as she cites worrying forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The Guardian looks across the Atlantic as it focuses on US presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump making their final push in swing states ahead of Tuesdays election. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The US election also occupies the front of the i, which reports on a poll which says more Britons feel a win by Vice President Harris would benefit the UK. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Several titles carry pictures of Spains King Felipe visiting a town hit by flash floods, the Metro reporting he faced shouts of murderer as people threw mud at him in anger over the response and lack of preparations. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Sun reports on the state of the Duke of Yorks home in Windsor. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A Chinese tax crackdown occupies the Financial Times, which says the move threatens to hit investor confidence. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content And the Daily Star focuses on unseasonally warm weather. UNRWA is the main aid provider for people in Gaza (AP) Israel has terminated an agreement facilitating the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees the main aid provider in Gaza. The move appears to be a step to implement legislation passed last month that would sever ties with the UNRWA agency and prevent it from operating in Israel. Israel says the UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas. The agency denies the allegations and says it takes measures to ensure its neutrality. On Sunday, Israel said its troops had carried out a ground raid into Syria to seize a Syrian it accuses of working with Iran. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content It was the first time in the current war that Israel announced its troops operated in Syrian territory. Despite growing pressure from the United States and others in the international community for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, intensified Israeli strikes against the Hezbollah militant group are expanding beyond Lebanons border areas. Israel is also fighting a seemingly endless war against Hamas in northern Gaza. Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted last year, at least 2,900 people have been killed and 13,150 wounded in Lebanon, the health ministry reports, not including Fridays toll. Health authorities say that a quarter of those killed were women and children. More than a year of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 people, Palestinian health officials say. They do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but say more than half of those killed were women and children. The war began after Palestinian militants stormed into Israel on October 7 2023, killing some 1,200 people mostly civilians and abducting 250 others. The launch was set to take place on October 20 (Kyodo News via AP) Japan has launched a defence satellite designed for information-gathering and military operations on a new flagship H3 rocket, as the country seeks to build up its military capability amid growing tension in the region. The H3 No 4 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre on a south-western Japanese island. Everything went as planned and the satellite placed at the top of the rocket was successfully separated about half an hour after lift-off, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) said in a livestream. The H3 rocket carries a defence ministry communications satellite (Kyodo News via AP) The rocket is carrying a Defence Ministry satellite, Kirameki No 3, which uses X-band communication for military operations and reconnaissance, including information-gathering for signs of North Korean missile activity. X-band satellite is less affected by weather conditions and is capable of supporting stable communication. Kirameki No 3 adds to two earlier X-band satellites already in operation. Mondays launch was initially planned for October 20 and came after four postponements due to a technical glitch and bad weather. The launch was the third consecutive successful flight of the H3 system after the shocking failed debut flight last year when the rocket had to be destroyed with its payload. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Japan sees a stable, commercially competitive space transport capability as key to its space programme and national security. Jaxa and its main contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have been developing the H3 launch system as a successor to its current mainstay, H-2A, which is set to retire after two more flights. MHI will eventually take over H3 production and launches from Jaxa and hopes to make it commercially viable by cutting the launch cost to about half of the H-2A. More than 200 people have been killed (AP) Storms in eastern Spain that led to massive flooding last week and killed more than 200 people, mostly near Valencia, have now dumped rain on Barcelona, prompting authorities to suspend commuter rail services. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said he was suspending all commuter trains in north-east Catalonia, a region with a population of eight million, on request from civil protection officials. Mobile phones in Barcelona issued an alert over extreme and continued rainfall on the southern outskirts of the city. The alert urged people to avoid any normally dry gorges or canals. The search for bodies is continuing (AP) Mr Puente said that the rains had forced air traffic controllers to change the course of 15 flights operating at Barcelonas airport, located on the southern flank of the city. Several major roads have been closed due to flooding. Classes were cancelled in Tarragona, a city in southern Catalonia about halfway between Barcelona and Valencia, after a red alert for rains was issued. Meanwhile, in Valencia, the search continued for bodies inside houses and thousands of wrecked cars strewn in the streets, on major roads, and in canals that channelled last weeks deluge into populated areas. Citizens, volunteers and thousands of soldiers and police officers are helping in the gargantuan clean-up effort of mud and debris. King Felipe VI was confronted by angry people from the devastated town of Paiporta, near Valencia (AP) Spains Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said authorities are still unable to give a reliable estimate of the amount of people who are missing. Spanish national television RTVE, however, has broadcast pleas for help by several desperate people whose loved ones are unaccounted for. In the Aldaia municipality, some 50 soldiers, police and firefighters, some wearing wetsuits, searched in a huge shopping centres underground car park for possible victims. They used a small boat and spotlights to move around in the huge structure with vehicles submerged in at least 3ft of murky water. Police spokesman Ricardo Gutierrez told reporters that so far some 50 vehicles had been found and no bodies had been discovered there. The Bonaire shopping malls 1,800 underground parking spaces quickly filled with water and mud on Tuesday and Wednesday when the southern outskirts of Valencia were hit by a tsunami-like flooding event. The team is using four pumps to remove the water. Many people have lost their homes, with no firm figure yet on the number of those who have gone missing (AP) Citizens, volunteers and thousands of soldiers and police officers pressed on with their gargantuan clean-up effort to clear out mud and debris. Many people feel abandoned by authorities, with their anger erupting on Sunday when a crowd tossed mud at Spains royal couple, the Prime Minister and regional leaders as they made their first visit to Paiporta, where more than 60 people died and the survivors lost their homes and still do not have drinking water. Spain is used to autumn storms that can lead to flooding, but the latest ones have produced the deadliest floods in living memory for Spaniards. Climate scientists and meteorologists say the immediate cause of the flooding was a cut-off lower-pressure storm system that migrated from an unusually wavy and stalled jet stream. It was likely fuelled by a record-hot Mediterranean Sea. That system simply parked itself over the region and unleashed a deluge. The Spanish navys Galicia transport vessel arrived in Valencias port on Monday with marines, helicopters and trucks loaded with food and water to help with the relief effort, which included 7,500 soldiers and thousands of police reinforcements. Serbias construction minister said that he was stepping down days after a concrete canopy collapsed at a railway station, killing 14 people and severely injuring three. Minister Goran Vesic announced his resignation at a hastily called press conference as anger mounted in the Balkan country over the fatal collapse that happened just before noon on Friday in the northern city of Novi Sad. Mr Vesics resignation needs to be confirmed in Serbias parliament. I would like to inform you that I will formally submit my resignation tomorrow morning, said Mr Vesic. Once the parliament accepts it, I will no longer perform this duty. Workers inspect a train station after an outdoor roof collapsed (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Surveillance camera footage showed the massive canopy on the outer wall of the station building crashing down on the people sitting below on benches or going in and out. The train station has been renovated twice in recent years. Critics of Serbias populist government attributed the disaster to rampant corruption, a lack of transparency and sloppy work during the reconstruction. The renovation was part of a wider deal with Chinese construction companies. Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of top officials, including president Aleksandar Vucic and prime minister Milos Vucevic, accusing them of being responsible for the deadly accident. The opposition says Mr Vesic is just a scapegoat for the real culprits behind the tragedy. Opposition groups plan to hold a rally on Tuesday in Novi Sad and more protests later if their demands are not met. Mr Vesic said that he does not accept any guilt for the deaths of the victims. I cannot accept guilt for the death of 14 people because neither I, nor the people who work with me, bear even a shred of responsibility for the tragedy that happened, he said. I urge the authorities to determine as soon as possible who was responsible for this tragedy. Protesters shout slogans with red paint on their hands (Darko Vojinovic/AP) On Sunday, angry protesters in the capital, Belgrade, left red handprints on government buildings, telling officials that your hands are bloody. The dead included a six-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 Monday without improvement, doctors said. Populist officials have accused opposition parties of using the tragedy for political gains while pledging accountability. President Vucic on Monday promised those responsible will be punished. I am certain that the state authorities will determine criminal responsibility for the tragedy that happened in our country, said Mr Vucic. Serbian prosecutors said they have already questioned more than 40 people including Mr Vesic since opening the probe on Saturday. 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 for why it was not renovated. The Novi Sad railway station was originally built in 1964, while the renovated station was inaugurated by Mr 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. Claims that the absence of a cross-community vote on EU agreement breaches 1998 Good Friday peace deal are illogical Clearly it would have been much better had the UKs exit from the EU been achieved in a way that would command wide support in Northern Ireland, and indeed across the whole of the UK. But the Conservatives made no attempt to secure that, and we are living with the consequences. Veteran Alf McCreary has been writing for the Belfast Telegraph for 60 years Sixty years ago, Alf McCreary walked in the offices of the Belfast Telegraph unannounced - and walked out with a job, and he's still writing for the paper. Alf McCreary walked into the Belfast Telegraph on September 1, 1964 and asked for a job. 60 years on, he's still writing for the paper. But Alf did not have anything handed to him on a plate he had a tough start in life. Reared by his grandparents in Bessbrook after his parents rejected him, he had to deal with the stigma of being reared out of wedlock in his early life. But he got the 11+, met some good teachers and managed to get to Queens University in Belfast, made possible by a scholarship and a fair slice of his WW1 veteran grandfathers pension. Alfs career has given him many insights into our society and its divisions. He charted the evolution of the Rev Ian Paisley, and he wrote a biography of Gordon Wilson, whose daughter Marie was killed in the Enniskillen bombing. He spoke to Ciaran Dunbar about his life in journalism. 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Muslims attending worship in community centres in Northern Ireland during the Covid pandemic were filmed as they arrived and departed, it has been revealed. DA says speed was a factor in crash that killed Caleb Carlson in Great Barrington on Saturday The college said the graffiti, drawn on posters advocating for the return of Israeli hostages, promoted messages of violence against the state of Israel and Israelis. Doomscrolling presidential campaign coverage at 2 a.m.? Tracking the latest polls about who's leading in battleground states like Pennsylvania? You're not alone. Republicans. Democrats. Independents. Voters of all political persuasions are experiencing election anxiety over whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will win the White House. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reported this week that seven in 10 Americans are anxious and frustrated about the campaign, which concludes with Tuesday's election. Eight out of 10 of Democrats are worried. In 2020, it was 7 in 10. Two-thirds of Republicans polled are worried. That's up from 6 in 10 in 2020. In the Berkshires, the anxiety is palpable, according to experts. Pittsfield psychologist Nicole Harrington said: Ive been practicing almost 30 years and I dont remember a time when politics came up in therapy with the frequency that it does now. Folks were seeing are coming in much more than in the past and wanting to talk about it. Jonah Bayer, a counselor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, said: What I see is a lot of anxiety coming out of the fact that, as humans, we have difficulty with uncertainty. We want to have a definitive answer, now, and we have to wait. Anthony Hamling, a Lee-based counselor with CHP Berkshires, said: "A lot of people are saying, 'If it doesn't turn out the way I hope it's going to, I don't know what I'm going to do. I'll be fearful I may have to move.' I'm hearing a lot of anxious thoughts from people thinking about a catastrophe coming down the road." HIGH-STAKES POLITICS For some, the political has become personal especially on issues that directly impact people: Immigration and border security, women's reproductive health, voting rights, weaponization of federal agencies, civil rights. In Williamstown, students who lead EphVotes, a nonpartisan group that helps Williams College students register to vote, say they've seen and experienced that anxiety, too. We exist in an era where media and ability to access information is so prevalent that you're constantly being reminded of the high stakes, said Lena Kerest, a senior from Burlington, Vt., who leads EphVotes. This is like a historic moment, and so it's hard to constantly have that information in your face and not feel as though there's something worth being anxious about. Kerest, emphasizing she was speaking as a voter and not on behalf of EphVotes, said reproductive freedoms and the erosion of democratic norms are big concerns for Williams students. "To see somebody who has such a big platform on the national level, sort of talk about turning that upside down and like really restructuring the way our government functions for his own political benefit is really concerning to a lot of students," Kerest said. "I think a lot of female students at Williams are deeply aware of the fact that their rights, whether that be around reproductive birth, like birth control or abortion or anything related to that, could significantly change under a Trump presidency." Hamling said, in his practice, he's hearing from immigrants in the Berkshires who are worried about Trump's pledge to conduct mass detentions and deportations. "Theres a fear that 'No. 1, can I go vote? Do I have a voice in this?' No. 2, 'If I can vote, is it safe? Is something going to happen to me?'" Hamling said. "As it goes further, they say, 'I want to stay in this country. ... I have a life here, I've lived here X-number of years, I'm really afraid that I'm going to have to leave and I won't have a choice.'" TAKE CONTROL Mental health experts such as Harrington, Bayer and Hamling say keeping Tuesday's election in perspective, and controlling one's intake of election news, are ways to manage a situation that can't be fully avoided. Doing what you can to advocate for your beliefs, such as voting and campaigning for your candidate, can help, they said. So does avoiding isolation, they said. "People will become obsessed, especially on Election Day and election night, watching the news and clicking through every site," Hamling said. "Make sure you have other people around you. Don't isolate yourself, especially if you're fearful." For Jessica Kim, a sophomore at Williams from Boston and a student leader with EphVotes, the symptoms have not been steady. Living in Massachusetts, studying in Williamstown and helping students participate in the democratic process have helped. There's some days where I don't think about it at all. And then, like, it hits me when I read the news, and I'm like, 'Wow, this is really big,'" Kim said. "And I think maybe that's just a way of coping with anxiety, because I think it is really high stakes. Continual consumption of the latest news, poll results, Electoral College predictions and campaign trail rhetoric can worsen election anxiety. Prioritizing self-care and understanding that no one individual can control what happens on Tuesday can help, the experts said. It affects our lives. Theres a lot at stake and its really important, Bayer said. We dont want to push it away, but we have to co-exist with it. But that obsession comes with a price. When we ruminate and think, we feel like were working on the problem but were really feeding into the anxiety because we cant know, Bayer said. When anxiety builds and becomes consuming, it obscures other aspects of people's lives those things that help people keep perspective and remember whats good, Harrington said. That can lead to catastrophizing imagining and fearing worst-case scenarios. FIND PERSPECTIVE But are those potential outcomes the worst-case ones real? It is unlikely that most people, regardless of the outcome, will have lost all the people they care about or all the work theyve done, Harrington said. The alternative to obsessing about worst-case scenarios, she said, is paying attention to the rest of life where things are good your relationships, people you see and hear doing good things in the world. Small, positive pleasures." "We start to lose those when we get caught up in the big catastrophic picture," Harrington added. "Its easy to lose sight of all the things that matter, things that are still very important that were attached to. The alternative, Harrington said, is despair a complete loss of hope which is paralyzing, and serves no one. Despair is a terrible landing place individually and societally. We need to not have that be the end point, Harrington said. SET BOUNDARIES As for political disagreements with friends and family, especially with the upcoming holidays: Hamling says it's important to set boundaries that will maintain important relationships. "People say, 'I have friends and family who are going to vote that way. I don't know how I can still be friends with these people or associate with family,'" Hamling said. "You've got to create some kind of a boundary. Make an agreement not to talk politics or talk about who you're voting for." He also said people should try not to let politics end friendships or family relationships. "They can still be family, they can still be friends. We can agree to disagree." Taking action through their work with EphVotes has helped, Kim and Kerest said. Although it is a stressful time, our student body is really engaged," Kerest said. "And that, in and of itself, is something that's worth celebrating." If you were to ask Christians if God hates sin, I am sure you would get near universal acceptance that He does. Though there are many ways people sin, for some reason when Christians address sin, whether in our culture or even in the church, we can easily get tunnel vision. By this I mean we zero in on one sin and treat it like it is the only sin that matters. When this happens, we can even get outraged over certain sins while overlooking others. We tell ourselves this group of sins is worse than this other group. Maybe some people do this intentionally, or maybe we dont pay as close attention to Scripture as we should. Sins That God Hates A classic example comes from the book of Proverbs. Now, before I share the Scripture, allow me to give some context. Consider, for instance, the issue of abortion. When many Christians talk about abortion, it is common for them to mention how God hates hands that shed innocent blood. I have heard this Scripture quoted many times. This comes from Proverbs, and when people quote it, they are quoting it correctly, because this is what the Bible says. The problem is there is more information in this passage that has been left out. Allow me to share with you the passage where this verse comes from. I want you to pay attention to the list of things God hates. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community (Proverbs 6:16-19). There is a lot more going on in these verses than just hands that shed innocent blood. As you can see, there are a few things listed here that God hates seven in all. Why Do We Need to Be Aware of These Things? The reason these things matter is we must consider Gods word in its entirety. We cannot selectively choose what we think God is most angry at and simply ignore or downplay the others. Thats not how it is supposed to work. In the Proverb mentioned above, if we are going to be true to the text, then we can say that God hates a person who stirs up conflict in the community just as much as the person who sheds innocent blood. There is no difference because God hates all these things equally. There is no indication from these verses that God puts a higher ranking on one of these sins over another. We may try to create a disparity or hierarchy between these things, but God doesnt. How Does This Affect Us? When we attempt to categorize sin, with some being worse than others, we can become justifiers. We condemn one group of sinful activity, but we justify others. When someone commits a sin we deem as worse, we let them know and let them have it. However, someone engaging in other types of sinful behaviors, those we consider not as bad, get a pass for their actions. One area we see this play out is in the political arena. How often do you hear people get upset or talk about how anti-God a policy is, especially for the candidate or party they dont like? That happens quite a bit. However, let their chosen party or candidate display anti-God actions, behaviors, or policies and no one says a word. The reason often comes back to the idea that this one isnt as bad as that one or its the lesser of two evils. However, Gods word does not address sin in that fashion and neither should we. When you see or practice these types of behaviors, then we must ask ourselves, are we as committed to Gods word as we say we are? Let me remind you that we are Christs ambassadors, and we represent Him. We dont have the luxury of being selective over the sins we condemn and the sins we justify. When we do this, we look hypocritical and weaken our testimony. Why Do We Do This? Is there a reason we behave this way? One reason is found in what Jesus said in Matthew. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye (Matthew 7:3-5). It is easy to see the speck in other peoples eyes. However, when we focus so much attention on the speck, it can cause us to avoid or dismiss the logs in our own eyes. If we are going to allow Scripture to work in our hearts, then we cannot afford to do this any longer. We must judge the log and the speck equally. Smaller Sins Are Still Sin Sometimes the smallest acts of disobedience (which is sin by the way), can come with the gravest consequences. After conquering Jericho, Achan kept some of the devoted things for himself. The Bible says Achan violated Gods covenant, stole and lied (Joshua 7:11). Most people would not put stealing and lying high on the list of judgeable offenses. However, Israel was routed by Ai, a nation they should have had no trouble defeating. This happened because of Achans sin. Eventually, Achans sin cost him and his family their lives. Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter about how much money they received when they sold their property. Both died because of this seemingly harmless sin. Thats why we must be careful about how we treat sin and not think one sin is more egregious than another. That is not how God views sin and we should not view it that way either. Dont Get Hung Up on One Sin I was engaged in conversation with a gentleman who was angry and espoused his frustration with a specific sin. He hated this sin. Not only did he hate the sin, he also hated the sinner and had genuine anger towards anyone who engaged in it. In our conversation, he talked about how God is going to bring judgment on the people who commit this sin, and he was even praying for God to bring judgment quickly. This is a prime example of the logs and specks. He was so angry at these sinners that he could not see how his own anger was causing him to sin and not producing the righteousness God desires. Because of his anger, he had no compassion, no grace, and honestly no love. The people committing this sin were his enemies, and he hated them. Yet, somehow, he felt his anger was justified. While defending his position, he referred to this passage in 1 Corinthians. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). This mans vitriol was directed at one group on this list, but somehow, he missed that there are ten types of people mentioned here who will not inherit the kingdom of God. By focusing so much on one sin, he falsely believed this one type of sin is more egregious in Gods sight. However, since all the sins mentioned here will prevent you from inheriting the kingdom of God, it appears they are all equally condemning in Gods eyes. Final Thought As followers of Christ, our integrity is at stake, and we must avoid hypocrisy at all costs. The only way to do this is to allow Gods word to be the standard and call all sin what it is sin. We must be careful that we dont elevate one sin while downplaying others, because this is when we look hypocritical, which is not a good trait for those who represent Christ. Regardless of how big or small you think a sin is, God does not see it that way. If he says he hates something, then we should take that seriously and not gloss over it because we think another sin is greater. If we dont do this, then we weaken our ability to influence morality in the culture and the salt we are supposed to be starts to lose its saltiness. Photo credit: Getty Images/Alessandro Photo BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. IIT Guwahati Research Park Foundation partners with Assam Government Healthcare Foundation November 04, 2024 | Monday | News As an Innovation Hub for Urban Development, Healthcare, and Technology in Northeast India In a landmark step to bolster research and development across sustainable urbanisation, healthcare innovation, and deep tech entrepreneurship, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati Research Park Foundation has signed three pivotal Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs). Through its partnership with the Assam Government - IIT Guwahati Healthcare Foundation, IIT Guwahati Research Park will host a corporate office and interim laboratory for the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII). Set to be a premier Make in India centre for medical technology, AAHII will specialise in diagnostics and treatment innovations aimed at reducing reliance on imported healthcare technology. The institute will house a postgraduate medical centre integrated with a super-specialty hospital and a cutting-edge research wing, bringing doctors and engineers together to drive indigenous healthcare advancements. Further, in collaboration with IIT-M Pravartak, IIT Guwahati Research Park will implement programmes focused on skilling, entrepreneurship, and deep tech innovation. Tailored to the Northeasts needs, with particular emphasis on the semiconductor sector, this partnership seeks to strengthen industry-academia ties and bolster regional engagement in high-tech sectors. In partnership with CUBE, IIT Guwahati aims to develop an advanced urban infrastructure and sustainability hub at the IIT Guwahati Research Park. James Haskell and Mike Tindall have revealed they hid in the toilet while competing in Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in order to avoid conflict. The former rugby union players appeared on the ITV reality show in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Advertisement Speaking to ITVs Good Morning Britain (GMB) on Monday, Tindall said Haskell gave him some very good advice before he entered the Australian jungle. The 46-year-old said: (It was) basically to avoid this might sound negative, but obviously the cameras are on you for 24 hours a day, yet the actual showpiece of what youre seeing is about 20 minutes. So anything can be turned into whatever it might become. And he was like Stay away from anything that isnt comfortable. And (if) it all fails, you dont understand the situation, just go to the toilet. Advertisement I hid in the dunny a lot, said Haskell. The 39-year-old added: Weve got to remember that the show is an amazing opportunity. But youve got people who handle pressure very differently and bring their own problems to the door. And people have very different political views, whatever it might be, religious views. You sit around, youre very bored, and one of the things that people forget about Im A Celebrity You think youre punishing someone by giving them all the tasks actually punishing them is not (being) chosen for anything, because you have to sit around all day doing nothing, and that is excruciatingly painful. Advertisement So (Matt) Hancock, obviously everyone thought they were punishing him. They gave him more air time, gave him everything he wanted, and he had the best time ever. If you wanted to punish him, you should have just left him in that camp and done nothing, because when you sit around there, people will come down and sit down. Haskell recalled walking away after someone in camp told him Barack Obama was the most corrupt president theres ever been. He added: People sometimes forget where they are. So I just said to Mike Look, youre not going to solve anything. Pick your battles, and if it gets outrageous, go and sit in the dunny. Advertisement I sat behind that curtain a number of times going Why have I agreed to do this?. Former health secretary Matt Hancock took part in Im A Celebrity in 2022 and was subjected to numerous punishing and disgusting tasks, including being made to eat a camels penis and being covered in creepy crawlies. He had resigned from his Cabinet role the previous year for breaking social distancing guidance by kissing and embracing an aide in his office. This years Im A Celebrity contestants have yet to be revealed by ITV. Advertisement Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, champion boxer Barry McGuigan and N-Dubz band member Tulisa Contostavlos are among the famous faces reportedly heading into the Australian jungle. The producer of Paddington In Peru has said the late Queen Elizabeth II will feature in the new film. Rosie Alison, the producer of the third film to feature Michael Bonds beloved bear, told US outlet Variety that the royal family were very happy for a photograph of the late Queen taking tea with Paddington, which was part of a sketch for her platinum jubilee celebrations, to be used in the film. Advertisement The movie, which will be released in Ireland on November 8th, will follow the bear as he journeys to Peru, returning to visit Aunt Lucy, who now lives at the Home for Retired Bears. Paddington Bear will return to the big screen in Paddington In Peru (Ian West/PA) Alison told Variety: [The royal family] were actually very happy for it to happen. But we dont like to make a big deal of it, because Paddingtons obviously a very modest fellow. In the jubilee sketch the late queen pulled a marmalade sandwich out of her handbag and tells Paddington I keep mine in here for later, after the bear had initially offered her one of his. Advertisement Last year it won the memorable moment TV Bafta award, and mourners left Paddington teddy bears and marmalade sandwiches among the floral tributes outside royal residences after the late Queens death in September 2022. The Peruvian bear has also been issued with a real British passport by the Home Office for the film, after film-makers asked for a prop one. Hugh Bonneville, who plays Henry Brown, told The Graham Norton Show: The producers wrote to the Home Office to ask if it was OK for them to use a facsimile of a passport in the film and they very sweetly issued a real one. In the passport under any distinguishing features it says Bear. Advertisement Paddington In Peru stars Olivia Colman, who played Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, as The Reverend Mother. She told Variety: Paddington is just the best person in the whole wide world. Imagine if everyone was like Paddington, wouldnt that be lovely? Studiocanal and Buckingham Palace have been contacted for comment. A Kildare-based GP accused of professional misconduct has told a medical inquiry that he would prefer to rely on international medical studies about Covid-19 vaccines rather than get tied up with the minutiae of HSE guidelines about their use. Dr Neville Wilson of The Harbour Medical Clinic in Kilcock, Co Kildare told a fitness-to-practise hearing of the Medical Council that he felt public health guidelines about the infection in Ireland have very little relevance for me". Advertisement The South-African born GP has denied a series of allegations of professional misconduct and poor professional performance in relation to his interaction with two people who attended his clinic during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Wilson is also accused of having posters on display in his clinic which questioned the efficacy and safety of Covid vaccines and which contained false and misleading information. Evidence The inquiry previously heard evidence that he told a patient, known as Witness A, on July 6th, 2021 that he should not have received the Covid vaccine and implied it was dangerous. The inquiry heard an argument had also developed between the GP and a man who had brought his wife and young baby to the clinic on May 3rd, 2022 over anti-vaccine posters in the surgery as well as the fact that Dr Wilson and his receptionist were not wearing masks. Advertisement It is alleged that he told the man, identified as Witness B, that face masks and vaccines were ineffective against Covid. However, Dr Wilson claims the evidence of the two witnesses is untrue and false. At a resumed hearing on Monday, he said he was a private physician who followed international guidelines as reported in peer reviewed articles drafted by highly specialised people in their field of study". The GP said he would be more inclined to look at international studies than the HSE guidelines as they had very little relevance for him. Advertisement Dr Wilson pointed out that Witness A had asked him about his views on the Covid vaccine and he had replied that natural infection from the disease would give greater protection. The GP stressed that this response represented an opinion and was not advice. He observed that he was not anti-vaccine but pro-science". The doctor made his comments while cross-examining the Medical Councils expert witness, Triona Marnell, but chose not to give direct evidence. Advertisement If the allegations were proven, Dr Marnell said they would contradict all public health guidelines in force at the time and were medically incorrect. She observed that either Dr Wilson did not know the guidelines or chose to ignore them at a time when getting vaccines to everybody as quickly as possible was a priority. Dr Marnell reminded the fitness-to-practise committee that Covid-19 was a serious infection that had killed almost 10,000 people in the Republic and that the consequences of not following the HSEs guidelines could be significant. While she acknowledged that Dr Wilson was entitled to his personal views about vaccines, she claimed his actions went far beyond legitimate debate and minority opinion". Advertisement 'Vaccine-sceptic' position Dr Marnell, who described the GP as having a vaccine-sceptic position, observed that doctors need to leave such views at the door when treating patients as they have a professional duty to follow guidelines. We dont get to pick and choose which bits of it we think we know better about, she added. Dr Marnell said it was a matter of huge frustration and disappointment to have some doctors deliberately ignoring guidelines which she warned could confuse patients and undermine public confidence in the medical profession. She said it was not acceptable for doctors to be sending out the message that it was OK not to be vaccinated. However, Dr Marnell welcomed the fact that there was no evidence that anyone had come to any harm arising out of the allegations. Asked by Dr Wilson if she thought his conduct had been professional, appropriate and compassionate, Dr Marnell replied: Unfortunately, the answer is unprofessional". A receptionist at Dr Wilsons clinic, Noeleen Bontempi, told the inquiry that Witness B was unhappy and quite angry about the posters and people not wearing masks in the clinic. Ms Bontempi said she went to get Dr Wilson as she did not want to engage with Witness B in a discussion about the vaccine. Counsel for the Medical Council, Eoghan OSullivan BL, claimed there was an effective blanket policy in Dr Wilson s clinic on not wearing masks from February 2022 after guidelines had been relaxed. Ms Bontempi admitted she had been coughing while Witness B was in the surgery but knew it was not Covid as she believed it was linked to an allergy. Under cross-examination, she admitted she did not know that Americas Frontline Doctors, whose poster was on display in the clinic, was a right-wing organisation that promoted an anti-vax agenda. US Capitol riot Ms Bontempi said she was also unaware that the groups founder was one of the people convicted for storming the US Capitol building in Washington on January 6th, 2020. In addition, she did not know that a founder of World Doctors Alliance a group also referenced in the poster had been struck off by the UKs General Medical Council for propagating anti-vaccine views. Asked about her own views on the issue, Ms Bontempi said she would be hesitant to take vaccines as she was very sensitive to medication". She also confirmed to the inquiry that the clinic did not offer the Covid vaccine to patients and had no standard advice to offer anyone looking for it. In a closing submission, Dr Wilson said he had conducted himself in a professional manner and compassionate way at all times taking into account the best interests and needs of patients and applying my knowledge on the basis of scientific evidence. The GP, who outlined how he has 43 years experience as a doctor, said he did not accept the charges. Dr Wilson, who has lived in Ireland since 2004, previously worked in Dublin, Wexford and Maynooth before setting up a practice in Kilcock. The former pilot with the South African Air Force became a naturalised Irish citizen in 2013. The chairperson of the inquiry, Jill Long, said the committee would announce its findings on a future date still to be fixed. The Housing Minister thinks it would be "crazy" to disband the Land Development Agency. Darragh O'Brien said targets for new homes will be exceeded this year, the only question is by how many. Advertisement He also claims more than 33,500 homes will be completed by the end of the year. Minister O'Brien said the State-sponsored Land Development Agency plays a significant part in this delivery, and proposals from opposition to disband it make no sense. O'Brien said what Sinn Fein has said about the Land Development Agency concerns him, as it took "two years to get the legislation through to get the agency up and running". "They are actually delivering on the ground. I think it would actually be crazy to be honest to follow either of the two proposals to shut down the Land Development Agency and to set up this new state building agency, like how long would that take?" he said. Disgraced former solicitor Michael Lynn, who is appealing his five-and-a-half-year sentence for stealing just over 18 million from six financial institutions during the Celtic Tiger era, has been told that Irish society is a victim of his offending. You become a member of an honourable profession that operates by professional standards, so if you breach that you let not just yourself down, you let your colleagues down and all of society down, said Mr Justice John Edwards at the Court of Appeal on Monday during the sentence appeal of Michael Lynn. Advertisement Lynn was jailed for obtaining multiple mortgages on the same properties in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. These properties included 'Glenlion', Lynn's 5.5 million home in Howth, and multiple investment properties. He had to be extradited from Brazil in 2018 after spending years resisting attempts to have him face charges. As part of the extradition agreement with Brazil, Lynn was to be given credit for the prison time he has already served. Lynn, of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co. Wicklow, pleaded not guilty to theft contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud offences), but he was found guilty by a jury of ten of the 21 theft counts against him following a second Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial last year after the jury in his first trial in 2022 failed to reach a verdict. Advertisement He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to five and a half years in prison having been convicted of stealing 18.1 million from six financial institutions. Judge Nolan fixed the headline sentence at 16 years, before discounting three years for mitigation. He subtracted a further seven and a half years because of time spent by Lynn in a Brazilian prison while awaiting extradition, and also because of the conditions of the prison in Brazil. The judge also took into consideration 105 days Lynn spent in Cloverhill, with the sentence backdated to December 20, 2023. Advertisement Appealing the severity of the sentence, counsel for Lynn, Paul Comiskey OKeefe BL said that because of the dearth of comparative case law, he was asking the court to focus on the quantum of loss in this case. He said that this case featured a loss of 18 million, but he referenced other cases where the loss was multiples of this amount. He also said that the victims in this case were not left in dire financial circumstances from the appellant's offending. To this, Mr Justice Edwards referenced the culpability and harm done, as the appellant was a solicitor, which meant there was public confidence in a person in his position. Even if there was no individual victim, it is Irish society that is a victim in that regard, said Mr Justice Edwards, adding that Lynn had done untold damage. Advertisement Mr Comiskey OKeefe replied that the communitys right to punishment can arise, but he said that Lynn was punished by being struck off as a solicitor. Mr Justice Edwards said that because Lynn had been a solicitor, he had been in the position to know the implications of what he was doing, which meant he had breached his code of standards and professional ethics. Mr Comiskey OKeefe said that the commission of the offence did not take place in the performance of legal services, so as Lynn's actions were not carried out for a client, there had not been a breach of trust. You become a member of an honourable profession that operates by professional standards, so if you breach that you let not just yourself down, you let your colleagues down and all society down, said Mr Justice Edwards. Advertisement Mr Justice Edwards went on to say that being struck off does not exonerate someone from facing criminal punishment, asking if a thief loses his job should he not have to face prison just because he has already lost his job. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said that the defence was overlooking the fact that the appellants actions would have lessened the overall image of solicitors. She went on to address the societal impact, as if a bank loses money, that loss is passed down the line, so the general victim of this crime was society at large. Mr Comiskey OKeefe next said that the sentencing judge did not give sufficient weight to the recovery by financial institutions of certain losses, nor to the asset disposal by the appellant for the repayment of losses. Mr Justice Edwards noted that astronomical, eye watering figures were involved. Mr Comiskey OKeefe repeated his assertion that not enough weight was given to the mitigating factor that this case involved a convicted person who is a solicitor who had not used a clients account for the offending, to which Mr Justice Edwards said that was not mitigation, merely the absence of an aggravating factor. Mr Comiskey OKeefe next said that not enough weight was given to the post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by Lynn because of the time he served in prison in Brazil, of which the sentencing judge took account. During his trial, Lynn took the stand and claimed the banks were aware he had multiple loans on the same properties and that this was custom and practice among bankers in Celtic Tiger Ireland. He was extradited from Brazil in 2018 after spending four and a half years in a hellhole prison there. In the first trial, Lynn told the jury the jail was essentially run by prisoners, and he witnessed the beheading of a young gay prisoner. Karl Finnegan SC, counsel for the DPP, said that there was nothing which indicated that the sentencing judge did anything that he was not entitled to do within his area of discretion, and there was no error of principle. He described the seven and a half years mitigation given as extremely generous, as it was not sustainable to say that the final sentence was excessive. He said that during the trial, total loans of 36.5 million were identified, of which 27.85 million were on the indictment, with Lynn found guilty by the jury of offending covering just over 18 million. This was a complex scheme of offending that involved multiple loans from multiple institutions, said Mr Finnegan, adding that Lynn used his position of trust to exploit weaknesses in the system. Mr Finnegan said that another aggravating factor was that Lynn accused other witnesses of being complicit in this offending, which led to their characters being impugned. Its unfortunate that he would continue to try to reduce his culpability. It should be measured by him alone and not on other people he may have been dealing with, said Mr Finnegan. He said the mitigating factors were limited by there not being a plea of guilty, nor any remorse shown by the appellant for his actions. He went on to say that the global sentence set by the sentencing judge made sense in this case, which was one of the greatest thefts in the history of the State, carried out to amass as much wealth as possible. Mr Justice Edwards said the court would reserve judgement in the case. A salesman has admitted assaulting Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, breach of the peace and damaging his clipboard during an election canvas at the weekend. The incident happened on Saturday while the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth went door-to-door around the Erris Square, Waterville area in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin. Advertisement Karl Ronan, 45, who has an address at Erris Square, appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court on Monday. He was remanded on bail pending his December 17th sentence hearing. Gardai were directed to check if OGorman, who was not present for the hearing, wished to provide a victim impact statement, which the judge said was at the centre of the sentencing procedure. Ronan, a married father-of-two, was charged with three offences arising from the incident and did not address the court. Advertisement However, immediately after the judge heard evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, defence solicitor Tertius Van Eeeden told Judge McHugh that his client was pleading guilty. Mr Ronan was accused of a minor assault on the politician and criminal damage to his clipboard, and the third charge was under the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether he might cause a breach of the peace. Garda Joseph Rogers told the court the accused made no reply to the charges. The assault and breach of the peace offences, each carrying a maximum six-month sentence, can only be dealt with at the District Court level. Advertisement Judge McHugh noted the DPP directed that the criminal damage allegation would also dealt with in the District Court, where that charge can carry a maximum one-year sentence. There is a guilty plea, the defence told the court, which has yet to hear the full facts of the case. Judge McHugh said,The victim should be at least told about this development", adding that he had to be contacted and invited to address the court or send a letter for consideration. The investigating garda asked the judge to impose bail conditions on Ronan: no commenting about the case or contacting the injured party. The judge acceded to the request and warned Ronan to have no contact with Mr OGorman, directly or indirectly, including by a third party or social media, and added that the terms were to be strictly interpreted. Judge McHugh noted the accused had a 600 a week income, a family and 1,500 mortgage but refused his legal aid application. A Louth resident who recruited a number of people to allow their bank accounts to be used to facilitate a money laundering operation has been jailed for a year. Innocent Aigbekaen (31) of Mary Street North, Dundalk, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of money laundering involving 75,816 and 60,989 on dates between April 2016 and October 2017. Advertisement Detective Garda Jennifer Connolly told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that Aigbekaen had been involved in a scheme over 18 months that resulted in the laundering of about 331,000 in cash. Sentencing Aigbekaen on Monday, Judge Pauline Codd accepted evidence that Aigbekaen was not the captain of the ship but rather a mule herder who recruited various people including his wife and co-workers to allow their bank accounts to be used to facilitate the ill-gotten gains from these frauds. He engaged himself in a highly reckless manner he should have known better than to do that, Judge Codd said. She set a headline sentence of five years before taking into account Aigbekaens guilty plea and long history of employment. Advertisement Judge Codd imposed a sentence of four years in prison. She took into consideration a probation report which she said indicated that Aigbekaen had demonstrated limited remorse and limited insight and had instead sought to shift the blame to (another individual) who is not involved and certainly has not been investigated. The final three years of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions for three years. Fergal Foley BL, defending, told Judge Codd at a previous sentence hearing that his client has not come to Garda attention since the offence, apart from being caught with cannabis for his own use. The drug case was dealt with by way of payment and a strike out, counsel said. He said his client came to Ireland from Nigeria in 2014 to make a better life for himself. He studied to improve his written and spoken English. He asked the court to accept that Aigbekaen ultimately took responsibility for his role in the scheme. Snow Patrol have announced outdoor shows for summer 2025 with dates at Virgin Media Park, Co Cork, on Thursday, June 19th, and Belsonic, Belfast, on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. All tickets for Cork are priced 69.90 inclusive of booking fee and go on sale at 10am on Friday via Ticketmaster.ie. Subject to licence. Advertisement Their number one new album The Forest Is The Path featuring new single Everythings Here And Nothings Lost is out now. The Forest is the Path is the Northern Irish bands eighth studio album and marks their eagerly awaited return after six years, following 2018s Wildness. It is produced by Fraser T Smith (Adele/Dave/Stormzy) and the band. Now comprising the trio of Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly and Johnny McDaid, Snow Patrol offered the first tastes of their extraordinary new album with singles The Beginning, This Is The Sound Of Your Voice, and All. Snow Patrol kicked off their return in the summer with a stunning performance at Rock Werchter in Belgium before playing to 30,000 fans at a sold-out Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick. They will return to play a nine-date Sold-Out UK and Ireland Arena tour in February ahead of their outdoor summer shows in June. Snow Patrol live dates: An array of stories feature on the front pages of Irish newspapers on Monday morning, from an alleged assault on Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman to news that children as young as four are being placed in residential care due to the lack of availability of foster carers. The Irish Times leads with the Spanish King being heckled while visiting areas affected by the recent flooding, as well as local residents halting the plans to open Thornton Hall, a site in Co Dublin that is to accommodate up to 1,000 male asylum seekers. Advertisement Four-year-olds are being placed in residential care due to the lack of availability of foster carers, the Irish Examiner reports. The paper also reports on the use of road safety cameras to catch dangerous drivers. The Echo reports on complaints from tenants in social housing flats in Cork who say that black mould on their walls is making their children ill. Hostility towards Spain's royals also features on the front page of the Irish Independent, as well as the role older voters will play during the upcoming Irish general election. The Irish Daily Mail leads with Amnesty Ireland warning that Helen McEntee's 'safe list' will place asylum seekers from Egypt at higher risk of being returned to persecution and torture. Advertisement A search is to take place at a site where the torso of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods was found in the search for Kyran Durnin, reports the Irish Daily Star. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with Barry McGuigan and Maura Higgins being set to join this year's 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' lineup. Molly Martens is now living in the rented basement of a home near her parents, reports The Herald, after her parole supervision was transferred. In the UK... Political issues at home and abroad occupy many of the front pages of Mondays newspapers. Advertisement The fallout from the Governments first Budget continues to occupy The Daily Telegraph, which says Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted the country could not afford to let all farms pass on their estates without paying inheritance tax. The Daily Express also focuses on the Budget, saying the Chancellor has admitted she was wrong to say taxes would not have to rise during the election campaign. Ms Reeves Budget is branded spiteful by businessman Sir James Dyson on the front of The Times. The Daily Mail crosses the floor of the House as it declares new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch a leader who knows how to get Britains economy booming. Advertisement Brexit returns to the front of The Independent, which reports on Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq saying most of the impact of leaving the EU has yet to be felt as she cites worrying forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The Guardian looks across the Atlantic as it focuses on US presidential rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump making their final push in swing states ahead of Tuesdays election. The Guardian: Harris and Trump make final push in swing states #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/1X0AjLQVNT George Mann (@sgfmann) November 3, 2024 The US election also occupies the front of the i, which reports on a poll which says more Britons feel a win by Vice President Harris would benefit the UK. i: Britons hope for Harris win but most think Trump will be US president #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/qUVBh0IP7e George Mann (@sgfmann) November 3, 2024 Several titles carry pictures of Spains King Felipe visiting a town hit by flash floods, the Metro reporting he faced shouts of murderer as people threw mud at him in anger over the response and lack of preparations. Advertisement The Sun reports on the state of the Duke of Yorks home in Windsor. On tomorrow's front page: Grand mould Duke of Yorkhttps://t.co/PKSDzJ3x9T pic.twitter.com/2ccB2xeejT The Sun (@TheSun) November 3, 2024 A Chinese tax crackdown occupies the Financial Times, which says the move threatens to hit investor confidence. Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, November 4 https://t.co/0oYPcTl8YX pic.twitter.com/RD4ZngYEkj Financial Times (@FT) November 3, 2024 And the Daily Star focuses on unseasonally warm weather. Whether you're a political junkie or staying up to follow the US election for the first time, here's a complete guide to the Tuesday, November 5th election. What time will things start happening? The polls will start closing in some states from 11pm Irish time, with more to follow after midnight. Advertisement Do results come in at the same time? No. The winners of many states will become clear over the night, but tight contests in some battleground states may see counting go on for days. Will we know the winner by Wednesday? There is a possibility that the winner of the election will be clear by 5am to 6am Wednesday (whether the loser accepts it is another matter). However, the polls suggest it will be an historically tight race, meaning there may be a clear leader without official confirmation of the 47th US president for days, or even weeks. Where can I follow the election? BreakingNews.ie will be reporting on the election all through the night, so you can follow the updates here. There are plenty of options for television, with coverage on the likes of RTE, BBC and Sky News. Advertisement US outlets such as The New York Times and the Washington Post will also have live updates. The US television options include ABC, CBS and NBC, CNN, Fox News and CNBC, with most of them also streaming coverage online. Who is in the lead? It's too close to call. Donald Trump holds a slight lead in many national polls, but vice president Kamala Harris has been eating into these leads, and the pair are essentially neck and neck. Some polls still give Mr Trump the edge. However, a recent poll suggested Ms Harris could take Iowa, which had been forecast as a Republican certainty. Mr Trump took the state in 2016 and 2020. Advertisement The seven battleground states are: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Many political analysts have predicted Pennsylvania will be the most important state, and this has been reflected in the amount of time Ms Harris and Mr Trump have spent campaigning in the state. The state has 19 electoral votes, and was won by Joe Biden in 2020 and Mr Trump in 2016. Counting can be delayed by days there, especially when the race is as tight as polls predict it will be. Advertisement Philadelphia residents wait in a line around city hall to cast their ballot on the last day of early voting, October 29th, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo: Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images Time guide of states 12am November 6th 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. Advertisement 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. 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 Trump Presidency US election poll tracker: Trump or Harris who's... Read More 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. - Additional reporting from Press Association At least 10 people have died as a series of volcanic eruptions widens on the remote Indonesian island of Flores, the countrys National Disaster Management Agency said. The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki just after midnight on Monday spewed thick brownish ash as high as 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) into the air and hot ashes hit a nearby village, burning down several houses including a convent of Catholic nuns, said Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki monitoring post. Advertisement Rescuers are still searching for more bodies buried under collapsed houses, said Abdul Muhari, the National Disaster Management Agencys spokesperson. Mr Muhari said all the bodies, including a child, were found with a 2.4 mile radius of the crater. He said at least 10,000 people have been affected by the eruption in six villages of Wulanggitang District, and four villages in Ile Bura district. Some have fled to relatives houses while the local government is readying schools to use as temporary shelters. Authorities also raised the danger level and widened the danger zone for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on Monday, following a series of eruptions that began last week. At least 10 people have died (PVMBG via AP) The countrys volcano monitoring agency increased the volcanos alert status to the highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a seven-kilometre (4.3-mile) radius after midnight on Monday as eruptions became more frequent. Advertisement The agency said at least 10,000 people have been affected by the eruption in Wulanggitang District, in the six nearby villages of Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru and Boru Kedang. In Ile Bura District, four villages were affected Dulipali Village, Nobo, Nurabelen and Riang Rita while in Titehena District it affected four villages Konga Village, Kobasoma, Bokang Wolomatang and Watowara. Authorities said volcanic material was thrown up to six kilometres (3.7 miles) from its crater, blanketing nearby villages and towns with tonnes of volcanic debris and forcing residents to flee. A nun in Hokeng village died and another was missing, said Agusta Palma, the head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation that oversees convents on the majority-Catholic island. Advertisement Photos and videos circulated on social media showed tonnes of volcanic debris covering houses up to their rooftops in villages like Hokeng, where hot volcanic material set fire to houses. It is Indonesias second volcanic eruption in as many weeks. West Sumatra provinces Mount Marapi, one of the countrys most active volcanos, erupted on October 27, spewing thick columns of ash at least three times and blanketing nearby villages with debris, but no casualties were reported. Lebanons Health Ministry has said that more than 3,000 people have been killed during the 13 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. At least 13,492 have been injured. Advertisement Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas surprise attack into Israel on October 7th, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Flame and smoke rise from Israeli airstrikes on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut (Hussein Malla/AP) Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran. The conflict dramatically escalated on September 23rd with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beiruts southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people. Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on October 1st, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon. Advertisement In Israel, 72 people have been killed from Hezbollah attacks, including 30 soldiers. The United Arab Emirates has opened its annual oil and gas summit as it plans to increase the countrys energy output amid volatile global prices and uncertain global politics ahead of the US presidential election. The massive Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) comes after the UAE just last year hosted the United Nations Cop28 climate talks. Advertisement Those talks ended with a call by nearly 200 countries to move away from planet-warming fossil fuels the first time the conference made that crucial pledge. But the UAE as a whole still plans to increase its production capacity of oil to five million barrels a day in the coming years as it pursues more cleaner energies at home. Meanwhile, UAE officials have made a point of dodging any questions about the US election while maintaining their close ties to Russia despite Moscows war on Ukraine. Indias Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, centre, took part in a panel (AP) Allow me to say that we in the United Arab Emirates will always choose partnership over polarisation, dialogue over division and peace over provocation, said Sultan al-Jaber, who heads the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc), and who also led the Cop28 talks in Dubai. Advertisement Crude oil prices have been depressed this year. Benchmark Brent crude traded around 74 dollars a barrel on Monday as prices have dropped after concerns over the ongoing Middle East wars growing into a regional conflict faded in recent days. Slowing economic growth in China and ample supply in the market are additionally dragging down prices. In his speech opening the Adipec summit, Sultan al-Jaber pointed to artificial intelligence as a future technology that could be deployed by the energy industry and one with a voracious appetite for electricity. No single source of energy is going to be enough to meet this demand, he said, calling for a variety of energy sources to meet that challenge, including fossil fuels. Advertisement Oil will continue to be used for fuel and as a building block for many essential products, Sultan al-Jaber added. Scientists have called for drastically slashing the worlds emissions by nearly half in the coming years to limit global warming to 1.5C compared with pre-industrial times. The 2015 Paris Agreement mentions that limit without specifically calling for a stop on using fossil fuels something that Opec Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais seized on in remarks. The Paris Agreement, ladies and gentlemen, is about the reduction of emissions, he said. Its not about phasing out or phasing down or keeping the oil under the ground. Advertisement Suhail al-Mazrouei, the Emirates minister of energy and infrastructure, separately stressed that investments in the oil and gas need to be taken care of to support demand in the market. We are committed to invest in making more resources in the future to ensure the world will have adequate oil and gas resources, he said. Hardeep Singh Puri, Indias minister of petroleum and natural gas, separately made a point to criticise what he described as his ideologically motivated colleagues who sought an end to fossil fuel production. The UAE plans to increase its output (AP) As we accelerate other green energy transition, we will still need affordable traditional energy at least for two decades, if not longer, he said. Advertisement Politics was also close at hand at the summit on Monday. Whispers among the crowd attending the opening pondered who would be better for their businesses US Vice President Kamala Harris or former president Donald Trump. Sultan al-Mazrouei dodged the first question by a presenter over whether his country preferred Mr Trump or Ms Harris. Of course, we will be discussing energy politics here and I (would) rather not talk about the election in the United States, Sultan al-Mazrouei said. As a political contest, we wish both candidates the best. Later, Adnoc executive Musabbeh al-Kaabi said he worried that escalating tensions and trade wars may have an impact on the energy transition going forward. However, he declined to comment directly on the election. The UAE maintains close ties to Russia despite Western sanctions over Moscows invasion of Ukraine. An announcer told the crowd where to find Russian translation for the event, while one of the main partners of the summit was Lukoil, Russias largest non-state oil firm. Meanwhile, the Middle East wars remain a top concern. I think the conflict in the Middle East is probably the top risk, BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss said. Were worried about the safety and security of our people and the security of energy flows. Advertisement Review Eating outSouthbank Is this new Mexican eatery the quality Southgate venue weve been waiting for? Some of the food at this riverside restaurant left our critic giddy with excitement. But there were a few spills amid the thrills. Besha Rodell November 5, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 / 8 Three tacos come with a filling that changes daily. On this occasion, pork was the star. Eddie Jim 2 / 8 Pacific Coast ceviche - a mix of prawns, octopus and fish in a lime-heavy marinade. Eddie Jim 3 / 8 Oysters are topped with a mole mignonette. Eddie Jim 4 / 8 The go-to dish: Bone marrow cooked in adobo, a rich chilli-based sauce. Eddie Jim 5 / 8 Lechon, Western Plains pork with peanut mole and apple pico de gallo. Eddie Jim 6 / 8 Hacienda is aiming for modern Mexican cuisine rather than street food. Eddie Jim 7 / 8 Hacienda at Southgate feels like a corporate chain restaurant with river views. Eddie Jim 8 / 8 Chef Ross McCombe spent seven years cooking in Mexico City and now heads up Hacienda. Kit Edwards Previous Slide Next Slide 13.5 / 20 How we score Mexican$$$$ By rights, Hacienda should be a great leap forward for Mexican food in Melbourne. Chef Ross McCombe spent seven years working in Mexico City including at highly regarded Quintonil and still operates a couple of businesses there. At Hacienda, on the first floor of the Southgate development facing the river across from Flinders Street station, hes not looking to give us the street food that dominates the Mexican food scene here (and elsewhere), but rather to show us what modern Mexican can look like. Mexico City is one of the most exciting places in the world to eat, thanks to its endless markets, food stalls and cafes, but also because modern Mexican and Latino fine dining is better than ever. The cocktail scene there is on fire. Three Mexico City venues are on the Worlds 50bestrestaurants list (including Quintonil, at no. 7) a tally surpassed only by Bangkok, which has four. In Melbourne, the past few years have brought a boom in quality tacos and even a few places doing regional specialties. With the opening of Barra and Morena, Alejandro Saravia is looking to showcase South American flavours in upscale and more casual settings alike. But Hacienda is pointed in its ambitions. On the Southgate website, it warns that this is NOT your average street food offering. McCombe is going so far as to make his own tortillas: an arduous process that pays off the warm, corn-rich rounds you get with many dishes are fantastic dusky and pliant in all the right ways. Advertisement Pork tacos, the lunch special of three house-made tortillas with a filling that changes daily. Eddie Jim In fact, much of the food here is fantastic. And while Hacienda aims to remove itself from the taco crowd, one of its best deals is the daily lunch, in which you get three tacos and a drink (beer, wine or agua fresca, the fruit- or flower-flavoured water like cordial but less sweet and more refreshing) for $25. The afternoon I visited, the daily taco was a juicy and generous serving of lamb birria, slow-cooked and wrapped in those tortillas with a side of lamb consomme for dipping. On the Cold Bar section of the menu, theres a Pacific Coast ceviche ($28) that is refreshing, bracing and addictive. A mix of prawns, octopus and fish in a lime-heavy marinade, it is served with crisp tortillas. McCombe serves two huge marrow bones ($25) cooked in adobo and topped with a flurry of coriander, along with warm tortillas for wrapping. The marrow is rich and wobbly and perfectly rendered. Two bone marrow bones are served with tortillas but without serving implements. Eddie Jim Advertisement But there are oddities, inconsistencies and straight-up missteps that sap potential. Most are small: that bone marrow comes without an appropriate utensil for scooping its contents into your tortilla, turning a highly pleasurable experience into something frustrating. Oysters topped with a mole mignonette ($32 for six) would have been glorious if the oysters had been colder, or even slightly chilled. Speaking of temperature, a glass of Monte Tondo soave ($16), one of the more food-friendly white pours on this wine list, came warmer than room temp. Why are share dishes, most commonly split between two people, served with three tortillas? Every time I was delighted by something at Hacienda, the next thing made me scratch my head. There are some head-scratchers on the menu, too. A crab tostada ($28) was slightly sloppy rather than firm and fresh, and came with what was advertised as a coconut and brown butter emulsion but tasted like a weird cheese foam, overwhelming the delicate crab. One of McCombes greatest achievements here, a deep brown, beautifully spiced peanut mole, is served with a massive hunk of pork belly ($52) fatty enough to vanquish all but the most devoted lard lovers. I ended up leaving most of the lechon and sopping up the sauce with my 1.5 tortillas, wishing for another less aggressively blubbery conduit. Lechon, a hunk of Western Plains pork, is served with a deep brown, beautifully spiced peanut mole. Eddie Jim Advertisement Why are the origins of the margarita described below a cocktail that is not a margarita? There arent any margaritas served here a bold choice but the Tepache Sour ($25), made with mezcal and tepache (a pre-Colombian fermented pineapple drink), is a good substitute. Overall, cocktails are hit and miss with just as many veering into overwrought weirdness as those that make sense. This is a restaurant of dichotomies. Some of this food left me giddy. But the room feels like a corporate chain, river views and all. Service is weirdly uneven despite the enthusiasm on display (one night a relaxed and friendly floor manager made the green servers seem charming; another day a different, vigorously proactive manager created an anxiety in those same servers that permeated the room). Right chef, wrong space? Right concept, wrong management? Its hard to tell. What isnt hard to tell is that McCombe is a talented chef, and his ambition to bring elevated Mexican cooking to Melbourne is a welcome one. The problems with Hacienda are mostly in the details, and those can be tweaked. Regardless, Ill be back for the tacos, the bone marrow and the mole, even if I have to beg for it as a side dish with extra tortillas. The low-down Vibe: Mexican-tinged mall restaurant with lovely river views Go-to dish: Bone marrow, $25 Drinks: Huge tequila and mezcal selection, beer and wine list thats less considered, and cocktails that range from refreshing and fun to overwrought and sweet Cost: About $140 for two, plus drinks Review The best tacos Melbourne has ever seen: This inexpensive Fitzroy diner is changing the game 14 / 20 Review Ride the vertical version of the City Circle tram to get to this Mexi-Melbourne stalwart 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. Hospitality giant Justin Hemmes is locked in a $124 million dispute with Sydney Metro over the value of land acquired by the agency to build a new metro station in the middle of the city. The Merivale chief executives family company, Hemmes Hermitage Pty Ltd, purchased two properties opposite Wynyard Station for $77 million in 2018. The company said 312 and 314-318 George Street would have formed part of the site for Ivy 2.0, an extension of the Merivale entertainment and restaurant precinct next door. Sydney Metro put a halt to those plans in 2022 when it compulsorily acquired the properties for the nearby Hunter Street station on its new Metro West line to Westmead, due to open in 2032. Hindu devotees beaten at Canada temple by Khalistani extremists A protest by Khalistani extremists near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton escalated into violence on Sunday, with attendees of the temple reportedly attacked. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from various political leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has also spoken out against the attack. Despite the lack of arrests in connection with Bramptons Hindu Sabha temple violence, Peel Police maintained a visible presence, with dozens of officers stationed outside the temple on Sunday noon. Trudeau wrote, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident." Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya condemned the attack on the temple and said that a "red line has been crossed" by Khalistani extremists. Taking to X, he 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 Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada. 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." "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," he further added. Strongly objecting to such attacks, Kevin Vuong, Toronto MP, asserted that "Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals" and asserted that the country's leaders have failed to protect Hindus just like they failed to safeguard Christians and Jewish Canadians. Sharing a post on X, Vuong wrote, "Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians and Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace." Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada, shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani terrorists attacked kids and women. Sharing a video on X, the Hindu Canadian Foundation wrote, "Hindu Sabha Temple is under attack by #KhalistaniTerrorists #khalistan." "Kids, Women, and Men are being attacked. This is all happening under the support of Khalistaani politician sympathizers," the post added. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. 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. Ties between India and Canada had deteriorated last year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited credible allegations that agents of the Indian government -- including Verma and other diplomats -- were linked to the death of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi has repeatedly denied the allegations calling them "absurd" and "motivated" -- and accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country. Notorious paedophile Bradley Pen Dragon is back before the courts over two more alleged breaches of his strict release conditions one of which involved donations to charity Save the Children. Dragon was released back into the community in June 2022 after spending half his life behind bars, including 13 years in a Thai prison for raping young girls in the 1990s. Notorious Perth paedophile Bradley Pen Dragon is back before the courts. Credit: 9News Perth There are 62 conditions of his release as a high-risk serious offender. In April this year, he was arrested again after he allegedly contravened them twice. Police allege that, during a home visit, the 64-year-old was found to be in possession of a booklet which contained two images of children. I really should write a book called The Accidental Traveller. Or perhaps The Accident-prone Traveller. Adding to my collection of war wounds suffered in the service of travel journalism I can now add a three-inch scar across my knee, gained when it met the edge of a white marble step in Istanbul. I have excuses. Explora I in Istanbul. Like most cruise lines, Explora Journeys equips its medical centres for straightforward emergencies and first aid. It was in dazzling sunshine. I had been visiting a hammam and museum and had come up to the rooftop terrace before exiting. The taxi that was to take me back to my hotel had arrived early, and an attendant was calling me from the other side of the terrace. Shanghai: On the rooftop of Shanghais luxury Kimpton Hotel, an ebullient Don Farrell sipped a Clare Valley shiraz as he hovered over a sizzling frypan, cooking up the famed surf and turf dish that is a mainstay on every good Australian RSL menu. It doesnt get any better than this, the trade minister remarked, framed by the citys shimmering high-rise skyline. The dishs heroes were slabs of Queensland strip loin steak, served with South Australian rock lobsters, cooked by longtime Shanghai resident and professional chef Heidi Dugan, who was assisting the minister in the makeshift kitchen. A cooking demonstration in Shanghai with Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and chef Heidi Dugan. Credit: Lisa Visentin A small coterie of Australian and Chinese guests, who watched the signing of a $30 million deal to sell Teys Australia beef on e-commerce platform Dingdong in 2025, were the live audience. Singapore/Bali: Essendon premiership player Ricky Olarenshaw was the mastermind behind an erotic massage business in Bali, according to new claims by his wife from her jail cell. Lawyers for the ex-footballers estranged Balinese wife, Ni Ketut Sri Astari Sarnanitha, or Nitha, claimed in the Denpasar District Court on Monday that Olarenshaw and his three Australian business partners were the ones who pushed the business, Flame Spa Bali, into risque areas, and that their client had been exploited and made a scapegoat. Essendon premiership player Ricky Olarenshaw and his wife, Sarnanitha, in 2023. Credit: Facebook Nitha claims that in 2023 they argued about the direction of the business in which Olarenshaw allegedly wanted employees to start offering sensual and body-to-body massages. Nitha firmly and strongly rejected the addition of these services because she worried they could lead to violations of Indonesian laws, her lawyers claimed. Prostitution is illegal in Indonesia. Jerusalem: The Israeli military said 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. Israel has carried out airstrikes in the country several 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. A woman carries a child through a crater from an Israeli airstrike as she makes her way across the border on Sunday. Credit: Getty Images 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. Syria did not immediately confirm the announcement, but a pro-government Syrian radio station, Sham FM, reported that Israeli forces carried out a kidnapping operation over the summer targeting a man in the south of the country. The army identified the man it seized as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, saying he lived 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. 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. 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. Investigators allege that the elder Mickley used a former clients identity on shipping paperwork for a generator hiding the cocaine in its base. Identification belonging to the client was later found at the storage unit where they were apprehended. Despite low vacancy rates, this doesnt guarantee all rentals will be leased quickly unless prospective tenants see the value in the propertys amenity, location, or lifestyle, Mercorella said, emphasising that renters are setting their own limits on what they are willing, or able, to pay. Peter King (pictured above left), delivering his final annual result as CEO of Westpac, praised the banks strong footing and forward momentum as he prepares to pass the leadership baton in December. Acts of violence unacceptable in Canada, says PM Trudeau on Brampton temple attack Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday condemned the recent attack on Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton by Khalistani extremists, saying that acts of violence are unacceptable in the country. On Sunday, a group of devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir was targeted by alleged Khalistani supporters, sparking outrage. Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, PM Trudeau asserted that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Sharing a post on social media platform X, Trudeau wrote, "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely." "Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," the post added. Earlier, Canadian Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it "completely unacceptable". Poilievre further said that Conservatives condemned the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos. Sharing a post on X, Poilievre wrote, "Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today." "All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos," he added. Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada (PPC), posted a video on X showing Khalistani extremists attacking Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton, adding that such an incident can't deter the Canadian citizens as diversity is the nation's strength. He further posted a sarcastic message on X stating, "Khalistani Sikhs attacking worshippers at Brampton Hindu temple. Nothing to worry about though because DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH!!!" Condemning the attack on a temple in Brampton, the Hindu Forum Canada, a non-profit organisation based in Canada working for the welfare of Hindus, also urged PM Trudeau to take action against Khalistani extremists and protect Canadian citizens. The Hindu Forum Canada also shared a video on X stating, "Very disturbing images! #Khalistanis have attacked devotees at #HinduSabhaTemple, Brampton. This is unacceptable! @PeelPolice@patrickbrownont@JustinTrudeau@fordnation - Take action and protect Canadians." Canadian Member of Parliament, Chandra Arya, also condemned the attack on the temple in Brampton 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 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 were taking advantage of Canada's freedom of expression laws, and were 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. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance in Canada, unheard of before. In July, Arya had voiced deep concern over the violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. In a post on X, 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." Last year, a 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. Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire The APP Group, a leading provider of Assurance, Compliance, Independent Verification and Certification (IV/IC), Construction Supervision, Project Management, Strategic Advisory and Asset Management and Optimization Services across the full asset investment lifecycle in the Buildings and Infrastructure sectors in Australia. This strategic move will significantly enhance Bureau Veritas' presence in the Asia-Pacific region and develop its capabilities to support infrastructure projects. This acquisition is aligned with Bureau Veritas LEAP | 28 strategy to expand leadership in Buildings and Infrastructure, diversifying its portfolio and investing in an attractive regional market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103927095/en/ Hinda Gharbi, CEO Bureau Veritas (Photo: Business Wire) Bureau Veritas contributes to safer, sustainable and resilient buildings and infrastructure, delivering dedicated solutions from early-stage feasibility through construction and into asset operations. Its global reach and comprehensive service portfolio empowers clients across the entire asset lifecycle. This acquisition will expand Bureau Veritas Buildings and Infrastructure capabilities by adding significant project management assistance expertise to asset owners, as well as construction management, independent project verification and certification and leverageable scale to support growth in the wider Asia Pacific region. The APP Group has an impressive 35-year track record as a trusted partner to government, infrastructure owners, large corporations and private clients in Australia, and is recognized as a leader in Assurance, Compliance, Independent Verification and Certification (IV/IC) across major Australian transport infrastructure projects. The APP Group brings a team of 500+ and access to a pool of over 200 specialist sub-consultants. It has a strong presence in transport infrastructure, buildings, social infrastructure and facilities and manages a client portfolio of over 200 customers. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and delivered revenues of 87 million in 2023. Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas, commented: When closed, The APP Group acquisition will mark a significant milestone in our LEAP | 28growth strategy for the Buildings & Infrastructure business in Asia Pacific. This move will not only strengthen our position in the Australian market but will also provide us with a robust platform to expand our B&I services across the region. The APP Groups recognized expertise and reputation will perfectly complement our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our clients. Adam Castro CEO, The APP Group, added:The APP Group is an Australian Property and Infrastructure leader and joining forces with a world leader in Bureau Veritas allows for continued growth, whilst leveraging a global network of services, systems and resource capability to support our clients and new market opportunities. This strategic union will not only enhance our service delivery offering and experience to our clients, but also consolidate our position as a partner of choice. We look forward to being part of the Bureau Veritas Group and unlocking new opportunities for our people, clients, partners and the broader communities in which we operate. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be closed by year end. About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for its customers excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The companys technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn. About The APP Group The APP Group is a leader in Australian Property and Infrastructure, as a trusted partner, working together with clients and key stakeholders to create possibilities and shape progress for the organizations themselves and the communities they serve. Operating an integrated services model across the full asset capital investment lifecycle in the key sectors: Transport, Property, Social Infrastructure, Modern Methods of Construction, Energy & Utilities and Defense & Security. The APP Group team provide market leading service solutions, expertise and advice to help tackle Australias most complex projects and challenges, backed by a 500 plus-strong nationwide team. For more information, visit www.app.com.au Our information is certified with blockchain technology. Check that this press release is genuine at www.wiztrust.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103927095/en/ Global leading technology corporation FPT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with THIQAH, a leading provider of smart business solutions in Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to explore joint business opportunities and deliver advanced digital solutions to various industries in the Kingdom, supporting the nations ambitious Vision 2030 goals. The partnership signing ceremony was witnessed by Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and senior executives from FPT and THIQAH. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241101456565/en/ The signing ceremony was attended by Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation, alongside senior executives from FPT and THIQAH. (Photo: Business Wire) This strategic collaboration combines FPTs global expertise in digital transformation with THIQAHs local market knowledge and strong presence in Saudi Arabia. Together, the two companies will offer innovative, tailored digital solutions to meet the growing demand for technology-driven efficiency and operational excellence. The partnership will focus on enhancing Saudi Arabian businesses across key industries through cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, to drive operational improvements and enable sustainable growth. Saudi Arabia is one of Vietnam's key economic partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching 2.21 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024. This collaboration underscores Vietnams growing stature as a global technology hub and reflects a broader vision aimed at strengthening technological ties between Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. Rimah Ghaddar, Chief Executive Officer of FPT Software Middle East, stated: Through our partnership with THIQAH, we achieve a synergy between our global expertise and the Kingdoms ambitious vision. This collaboration not only supports business growth but also advances the future of technology in the region, strengthening the bonds between our two countries. Ayman Al Fallaj, Chief Executive Officer of THIQAH, stated, We are proud of our partnership with FPT Group to enhance digital transformation in the region, which reflects our leadership in delivering smart solutions that meet modern demands. This partnership is not only a step toward accelerating technological development within the Kingdom and achieving operational efficiency across sectors, but it also opens the door for exporting our smart solutions, enhancing our regional and global presence. At THIQAH, we are committed to supporting Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 through innovation and strategic partnerships, strengthening relations between Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, and opening new horizons for technological cooperation. FPT Middle East recently achieved the Regional Headquarters license for its operations Saudi Arabia and Middle East. This recognition reinforces FPTs commitment to seamless service delivery and aligns with the Kingdoms innovation and economic diversification goals, positioning FPT as a long-term strategic partner in the Middle East. About FPT Corporation FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnams position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions, and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2023, FPT recorded a total revenue of USD 2.17 billion and 48,000+ employees. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com/en About THIQAH Founded in 2012, THIQAH has established itself as a leader in smart solutions in Saudi Arabia, supported by a team of experienced digital transformation experts. THIQAH, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), helps its partners from both the public and private sectors adopt advanced digital solutions to keep pace with technological developments and enhance operational efficiency. For more information, please visit https://thiqah.sa View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241101456565/en/ Guntner, a global leader in refrigeration and heat exchange technology, today welcomes Michael Bauer as Global Vice President for Growth and Success. In this role, Bauer will oversee the strategic direction of A-HEATGuntner Groups holding company, a leader in heat exchange technologyfocused on enhancing sales, marketing, and service initiatives to drive worldwide growth and strengthen the companys impact within the refrigeration sector. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104645873/en/ Michael Bauer, Global Vice President for Growth and Success (Photo: Business Wire) Michael Bauer and the Guntner group have a large number of things in common. Hes highly respected within the global heat exchange industry and weve had the privilege of working with him for decades, said Christian Weiser, A-HEAT's CEO. We know him to be both professional and reliable, and we have no doubt he will bring our customers and stakeholders the value add we are looking for. Bauers appointment follows a distinguished 38-year career in the industry, during which he held leadership roles at several of the sectors most prominent companies, including TROX GmbH, FlaktGroup, Systemair, ebm-papst, BITZER, and most recently, Multi-Wing Group ApS. His extensive experience spans both system and component manufacturing, with a strong expertise in business development, sales strategies, and cross-cultural leadership. I am thrilled to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking team, many of whom Ive had the pleasure of knowing for years, said Bauer. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the A-HEAT Group and elevating our impact in the industry, driving even greater success. Bauers international career has also given him unique insights, having lived and worked in key regions such as the USA, Singapore, Japan, China, and now the Middle East. This global experience positions him to effectively lead A-HEATs worldwide initiatives, ensuring the company continues to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic and competitive marketplace. Find more information about Guntner, visit https://guntner.com/. About Guntner Guntner is a world-leading company in the manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment components. With more than 4,000 employees, offices in over 50 countries, and six manufacturing plants across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the company shows a strong presence in all markets. Decades of experience in the industry and the consistent integration of the latest technologies and research findings ensure the high-quality standard of Guntner solutions. From fresh food and comfortable indoor temperatures in office buildings to data center solutions and energy production Guntner plays an essential part in our daily lives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104645873/en/ EAM Jaishankar inaugurates new consulate in Brisbane, strengthening India-Australia ties External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane, Australia, on Monday, further solidifying India-Australia relations. Jaishankar, currently on a two-nation tour, will be in Australia until November 7 and will visit Singapore on November 8. He arrived in Brisbane on Sunday. Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to formally inaugurate new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. It will contribute to strengthening India's ties with Queensland state, promoting trade, fostering educational linkages, and serving the diaspora." He acknowledged the presence of prominent officials, including Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, and Ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson, who attended the inauguration ceremony. In a separate meeting, Jaishankar discussed economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Governor Young. "Pleased to meet H.E Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, in Brisbane today. Discussed opportunities and ways to strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation with the Queensland state," he posted. Earlier, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane. The previous day, he addressed the Indian community, outlining four key factors contributing to the strengthening of India-Australia ties, emphasising the transformation in bilateral relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "There are four reasons PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked, appreciating the Indian diaspora's warm welcome and contributions. He highlighted the significance of the visit, not only to open India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfil 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 stated. Reflecting on the Indian diaspora in Queensland, which includes 125,000 residents and approximately 15,000-16,000 students, Jaishankar stressed the state's economic importance to India, noting, "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state." He described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner," a term reserved for only a few nations. "The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he noted. Jaishankar also lauded the positive impact of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on trade and emphasised the value of agreements on mobility, migration, and mutual recognition, specifically mentioning the MATES agreement. During his visit, he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House. He will engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, and representatives from business, media, and think tanks. After completing his visit to Australia, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore, where he will participate in the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet with Singaporean leaders to discuss further strengthening the partnership. We are often bumfuzzled by the logic used by regulators, but a proposal by Oregons Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandating a minimum of 500 feet between livestock barns and farmworker housing has us stumped. Its a bad idea that would have a devastating impact on family farmers across the state. It must be stopped. Oregon OSHA is revamping a host of rules regarding worker housing. They would set an extensive set of standards for the types of construction that is allowed and the mandated facilities and amenities that would need to be provided. Mandates under the proposed regulations would begin going into effect in 2026. At issue is a rule that would on Jan. 1, 2026, require worker housing be located a minimum of 500 feet away from livestock barns and other facilities. The proposed rule defines a livestock operation as any place, establishment or facility with pens or other enclosures in which livestock is kept for purposes including, but not limited to, feeding, milking, slaughter, watering, weighing, sorting, receiving and shipping. Livestock operations include, among other things, dairy farms, corrals, slaughterhouses, feedlots, and stockyards. Only areas where livestock is allowed to roam outside on pasture are exempt from the rule. By way of reference, 500 feet is longer than a standard city block. For state regulators working in Salem: If the Oregon statehouse rotunda was a cattle barn and a better use for it we are hard pressed to imagine the nearest worker housing could be no closer than the chapel in Waller Hall across State Street and Willamette Universitys north lawn. Compliance would be expensive, if not altogether impossible. It would be devastating. I cant over-emphasize how devastating it would be to our farms, said Tami Kerr, executive director of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association. Roughly 80% of Oregon dairies have housing within 500 feet of livestock facilities and would be impacted by the rule, resulting in a major disruption to housing availability with no discernible benefit, she told Capital Press. And what problem are regulators trying to solve? Thats unclear. Critics of the plan say regulators originally argued that the presence of pathogens, such as avian influenza, in livestock necessitated the rule, but have since backed off that justification. They also said that the rule was meant to align state rules with federal rules. According to an analysis from the Tonkon Torp law firm, federal regulations only require that temporary labor camps be located 500 feet or more from livestock barns, but that restriction doesnt apply to permanent farmworker housing. Theres no problem that needs to be solved. Nobody has gotten sick, Kerr said. We have pushed the issue, trying to find a scientific reason, but we really dont have one. Regulators say operators have two options move the livestock facility, or move the housing. But OSHAs own analysis shows that either option would cost operators hundreds of thousands of dollars. This rule would put farms out of business. It must not stand. Healthcare: a hot topic left cold by both U.S. parties Xinhua) 10:15, November 04, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nobel laureate Angus Deaton used his hip surgery as a chance to study U.S. healthcare firsthand, and he turned out to be disillusioned. Costs were extreme -- over 10,000 U.S. dollars per day for a shared room -- with little price transparency. Although his insurance covered 90 percent of the negotiated price, he still faced nearly 2,000 dollars in out-of-pocket costs due to additional fees. Reflecting on his experience in his book Economics in America, Deaton noted that without insurance, he'd likely still suffer from his painful hip. For many Americans, high costs and limited access mean essential care remains out of reach. SKYROCKET COSTS A September Gallup and West Health survey showed that over two-thirds of Americans worry that a major health event could lead to medical debt. "Issues with healthcare costs and access impact voters directly, regardless of party affiliation," the survey noted. A Commonwealth Fund report also found that the United States, despite spending more on healthcare than any other high-income country, ranks lowest in accessibility, life expectancy, and preventable deaths. Without universal insurance, most Americans rely on employer-provided or private plans. Those uninsured face exorbitant out-of-pocket costs. The KFF-Peterson Health System Tracker, an online resource evaluating the U.S. healthcare system, estimates that around 20 million Americans -- nearly 1 in 12 adults -- carry medical debt. Collectively, Americans owe at least 220 billion dollars in medical debt. Approximately 14 million individuals owe over 1,000 dollars each, while around 3 million owe more than 10,000 dollars individually. In 2022, health expenditures per person in the United States reached 12,555 dollars, exceeding the spending of any other high-income nation by over 4,000 dollars. On average, other large, wealthy countries spent about half as much per person on health as the United States, according to the KFF-Peterson Health System Tracker. POLITICAL CALCULATIONS A September poll from the Pew Research Center found that healthcare is the second most prioritized issue for voters, following economic concerns. However, during the 2024 party conventions, not a single day was devoted to addressing the challenges faced by uninsured individuals or middle-class families struggling with high premiums. During the September presidential debate, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, was raised, both presidential candidates offered little in terms of specific policy proposals. "This is the first election in maybe decades where health reform has not been a central issue," Larry Levitt, the executive vice president for health reform at KFF was quoted by The New York Times as saying. The New York Times commented that both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have learned the hard way that proposing major changes can alienate some voters even as it thrills others. Trump's unsuccessful effort to repeal Obamacare in 2017 was followed by major Democratic gains in the 2018 midterms. Harris faced intense criticism after a 2019 Democratic primary debate in which she appeared to endorse abolishing private health insurance. A joint Gallup and West Health poll indicated that two-thirds of Americans feel healthcare is under-prioritized in this election, and one-third express distrust in both candidates on this issue. "Republicans think they can ignore healthcare, and Democrats think they've solved it. But neither is correct," noted Michael Cannon, Cato Institute's director of health policy studies. Healthcare workers protest outside a Kaiser Permanente medical center in Baldwin Park, California, the United States, Oct. 4, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) SYSTEMIC TRAPS Both Democrats and Republicans seem unable or unwilling to pursue substantial healthcare reform, with national initiatives frequently stalling due to entrenched conflicts as low-income groups advocate for expanded public coverage, while high-income groups resist tax increases. Meanwhile, the public wants lower healthcare costs, but industry groups oppose more regulation. These tensions lead to complex legislative and administrative battles, not only between the parties but also within them, creating divides between reformists and conservatives. At a deeper level, the U.S. healthcare industry prioritizes profit over patient care. Esteemed medical professionals often transition to roles as directors or partners in private firms, while nonprofit health organizations increasingly adopt for-profit models to secure capital. The consolidation of hospitals, managed care organizations, and insurers has resulted in what Matthew Anderson of the Journal of Social Medicine describes as "a formidable complex." Many analysts argue that the underlying issues are less about insufficient funding and more about a system that reflects class-based oppression, impacting working- and lower-income groups. The true maladies in U.S. healthcare, they note, are deeply political, representing systematic oppression directed at the lower classes through the healthcare system. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A rescue helicopter and a crew from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office searched for four missing boaters Sunday off Bodega Bay. The Coast Guard suspended the search Sunday evening. Sonoma County Sheriff's Office The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office aided in the search for missing boaters near Bodega Bay on Sunday. Sonoma County Sheriff's Office The Coast Guard suspended its search for four missing boaters Sunday, a day after their vessel capsized in choppy waters near Bodega Bay. The body of one boater from the expedition was located Sunday, while one person was found alive and is receiving treatment, the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office reported. Three adults and three children ages 11, 14 and 17 were aboard the 21-foot blue and white boat, which was reported missing at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, the Northern California branch of the Coast Guard said on social media Sunday. The boaters, on a crabbing expedition, had departed Westside Marina in Bodega Bay around 3 p.m. Saturday and were due to return by 7 p.m. that day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities last detected a cellphone ping at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday around Carmet Beach, about 8 miles from Bodega Bay, the Coast Guard said. Five of the boaters are family members from the Corning (Tehama County) area, while the sixth is a family friend, Coast Guard spokesperson Levi Read told the Chronicle. The body of the deceased, one of the teenage boys, was recovered from the water, while the survivor, an 11-year-old boy, was located on the shore wearing a life vest. He was hospitalized in stable condition Sunday afternoon. Rescue crews searched approximately 57 combined hours and covered more than 2,100 square miles, said the Coast Guard, which suspended the search around 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The decision to suspend a search is always difficult to make and never done lightly, Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Zapawa, search and rescue coordinator for the San Francisco sector, said in a news release. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing boaters during this incredibly difficult time. Five branches of the Coast Guard and three of its aircraft were involved in the search Sunday, as well as the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, an Air Force team and the Civil Air Patrol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The crew searched from Bodega Bay to Point Reyes, about 20 miles offshore. Bodega Bay is about 60 miles north of San Francisco on the Sonoma County coast. EIST Cancer Support Centre has received an award of 34,500, from the third annual AIB Community 1 Million Fund to help with its work in cancer care in the Carlow community. Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public and staff to again nominate registered charities that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities. Speaking about receipt of the award, Lorna McGrath, service manager of Eist, said: We are delighted to receive this funding from the AIB Community 1 Million Fund, which is vital for maintaining the services we offer to people affected by cancer in our community. AIB's ongoing support for local organisations is extremely important and we have seen the positive impact on other local groups that have previously received funding. Having the support of the public, as well as Carlow AIB employees through the nomination process make this particularly special for us. Its incredible because it shows that our efforts in the community are being acknowledged and we are making a difference, said Lorna. I want to thank everyone who is involved in Eist cancer support centre and a special thanks to AIB for supporting our community and setting up this fund. Thank you to our local AIB teams, in particular branch managers Heidi Sutton and Elaine Byrne, who have been so supportive, said Lorna. Eist offers emotional support and practical help to anyone affected by cancer in a confidential and relaxed environment. The AIB Community 1 Million Fund will greatly help our organisation to build additional therapy rooms in order to increase capacity for core services and meet the demand for our cancer services. This fund will also contribute to upskilling and developing our team of existing and new staff and volunteers, enhance digital infrastructure and expand our service delivery to our current and future vulnerable clients, added Lorna. Over the last two years, the AIB Community 1 Million Fund has supported over 150 charities across Ireland. Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and staff to again nominate registered charities, that connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, in the AIB Community 1 Million Fund. To those charities chosen by the customers and wider public, AIB is allocating 700,000 across the four provinces and a separate category for charities in the greater Dublin area, while 300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees A MAN who stole over 1,400 worth of brandy, champagne and other high-end drinks from Tesco in Carlow received a suspended sentence when he appeared before the local district court last week. Uncas Burcea, 30 Old Burrin, Carlow pleaded guilty to four counts of thefts from Tesco, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow on 16 and 29 March and on 4 and 12 April this year. Insp Tom Jones told the court that Mr Burcea (34) was caught on CCTV taking bottles of Moet champagne, Remy Martin brandy and other high-end bottles of alcohol and that the alcohol, worth over 1,420, was stolen by him. He added that the defendant had 15 previous convictions, none of which were for theft. The court heard that five unopened bottles of champagne were found by gardai in Mr Burceas house. Solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that a person that Mr Burcea had been living with at the time had introduced him to the concept of stealing and that he hadnt put an awful lot of thought into what he was doing. Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted and sentenced Mr Burcea to nine months imprisonment, which she suspended for 18 months. She ordered him to engage with the probation service and to pay Tesco 700 in compensation. A SUCCESSFUL businesswoman who steered a company in a male-dominated field has left a lasting legacy after she sadly passed away in 2022. Helen Flynn (nee Ryan) was the managing director of HIRECO Ltd, having worked her way up through a male-dominated industry, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients and business partners. As a mark of huge respect after her death, the company, under the leadership of Pat Carson, generously committed 100,000 over ten years to fund an educational scholarship in Helens name. Helen was born in St Mullins, so the scholarship honours her legacy and supports young women from her native county to pursue a career in business/leadership. Emma Carbery is the 2024 recipient of the Helen Flynn Scholarship. Emma, a student from St Leo's College, achieved superb leaving certificate results, the maximum 625 points This year, following the application process, which is overseen by the Access Office in Maynooth University, three candidates were shortlisted for interview and Emma Carbery, a student from St Leos College, emerged as the successful applicant. Emma fulfilled each of the criteria and certainly exhibited her academic prowess by achieving maximum points in her leaving certificate. I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Helen Flynn HIRECO scholarship. When I first received the news, I was overjoyed and could hardly believe it. Its a moment that has made me feel recognised for the effort Ive put into my studies and the warmth and support from everyone at HIRECO has been truly amazing, said Emma. Thanks to this scholarship, Im able to live on campus at DCU this year, which is a huge relief. Without the need to commute, I can focus more on my course in actuarial mathematics, which requires a lot of dedication and time. The course itself is both challenging and fascinating, blending mathematics, statistics and financial analysis skills that are essential for assessing risk in industries like insurance and finance. She continued: This scholarship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in both university life and my course. Its taken away a lot of the stress that comes with balancing daily life in college, giving me more space to concentrate on what really matters: learning and making the most of my time at DCU. One of the things that excites me most about pursuing a career as an actuary is the opportunity to enter a field where women are often under-represented. I hope that, through my journey, I can inspire more young women to consider a career in this profession and show that we have an important role to play. This scholarship has made a significant difference for me, not just financially but also in terms of confidence. Its given me the chance to focus on my goals and take the next step towards a career Im passionate about. Its a privilege to have this kind of support and Im incredibly grateful for it. Students in their application for the Helen Flynn memorial scholarship must demonstrate academic achievement, a commitment to serving others in school, their parish, their community or at home, a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. Importantly, it must be demonstrated that the bursary would ease the financial burden on a family and enable the young woman to pursue her studies, knowing that some financial scaffolding was in place. Last year, Hannah Dunphy was the inaugural recipient and she is successfully pursuing her university studies in University College Dublin. In early spring, the application process for 2025-26 will open for sixth-year students. Application forms will be available through each school and HIRECO encourages students to make that application and ensure Helens legacy lives on through female participation in business and leadership. Tom Tuite A salesman has admitted assaulting Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, breach of the peace and damaging his clipboard during an election canvas at the weekend. The incident happened on Saturday while the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth went door-to-door around the Erris Square, Waterville area in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin. Karl Ronan, 45, who has an address at Erris Square, appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court on Monday. He was remanded on bail pending his December 17th sentence hearing. Gardai were directed to check if OGorman, who was not present for the hearing, wished to provide a victim impact statement, which the judge said was at the centre of the sentencing procedure. Ronan, a married father-of-two, was charged with three offences arising from the incident and did not address the court. However, immediately after the judge heard evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, defence solicitor Tertius Van Eeeden told Judge McHugh that his client was pleading guilty. Mr Ronan was accused of a minor assault on the politician and criminal damage to his clipboard, and the third charge was under the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether he might cause a breach of the peace. Garda Joseph Rogers told the court the accused made no reply to the charges. The assault and breach of the peace offences, each carrying a maximum six-month sentence, can only be dealt with at the District Court level. Judge McHugh noted the DPP directed that the criminal damage allegation would also dealt with in the District Court, where that charge can carry a maximum one-year sentence. There is a guilty plea, the defence told the court, which has yet to hear the full facts of the case. Judge McHugh said,The victim should be at least told about this development", adding that he had to be contacted and invited to address the court or send a letter for consideration. The investigating garda asked the judge to impose bail conditions on Ronan: no commenting about the case or contacting the injured party. The judge acceded to the request and warned Ronan to have no contact with Mr OGorman, directly or indirectly, including by a third party or social media, and added that the terms were to be strictly interpreted. Judge McHugh noted the accused had a 600 a week income, a family and 1,500 mortgage but refused his legal aid application. By David Young, PA Micheal Martin has told those behind Fine Gael-attributed briefings describing him as a grumpy old man to cop on. The Fianna Fail leader suggested the silly and ageist lines were being fed to the media by Fine Gael mandarins in an attempt to create a point of difference with their party, which is led by the younger Simon Harris, who has claimed to bring a new energy to Government. In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Mr Martin also asserted that he was a person of substance and not a person of soundbites. Speaking to reporters in Co Kildare later on Sunday, he denied those remarks were a thinly veiled dig at Mr Harris. No, its just clearly stating where I am as a politician and have been all my life, he said. And I think theres a tendency now anything I say is taken by media as a comment on somebody else, whereas actually its a comment on my position, my disposition, my approach to politics, which is one of substance. In any government department I have served in Ive always sought to leave a positive legacy. Mr Martin said there was a tendency in modern politics towards headlines and a superficial approach. He said government should instead be about delivery. Asked about the briefed references to him as grumpy old man, he replied: Its quite amusing at one level but I would say to people to cop on a bit. Its silly. its not something that makes any sense. By David Young, PA 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 significant 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. - British and Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has two runners set to take part in the Melbourne Cup overnight with Vauban and Absurde - Vauban is second favourite to land the top prize at Flemington, while Absurde is among the top four in the betting as well - The Melbourne Cup is a race that Mullins is desperate to add to his CV, having conquered the UK and Ireland he now has his sight set on Australia and has revealed his runners have "no excuses" this time around Speaking in his column in the Sporting Life Mullins said: "Weve done things differently with Vauban and Absurde this time around ahead of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. "Im not sure being in quarantine for so long last time suited them so weve gone down a different route and we went out on the last shift which travelled to Australia. "I raced them more this year too, so they had nothing to do down there other than freshen up and get ready for the race. Its all gone well. "The weather has been so up and down. When I went out two weeks ahead of the race it was 14 degrees but felt like eight, David Casey told me the day before it was 32 and blasting hot. "Our Irish horses arent used to anything like that, its very hard for them to race at 30 degrees which it was at the time the Cup was run in 2023. "This time thankfully its forecast to be a little cooler which will help. "Vaubans form this year has been fantastic including behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger and I loved what Absurde did on his last run at Chester, settling in behind, getting one gap and taking it. "We know he has the speed and stamina for this race and Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride and hes won two Melbourne Cups so hopefully we have the right man in the saddle. "With the weight he has to carry its very hard to find the right jockey with the big-race experience, while William Buick, who rides Vauban, has been riding great all year. "I'm very happy with both horses, theyre in great shape, and Im happy with their draws too. We have no excuses on that front. "After last year we wanted another go at the race with both horses and were looking forward to Tuesday." San Francisco police confront protesters during a rally in 2020. Across the Bay Area, law enforcement agencies are bracing for unrest in the wake of the upcoming election. Nick Otto/Special to the Chronicle 2020 The clock is ticking on a seismic election, and signs of strife are percolating around the country from ballot boxes lit aflame, to social media erupting with each whiplash swing of the polls. In the mostly blue Bay Area, where voters have never shied away from unleashing their joy or fury on Election Day, police departments are forming plans to head off unlawful civil unrest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most cities have a blueprint to follow, with the understanding that everything could change as votes are counted and the results start to crystallize. Salesforce Tower is illuminated with the scrolling message, "Vote For Tomorrow" on the eve of Election Day as seen from Treasure Island in San Francisco on Monday, November 4, 2024. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle San Francisco police officers will stay alert Tuesday for any crimes or disturbances at polling stations or ballot boxes, said department spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky. Barring unforeseen chaos, the department will not dispatch police to stand at or guard any polling places California law prohibits such police presence, without written authorization from the city or a county elections official. As dusk settles and the polls close, San Francisco will beef up patrols to control crowds and contain any civil unrest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad People are free to exercise their First Amendment right to protest, Sernoffsky said. But any kind of violence or property damage will not be tolerated. Similarly, Richmond will deploy extra police near its 22 polling sites, not so close as to be intimidating, said police department spokesperson Lynnelle Sanchez, but close enough to swiftly respond to any emergency. That could be anything from a major disruption, to a person getting dehydrated after standing in line too long. Richmond police have been briefed on how to avoid interfering with voters and are encouraging people to express their right to vote, Sanchez said. She noted that the department has so far not received any calls or messages threatening political violence. Oakland, historically a locus of political demonstrations, will also have additional patrols and mutual aid from nearby agencies, Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association. He noted, further, that officers in the departments intelligence unit will scope online and off for threats of domestic terrorism, in communication with law enforcement throughout the country. We do our due diligence to exhaust all those avenues, Nguyen said. Well give people time to express their frustration and anger, but in a peaceful manner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Spokespeople for the Oakland Police Department said they would release more details over the weekend, while officials in other police departments, including Berkeley, remained tight-lipped about their plans. To some degree, cities can draw lessons from past elections. Barack Obamas 2008 victory spurred boisterous celebrations in San Franciscos Mission District, where police parked cruisers in intersections turning a swath of Valencia Street over to the people. Revelers high-fived, congoed, drank beer from open containers and blared horns, with a display of exuberance rarely seen for any political candidate. By 2016, the mood had darkened. Trump defied polls and stunned his critics on the night of Nov. 8, when he defeated Hillary Clinton. The following day protesters swarmed the streets of many U.S. cities, including Oakland, where an organized march unraveled as agitators lit fires in trash cans, smashed windows at City Hall, and scuffled with police officers who tried to disperse them. Nguyen has managed many of these scenes, and said he understands the dynamics. People arent really able to get in the face of (government officials) and yell at them, he said, noting how protesters instead project their emotions onto the authority figures who show up to the protest: police and firefighters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theyre the ones who get confronted, he said. Oakland has also been jolted by far-right extremism. Nguyen recalled an episode in May 2020, months after the presidential primary, when an anti-government militia member gunned down a security guard at the Ronald V. Dellums federal building on Clay Street. The gunman, a former Air Force sergeant from Santa Cruz County named Steven Carrillo, was a member of the Grizzly Scouts, a group of Boogaloo movement devotees who believe in an impending civil war. Months later, as Bay Area voters watched President Joe Biden rack up swing states on election night, police in Oakland were quelling an out-of-control crime spree which some officials believe was carefully timed, though not motivated by politics. Late that evening, caravans of armed people roved the city, burglarizing pharmacies, electronics stores, auto dealerships and cannabis dispensaries. While the violence appeared unrelated to the election, a police department spokesperson characterized it as opportunistic, theorizing the perpetrators had coordinated their attacks for when law enforcement might be busy dealing with protests. But no protests broke out in Oakland that night, and when Biden consolidated his win the next day, many Bay Area communities celebrated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The run-up to this election feels notably tense, with the majority-Democratic Bay Area bracing for a second Trump presidency that many Democrats once considered unfathomable. Political experts caution that people might not know the winner on election night pointing to, for example, the protracted battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000, which took a month to resolve. And it takes time for emotional reactions to coalesce into a mass movement. Stephen Menendian, assistant director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, cited the national Womens March against Trump, which took place on Jan. 21, 2017, more than two months after his election. Days before the election, Nguyen said he was prepared for exuberant street parties, or destructive outrage, or peaceful gatherings that could devolve quickly. Police departments know all outcomes are plausible, and can strategize for many scenarios, Nguyen said. A crisis intervention specialist walks at 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Pedestrians depart 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A train arrives at 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A police officer walks at 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. A suspect was arrested after a Fruitvale Station agent spotted him and alerted police. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle A day after a womans throat was sliced in an unprovoked attack on a BART train in San Francisco, riders were horrified at what they said was yet another violent incident that made them feel unsafe. The slashing occurred around 8:10 a.m. Saturday on an Antioch-bound train as it approached the 24th Street Mission Station. The suspect, 34-year-old Jovany Portades, was arrested 30 hours later on Sunday afternoon. The victim, a 54-year-old woman, remained hospitalized in serious condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The attack came after an unprovoked attack in July in which police said a mentally ill and homeless man pushed a 74-year-old woman into an oncoming train at the Powell Street Station, killing her. Its really disconcerting, Gracie Lee, 51, said of the latest attack as she walked out of the station in the Mission District near where the stabbing occurred a day earlier. Lee, who lives in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, arrived at the station from San Francisco International Airport after a flight from Japan. Grace Lee stands at the 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle The station was relatively quiet somewhat of a ghost town, as Lee described it and she wondered whether riders were too scared to take BART so soon after the slashing. Despite the horrific nature of the attack, some riders were not surprised. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its scary, but its also not surprising, Sarah Parneta, 47, said. Im surprised it doesnt happen more. The Alameda resident said shes not scared of getting robbed, but her biggest fear is getting attacked by a mentally ill passenger whos in the throes of a crisis. This isnt the kind of city where youre going to get robbed, but it is the kind of city where a crazy person might attack you, she said. Its happened to her twice out in the streets, she said. Once, a man dumped food on her. Another time, a woman hit her over the head with a purse. Parneta and other riders said theyve seen more homeless and mentally ill passengers on BART ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. More BART lines than before are dodgy even during the day, Parneta said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I feel like conditions on BART have been kind of degraded since the beginning of the pandemic, Tracy Purrington, 65, said. Purrington, who lives near the station, said he is not concerned about his safety, but he worries about others, namely elderly and female riders. Naishitha Anaparthy poses for a portrait at 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle It does feel scary being a single woman, taking BART alone, Naishitha Anaparthy, 35, said, adding that she prefers to travel in a group. She and other riders outlined steps they take to try to stay safe. Parneta said she opts for the train car closest to the operator. Anaparthy said she tries not to get too distracted by her cellphone. Im looking up and looking around every two minutes, Anaparthy said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some riders called for a greater police presence on platforms and trains. Some noted BART recently installed fare gates at several stations, but they said more needs to be done to boost security. There should be some type of screening method that would prevent people who are obviously not quite hinged from actually entering the trains and getting on there with other passengers, Robin Horca, 44, said. Before they get on the trains would be the right time to address the problem. Robin Horca stands at the 24th Street Mission BART Station in San Francisco on Sunday. A woman was stabbed on a BART train Saturday. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle The Pacifica resident was headed to a capoeira class near the station with her 11-year-old daughter. The pair were also around for a class on Saturday. Who knows, that could have been us, Horca said of the attack, looking over at her daughter with worried eyes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asked about riders concerns, BART provided information about the arrest of the suspect in Saturdays attack. Jovany Portades, 34, was arrested after a station agent at the Fruitvale Station spotted him and alerted police. A BART surveillance camera had helped police identify Portades as the suspect. This letter is in response to a letter you ran by Dr. James Corbin related to Greg Martin's proposed bill to allow SSO officers to use mechanical restraints on students with disabilities. If Dr. Corbin's letter is to be believed then the board attorney, Dr. Corbin, and Greg Martin obviously do not understand students with disabilities or the state and federal laws that protect them. Students with disabilities are guaranteed a free and appropriate public education. The appropriate part covers behavior intervention. Both state and federal law explicitly map out ways in which behavior should be handled. It addresses both behaviors that are and are not manifestations of a child's disability. School districts are mandated to train staff to deal with dangerous behavior in safe, appropriate ways. This takes time, money and commitment to accomplish. In schools and districts where resources are tight many decisions makers would like to cut corners and do things like mechanical restraints. Tennessee passed a law that did away with mechanical restraints due to the misuse and safety issues that arise with them. School personnel that cut corners like to whine that they just can't do anything to address student behavior if they have a disability. Not true. It just takes time, money and commitment they think they don't have. If the board attorney did seek help he obviously did not talk to the special education administrators in the district or educators at the state level. This brings me to Greg Martin's s bill to change the law. Obviously he took the easy way out by not talking to legal experts, teachers, families or special education experts about what is in the best interest of kids. He did not check with state education specialists or research the issue nationally. He most certainly did not do his homework before attempting to pass a frankly barbaric and ignorant bill. Why not spend all that effort to find a way to fund better training for staff on safe alternatives? As a career special education teacher, administrator, parent and grandparent, I am appalled at Mr. Martin's nerve to think my students or grandchildren should be mechanically restrained. I am appalled that a legislator would put so little thought into his bills. And lastly I am appalled that he would not delve in to the existing law to know what it does say about serving children. That is why I voted for Allison Gorman. She listens to a diverse range of people she seeks to serve and she does her research and homework before opening her mouth. Lisa Guffey House District 27 Republican candidate Michele Reneau on Monday denied any negativity toward former Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, who she upset in the primary. Ms. Reneau, who is facing Democrat Kathy Lennon in Tuesday's general election, asked for party unity. Ms. Reneau said, "Rep. Hazlewood claims my campaign has continued with negative rhetoric against her. "Ill be as clear as possible: This is patently false and verifiably untrue. My campaign has not mentioned Ms. Hazlewood since the primary election negatively. In fact, I did attempt to return her phone call after the primary election and left a voice mail. Despite our differences, I have honored and recognized Rep. Hazlewood for her service and work to our community when I have mentioned her name. "However, instead of focusing on this or the underhanded tactics of the Democrat Party to spread outright falsehoods in order to divide the Republican Party, Im focusing on the greater goal of unity and strength. "Its easy to get caught up in the noise and negativity, but we must remember the values that bind us together and the priorities we share for Tennessee and for our nation. By standing united, we amplify our voices and bring real solutions to the issues we all care about - protecting our liberties, supporting families, and building a stronger Tennessee for the future. Now is the time to come together, cast our votes with a unified purpose, and show the power of a truly united Republican Party. "The Democrats are known for accusing their opponent for what it is they are actually doing or what they want to do. As Mr. Folkner offered previously, my opponent, Democrat, Kathy Lennon, supported a 34-cent tax increase during her time on the school board, then disrespected other Commissioners for voting against it despite many other ways they had supported schools. Lennon has openly shown disdain for our law enforcement officers, once posting a closed fist on social media and supporting protests that undermined those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. And lets not forget, her participation in underhanded election behavior in 2020 violating the Anti-Skullduggery Act. "Primaries are hard, but they remind us that our party is full of dedicated individuals, each bringing unique ideas and perspectives. When we come together after the primary, we emerge stronger, more unified, and ready to serve our communities together. On Tuesday, I humbly ask for your vote to show District 27 that we stand for unity and commitment to our shared values." The Tennessee Valley Authority released data Monday that was collected during and after Tropical Storm Helene that provides insight into the magnitude of the storm that swept across the Appalachian region beginning Friday, Sept. 27. Significant and catastrophic flood damage to communities occurred throughout northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina. These were areas where TVA flood control operations could not mitigate impact. Our hearts go out to these communities, said TVA officials. When that floodwater began flowing into the Tennessee River watershed, TVAs network of dams and employees were already at work to protect people downstream. Greene County was aided immeasurably by engineer representatives from TVA from the very early stages of the storm and flooding affecting Greene County, said Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison. TVAs timely, accurate, and wise forecasting and professional advice to our leadership team on the conditions of the Nolichucky River and the Nolichucky Dam saved lives. We are eternally grateful to the TVA team for standing side by side with us throughout this disaster, recovery and rebuild. Providing flood control of the Tennessee River is a core mission of TVA and has been since its inception more than 91 years ago. Evaluating rainfall and stream flow data from across the Valley provides engineers in TVAs state-of-the-art River Forecast Center the information to make operational decisions to minimize flood impacts along the river system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Using computer modeling, TVA tracks what might have happened without dams and flood mitigation as a way of helping determine how well its system is operating. That data collectively informs flood damage averted calculations. Data from this event shows that flood mitigation strategies enacted by TVA prevented approximately $406 million of potential damages in Lenoir City, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Elizabethton, Clinton and South Pittsburg. Since TVAs inception in 1933, more than $10 billion in potential flood damage has been averted. City Potential Helene Damage Averted Chattanooga $186,000,000 Clinton $2,600,000 Elizabethton $5,100,000 Lenoir City $136,000,000 Kingsport $75,200,000 South Pittsburg $1,200,000 This was some of the highest flood levels weve seen in the Tennessee Valley in its entire history, said James Everett, TVAs general manager of river management. We saw a record amount of flooding and we saw tremendous amounts of rainfall that caused that flooding. TVAs dams and the people who manage these dams stepped up to that challenge and managed this record setting event. TVAs 10 large tributary reservoirs stored 404 billion gallons of water during the weather event enough to fill 612,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Two months of normal rainfall in just three days to the Tennessee River Watershed. The reservoir system and its ability to store water during floods led to significant overall reduction in flood crests in communities along the river system. Without TVAs system of dams, the river stages at Lenoir City and Chattanooga would have been about 21 to 23 feet higher than the observed levels during Helene. Nolichucky Dam withstood nearly twice the flow of Niagara Falls. "No one could have imagined the destruction Hurricane Helene would unleash on our community and our utilities," said Lee Brown, Erwin Utilities president and CEO. "One of the first calls I received was from TVA to understand how dire our situation was. TVA provided valuable support, manpower, and equipment to aid in our restoration of power and early damage assessment at our wastewater treatment plant. TVA enabled us to move quickly and efficiently in our work to recover from Helene. Our partnership with TVA and other local power companies is the perfect example of the benefits provided by Public Power." Additional Facts Since 2010, TVA has invested more than $1.23 billion in dam safety projects. Water flow over the Nolichucky Dam at the height of flooding was 1.3 million gallons per second. The dam did not fail and remains stable. The dams old powerhouse has been removed because of damage caused by flood waters - the facility hadn't been in service since 1972. Between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5, TVAs hydro units generated an average of 2,869 megawatts of clean energy per day, which is 1,600 megawatts greater than the average during the same timeframe last year. The seven-day rainfall average in the eastern Tennessee River Valley on Sept. 29 was 7.67 inches, which is approximately 10 times the normal amount of rainfall that occurs in a normal week in late September. Douglas Dam was instrumental to help prevent downstream flood damage. Between Sept. 26-29, 182 billion gallons of water made Douglas Lake rise almost 22 feet in 3 days. That is enough water to fill Neyland Stadium in Knoxville 661 times. Douglas Dam set maximum hourly flow record of about 475,000 gallons per second set on Sept. 29. Previous record of about 400,000 gallons per second set on May 8, 1984. The French Broad River in Newport, Tenn., reached a stage of 23.34 feet, just more than 13.34 feet above Flood Stage and just under the flood of record elevation of 24 feet. This is the largest flood on the French Broad River at Newport since 1867. The Pigeon River at Newport, Tenn., reached a new record stage of 28.9 feet, 20.9 feet above Flood Stage and surpassing the previous 1904 flood of record by 5.5 feet. The Watauga River at Elizabethton reached 5 feet above flood stage and is the highest flood level in Elizabethton since 1940. TVAs Watauga Dam on the Watauga River in Carter County, Tn., east of Elizabethton, reached an elevation of 1,970.29 feet, which broke the previous record by about three feet. The Doe River at Elizabethton reached 10.78 feet nearly 3 feet above Flood Stage and just inches below the flood of record in 1998. TVA is continuing work to support communities and local power companies in recovery efforts. The Lee University School of Music will present Dr. Muen Vanessa Wei, piano, in a faculty recital on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Squires Recital Hall, located in the Humanities Center on Lees campus. The recital, titled Nature, is the fifth concert in Dr. Weis Beethovens Complete Piano Sonata Concert Series, which showcases all 32 of Ludwig van Beethovens Piano Sonatas over six semesters. The performance will feature Sonatas No. 17 Tempest in D Minor, No. 15 Pastoral in D Major, No. 25 Cuckoo in G Major, and No. 18 La Chasse in Eb Major. Dr. Wei joined Lees School of Music in 2021 as an assistant professor of piano and teaches courses such as applied piano, collaborative piano, and chamber music. Prior to Lee, she served as a guest professor at China West Normal University and piano faculty at New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy. She has collaborated with many great musicians including Lynn Harrell, Ian Hobson, Peter Lloyd, and Joel Smirnoff. Wei also has a debut album titled Im 3/4 Takt that was considered one of Centaurs finest releases to date by Fanfare. Dr. Wei earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the China Conservatory of Music. The recital is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Livestream viewing will be available at https://leeu.live/. For more information about the concert, contact the School of Music at music@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-8240. An arrest has been made in a violent home invasion in East Brainerd four years ago in which one of the intruders was shot 10 times and killed. The hail of bullets included multiple shots that went into a house across Standifer Gap Road occupied by a woman and her 14-year-old daughter. One shot went just above the pillow where the woman had been sleeping before she and her daughter hit the floor. Investigators built a case against 23-year-old Travien Cenar Reddick of Jackson, Tn., earlier, but he was only taken into custody by state troopers in Nashville on Friday. Sheriff Detective Jason Maucere said the incident involved three members of a violent West Tennessee gang coming to Chattanooga for a robbery where a former gang member was living with his cousin. The cousin, Travist Patrick, killed one of the intruders, Antoine Allen, inside his home, and he engaged in a gunbattle with the other two invaders before firing multiple shots at their vehicle as they sped off. On Oct. 28, 2020, a 911 caller who was in a panic, said, "I need the police at 8500 Standifer Gap Road. . somebody's shooting!" A female could be heard saying someone came in the house and started shooting at Patrick and "he's laying right here." Patrick told the dispatcher, "He's on the floor. . . We don't need the ambulance. . . dude dead. We need the police ASAP." The woman across the street then called, saying, "Shots were fired through my window. I'm too afraid to look outside, but the glass is broken, and several shots were fired through my window." Detectives spoke with a man on Gable Brook Drive - in the direction the fleeing car was going. A resident said a black male wearing a navy shirt and dark pants knocked on his door and asked to use the phone. He said his name was "Trey" and he was trying to reach someone named "Zay." He tried to call, but did not get an answer. Arriving deputies at 8500 Standifer Gap Road found a man dead in the kitchen. They detained Patrick, who said he had shot the man in self-defense. He said he had fired at two others - one who left on foot and the other in a car. Detectives found numerous firearms in plain view in the master bedroom and saw a large number of spent shell casings in the driveway of the residence, the hallway and the master bedroom. Outside the residence was a gray 2020 Dodge Charger with a cell phone on top of the rear trunk and another on the roof of the vehicle. Inside the Charger, detectives found four large metal packaging containers filled with large bags of marijuana. Inside the residence a Romarm Mini-Draco AK-47 pistol that had been used by Antoine Allen was found inside the bedroom. Detectives also observed a .40 caliber Glock 23C handgun with its slide locked back (indicating it had been fired and had run out of ammunition). Also found was a 9mm CZ Scorpion carbine rifle on the bed of the master bedroom. There was a blood pool leading from the bedroom to the kitchen. On Nov. 2, 2020, there was a narcotics search at 8500 Standifer Gap Road where Patrick was living with five others. Seized were 270 pounds of high grade THC vapes valued at $300,000. Authorities said Patrick initially was not cooperative, but they said he agreed to tell the full story at a meeting at his attorney's office. He acknowledged he was in the business of selling illegal drugs and cell phones. He said on the evening of the shooting he had agreed to meet a person at the Tiger Market gas station on Jenkins Road. He was to sell a "zip of weed" and an Apple iPhone. He said the meeting was arranged via Snapchat and he was to meet Antoine Allen. Patrick said he drove to the Tiger Market in his girlfriend's white Lincoln MKZ. He said when an older-model maroon Chevrolet Malibu pulled up that Allen got out armed with an AK-47 pistol. He said a second person wearing a ski mask exited the Malibu armed with a black Glock handgun. He said a third person, who was also wearing a ski mask, was driving the Malibu. He said Allen got in the front passenger seat of his vehicle and put the AK-47 to his head, while the second person got in the back seat and put the Glock to his head. He was forced to drive back to his residence with the Malibu following. Patrick said when they arrived back that Allen forced him into the house to rob him, while the second man followed. He said when they got to his bedroom that Allen told him, "Give us everything you have or we're going to kill everyone in the house." Patrick said Allen was momentarily distracted admiring all the guns in the bedroom, and he used the occasion to grab a loaded Glock from his bed and begin firing at Allen, who fled into the kitchen. Patrick said he engaged the second person in a firefight at the front door, and he afterward fired multiple times at the fleeing car. No charges were brought against Patrick on grounds of self-defense. Sgt. Maucere was notified by an officer of the Alamo, Tn., Police Department of a shooting that occurred there, which he said he believed was retailiation for the killing of Allen. He said he believed both incidents were gang-related. He said Antoine Allen had been part of a criminal gang at Crokett County known as the GetBack Gang. The shooting there was on Christmas Day and involved numerous bullets being fired into a house belonging to a man who is the father of the cousin who left the gang and went to live with Patrick in Chattanooga. Alamo Police said the GetBack Gang had numerous violent YouTube videos depicting Allen and other members. One video, made after the Chattanooga shooting, memorialized Allen and made threats against those involved in his death. A Chevrolet Malibu matching the description of the one used by the home invaders was seized in Crockett County. It belonged to Reddick, identified as a member of the GetBack Gang. It had bullet damage consistent with shots fired by Patrick at it. Southern Adventist University invites the public to hear Matthew Bronson, assistant professor at the university, present The Heartland of Judah: Excavations at Biblical Libnah on Monday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. in the Lynn Wood Hall Chapel on campus in Collegedale.Officials said, "Mr. Bronsons presentation includes material from recent excavations at the site of Tel Burna, situated in the Judean lowlands (Shephelah). The 15-year excavation project, which began in 2009, has uncovered rich finds from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, revealing a thriving city fortified for much of its history.When all the evidence is considered, there are compelling reasons to believe that Tel Burna is the biblical site of Libnah."Mr. Bronson joined Southerns teaching faculty at the beginning of this year. An alum who is originally from California, he pursued archaeology and biblical studies on the Collegedale campus as well as biblical studies at Liberty University in Virginia. He also participated in the 2014 field season at Lachish, Israel as a volunteer and square supervisor, as well as at nearby Tel Burna as a volunteer in 2022, and an assistant area supervisor in 2023. Mr. Bronson is currently working towards his doctorate in archaeology at Nashvilles Lipscomb University in Tennessee.This free Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum lecture is open to the public. Visit southern.edu/southernevents for additional information. Prince William and Kate Middleton have spent so much time together this year while Kate underwent chemotherapy. But Williams recent move shows shes much healthier. Prince William and Kate Middleton have shown this year that they are stronger than ever. At the start of 2024, Kate took a leave of absence for medical reasons, and in March, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer. During that time, William was still attending limited royal engagements but spending as much time by his wifes side as he could. By the end of the summer, Kate had revealed that she was officially cancer free and has now returned to her royal duties. And Williams recent decision confirms that Kates health is in good standing. Prince William and Kate Middleton | David Rowland/Pool/Getty Images Prince Williams South Africa trip confirms that Kate Middleton is doing well William and Kate spent plenty of time together during Kates treatment. William was quite protective of his wife, saying very little about her in public and letting her reveal her diagnosis on her own time. The Prince and Princess of Wales have always had a rock-solid relationship, and William did very little traveling during Kates treatment to ensure that he was home for her and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. But Williams latest move seems to confirm that Kate is in great health: Hes traveling to South Africa. Its the furthest hes gone since the princess diagnosis, and his confidence in leaving her for several days to travel so far away suggests that Kate is doing well. William will head to South Africa on November 4 to attend the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony. Kate and the children will remain at home, but clearly the prince feels comfortable leaving his wife alone. 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, Prince William said of this years awards, according to BBC. Kate Middleton is putting her family first in this new part of life At the end of the summer, Kate released a video featuring William and the kids, where she discussed how much the cancer had changed her and how much she values the little things in life. The video showcased family time above anything else, and it seems that William and Kate are taking even more steps to ensure that their family becomes their focus even above the monarchy. Kate has returned to royal duties, but it wouldnt be surprising if the princess chose to undertake fewer duties than expected. Kate wants to be present in her childrens lives, as does William, so the monarchy is not quite as important as ensuring theyre there for their kids. Quantum technologies exploit the unusual properties of the most fundamental building blocks of matter. They promise breakthroughs in communication, computing, sensors and much more. However, quantum states are fragile, and their effects are difficult to grasp, making research into real-world applications challenging. Empa researchers and their partners have now achieved a breakthrough: Using a kind of quantum Lego, they have been able to accurately realize a well-known theoretical quantum physics model in a synthetic material. With utmost precision: Using special nanographene molecules, the researchers were able to realize a theoretical model from quantum physics. Empa Left: High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy image of Clar's Goblet. Right: Structural model of Clar's Goblet (blue: spin up, red: spin down). Empa A scanning tunneling microscopy image shows the spin chain made of individual Clar's Goblets. Empa The smallest unit of information in a computer is the bit: on or off, 1 or 0. Today, the world's entire computing power is built on the combination and interconnection of countless ones and zeros. Quantum computers have their own version of the bit: the qubit. It, too, has two basic states. The main difference: Quantum effects allow a superposition of the two states, so that the qubit is not either 1 or 0, but both at the same time. With different proportions of 0 and 1, the qubit can theoretically assume an infinite number of states. This ambiguity should give quantum computers true superpowers. At least in theory, quantum-based computers can perform calculations in fractions of a second that stump today's best supercomputers. However, quantum computing is not yet fully developed. One of the biggest challenges is linking the qubits since one single (qu)bit is not much of a computer. One way to realize the 0 and the 1 of the qubit is via the alignment of the so-called electron spin. The spin is a fundamental quantum mechanical property of electrons and other particles, a kind of torque that, put simply, can point up (1) or down (0). When two or more spins are quantum-mechanically linked, they influence each other's states: Change the orientation of one, and it will also change for all the others. This is therefore a good way to make qubits talk to each other. However, like so much in quantum physics, this language, i.e. the interaction between the spins, is enormously complex. Although it can be described mathematically, the relevant equations can hardly be solved exactly even for relatively simple chains of a just few spins. Not exactly the best conditions for putting theory into practice... A model becomes reality Researchers at Empa's nanotech@surfaces laboratory have now developed a method that allows many spins to talk to each other in a controlled manner and that also enables the researchers to listen to them, i.e. to understand their interactions. Together with scientists from the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory and the Technical University of Dresden, they were able to precisely create an archetypal chain of electron spins and measure its properties in detail. Their results have now been published in the renowned journal Nature Nanotechnology. The theory behind the chain is familiar to all physics students: Take a linear chain of spins in which each spin interacts strongly with one of its neighbors and weakly with the other. This so-called one-dimensional alternating Heisenberg model was described almost 100 years ago by physicist and later Nobel Prize laureate Werner Heisenberg, one of the founders of quantum mechanics. Although there are materials in nature that contain such spin chains, it has not yet been possible to deliberately incorporate the chains into a material. Real materials are always much more complex than a theoretical model, explains Roman Fasel, head of Empa's nanotech@surfaces laboratory and co-author of the study. A goblet made of carbon To create such an artificial quantum material, the Empa researchers used tiny pieces of the two-dimensional carbon material graphene. The shape of these nanographene molecules influences their physical properties, in particular their spin a kind of nano-sized quantum Lego brick from which the scientists can assemble longer chains. For their Heisenberg model, the researchers used the so-called Clar's Goblet molecule. This special nanographene molecule consists of eleven carbon rings arranged in an hourglass-like shape. Due to this shape, there is an unpaired electron at each end each with an associated spin. Although predicted by chemist Erich Clar as early as 1972, Clar's Goblet was only produced in 2019 by Fasel's team at the nanotech@surfaces laboratory. The researchers have now linked the goblets on a gold surface to form chains. The two spins within a molecule are weakly linked, while the spins from molecule to molecule are strongly linked a perfect realization of the alternating Heisenberg chain. The researchers were able to precisely manipulate the length of the chains, selectively switch individual spins on and off and flip them from one state to another, allowing them to investigate the complex physics of this novel quantum material in great detail. From theory to practice Fasel is convinced that, just as the synthesis of Clar's Goblet enabled the production of Heisenberg chains, this study will in turn open new doors in quantum research. We have shown that theoretical models of quantum physics can be realized with nanographenes in order to test their predictions experimentally, says the researcher. Nanographenes with other spin configurations can be linked to form other types of chains or even more complex systems. The Empa researchers are leading by example: In a second study, which is about to be published, they were able to recreate a different type of Heisenberg chain in which all spins are equally linked. Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell speaks at a news conference on July 17. He has agreed to pay a fine after an investigation by San Francisco ethics officials. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle UPDATE: Daniel Lurie elected San Franciscos next mayor, in rebuke to Breed Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell has agreed to pay a $108,000 fine after an investigation by San Francisco ethics officials found that he illegally funded his candidacy through a committee he created for a separate purpose. The proposed settlement, made public the morning before Tuesdays election, marks one of the largest ethics penalties in San Francisco history, punctuating a mayoral campaign dogged by ethics concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Farrell, a former city supervisor who briefly served as interim mayor, was widely considered one of the leading candidates in the close race to unseat Mayor London Breed, but his campaign has lost momentum. A Chronicle poll conducted in mid-October found that Farrells support dropped the most of any major candidate compared with the newspapers prior survey of likely voters from early August. The agreement stems from Farrell launching a committee to support a ballot measure that has shared payroll and other expenses with his mayoral campaign. The ballot measure, Proposition D, would reduce the number of commissions at City Hall and significantly increase the mayors power over his or her appointees. The shared spending has previously led to Farrells opponents accusing him of running a money-laundering operation and to three former mayors calling for a criminal investigation. The Chronicle first reported on the issue in June. Unlike his mayoral campaign, Farrells ballot measure committee could accept donations beyond the $500 per person limit. The committee received large contributions from well-heeled backers, including $500,000 from the billionaire venture capitalist Michael Moritz. Committees are allowed to share expenses, but each must pay its fair share. The investigation by the Ethics Commission found that Farrells ballot measure committee repeatedly overpaid his mayoral campaign for their shared expenses. Investigators concluded that those payments amounted to campaign contributions to Farrells mayoral campaign beyond the allowable threshold, and charged him with eight counts of violating the $500 limit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The overpayments gave Farrells mayoral bid an unfair leg-up in a competitive election by opening an additional channel of financial support that undermined the existing contribution limit that applies to all candidates in the race, Ethics Commission staff members wrote in a summary of their findings. The findings echo an August report by a Chronicle columnist who visited the West Portal headquarters that Farrells committees shared and found little indication that the office was being used to support Prop D. Farrell has previously denied wrongdoing and dismissed concerns about the shared spending as baseless attacks by his political rivals. In a statement Monday, Farrell said the settlement was over an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, as well as over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign. As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues, Farrell said, while also calling on the Ethics Commission to establish clear guidance around campaigns sharing expenses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The agreement, signed by Farrell and Ethics Commission staff, is pending and requires further approval by the Ethics Commission, a five-member panel. The development comes after many San Francisco voters have already returned their mail-in ballots. About 35% of ballots issued had been returned as of Sunday, according to the citys tracker, and many more were likely in the mail by Monday morning. The timing of the settlement, reached by an agency that has faced criticism for taking too long to resolve cases, was met with both scrutiny and applause. In statements provided by the Farrell campaign, former members of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, the states campaign finance watchdog, blasted the Ethics Commission for taking action shortly before Election Day. Public agencies should not release sensitive information on candidates during the immediate pre-election period, Dan Schnur, former FPPC chair, said in a statement. Doing so threatens to create an appearance that the agency is taking sides in a contested election, which is inappropriate and can harm the credibility of the investigative agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Jon Golinger, a former San Francisco political consultant, called the speed of the investigation very encouraging. This is how you deter future lawbreakers, increase public trust and show those who ignore ethics laws they will be caught and pay a price, Golinger said. If approved, the settlement would represent the second largest penalty and largest campaign finance penalty in the history of the Ethics Commission, according to its staff. The body was created by voters three decades ago. This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the publics right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco, Bisi Matthews, director of enforcement for the Ethics Commission, said in a statement. Reaction to the development from two Farrell opponents in Tuesdays mayoral election was muted. At an appearance Monday, Breed broadly condemned the unprecedented amount of personal wealth being poured into this race, but she did not comment specifically on the Farrell settlement. Daniel Lurie, nonprofit executive and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, said only that it was time for a new era of accountable leadership. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin said in a statement that the settlement confirms what many have suspected he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor. Farrell has previously faced questions about the donations he solicited for his pet project reopening schoolyards to kids during his tenure as supervisor, in some cases from donors who were attempting to influence him. The donations went to a nonprofit at one point chaired by his wife. More recently, he failed to disclose a $675,000 home loan after jumping into the mayors race. This is not the first time Farrell has been hit with a significant fine. In 2014, the Ethics Commission fined Farrell $191,000 after an investigation found his 2010 supervisor campaign improperly coordinated with an independent expenditure committee. However, Farrell settled the case for $25,000 after suing the city. The settlement acknowledged that Farrell was not aware of the wrongful acts by his campaign but was ultimately responsible for them. The Ethics Commission is expected to vote on the latest settlement Friday. Home News FBI searches home of Pastor John-Paul Miller after wifes suicide death; protesters gather outside church The FBI has conducted a search of Pastor John-Paul Millers home in South Carolina in relation to the suicide death of his wife, Mica Miller, about six months ago, according to a report that says protesters later assembled outside Solid Rock Church, where Miller served as pastor, to demand justice for Mica. FBI agents carried out an authorized search at Millers residence on Coldwater Circle in Myrtle Beach last week, WMBF News reported, citing FBI spokesperson Kevin Wheeler. Neighbors were quoted as saying that the FBI had been at the house for several hours on Friday. 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 Its just one of those things that you dont think would ever happen where you live, a neighbor named Butch was quoted as saying. He also expressed surprise that Miller's truck, which had been there the day before, was now gone. In April, authorities ruled that Mica Miller died by suicide in Robeson County, North Carolina. Her death gained national attention due to allegations surrounding her marriage to Miller. Family members and friends had raised concerns about abuse in their marriage, alleging it contributed to her mental health struggles. Miller was not found at his home during the FBI search, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The Robeson County Sheriffs Office stated that they have been in contact with the U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI in South Carolina since the early stages of the investigation into Micas death. On Sunday, protesters gathered outside the church, according to WMBF News. The demonstrators wore purple and displayed Justice for Mica signs. In an affidavit, Micas sister, Sierra Francis, claimed that Mica was hopeful about her future after filing for divorce from Miller on April 25. Francis wrote, My sister also expressed to me that she was fearful that she would not make it to the divorce and that her life would be taken from her. It is my belief, based on conversations with my sister, that she told multiple people, including other family members. Micas brother, Nathaniel Francis, also provided a sworn statement supporting his sisters concerns. He stated that Mica had reported incidents to the police involving her tires being slashed and tracking devices found on her car. Mica made several police reports over the last few weeks of her tires being slashed and tracking devices found on her car. In Mr. Millers email forwarded to me, he apologizes to Mica for the tires and causing damage to her vehicle, Nathaniel noted. Miller has denied allegations of wrongdoing related to his wifes death. In an earlier interview with The Christian Post, he attributed Micas suicide to her bipolar II disorder and her inconsistent use of medication. Miller admitted that his relationship with Mica began with adultery. He said they were both previously married and cheated on their spouses, and many people left his church, forcing them to start over. He said he and Mica got married in 2017. Shortly after, she underwent surgery for an undisclosed reason and was diagnosed with bipolar II, schizophrenic and dependent personality disorder. In a 2017 affidavit, as previously reported by The Daily Mail, Millers first wife, Alison, accused him of engaging in inappropriate relationships and having an addiction to prostitutes. She alleged, He had also confessed to me and other staff members of the church that he had sexual encounters with young females from the church, who were under the age of 16. According to NewsNation, Miller admitted to posting a nude photo of Mica on social media during their divorce proceedings. In an apology email cited by the outlet, he wrote, Im sorry for putting a picture of you on the internet. It was for less than one hour and immediately taken down. I was hurt that you are telling everyone horrible intimate details of my past sin, and I just wanted to try and hurt you. Please forgive me. It was evil of me to do that. As of now, Miller has not been charged in connection with his wifes death. Home News GAFCON demands Justin Welby publicly repent for speaking against doctrine of Christ Anglican group GAFCON has demanded that Archbishop Justin Welby publicly repent for comments that contradict the doctrine of Christ regarding same-sex marriage. The worldwide movement within the Anglican Communion accuses Welby of breaching traditional church teachings by promoting same-sex blessings. Referring to Welby's recent interview on Britain's podcast The Rest is Politics, the Primates' Council of the Global Anglican Future Conference addressed an urgent matter surrounding biblical ethics confronting our beloved Anglican church, as they met in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 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 In the podcast, Archbishop Welby stated, All sexual activity should be within a committed relationship and whether it's straight or gay. He added, We've put forward a proposal that where people have been through a civil partnership or a same-sex marriage [...] they should be able to come along to a church and have a service of prayer and blessing for them in their lives together. GAFCON contended that Welby's statements represent a demonstrable change in the doctrine of sin, by promoting the sanctification of sin by means of a divine blessing. They added that this stance is in clear breach of Holy Scripture, citing 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which states that all forms of sexual intimacy outside of [marriage between a man and a woman] are condemned as immorality. The group also referred to Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference, which rejected 'homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture.' GAFCON has called on Welby to personally and publicly repent of this denial of his ordination and consecration vows, where he promised to 'teach the doctrine of Christ as the Church of England has received it.' The organization said they support all faithful Anglicans, including those who choose to leave established provinces where the authority of Scripture has been compromised. Evangelicals across the United Kingdom are also calling for Welby's resignation following his comments. The Alliance, a collaboration of Church of England groups adhering to biblical teachings on sexual ethics, recently wrote to the archbishops and bishops expressing their concerns, according to Anglican Ink. They said the correct constitutional process has not been followed for departing from current agreed doctrine or for a change of liturgy. The Alliance announced they were setting up a de facto parallel province within the Church of England in response to the de facto change in doctrine. The group also noted the lack of provision for faithful clergy to be overseen by faithful bishops. Tim Dieppe, head of Public Policy at the U.K.-based group Christian Concern, wrote an op-ed responding to Archbishop Welby's comments. Welby's logic is actually completely backwards. It is those with 'a traditional view' who belong most firmly within the [Church of England]. They are upholding the doctrine as it has been received and understood. Dieppe added, Those bishops who depart from the clear unambiguous teaching of the [Church of England] should resign. It is they who do not have a place in the Church of England, however sincerely held their beliefs may be. The Church of England Evangelical Council has expressed disbelief at Welby's remarks, which CEEC said mark a clear departure from the doctrine of the Church of England, the Anglican Communion, and every other major Christian denomination across the world. GAFCON also reiterated their support for The Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE), describing it as GAFCON's authentically-Anglican structural provision for those who cannot by conscience remain within the historic, revisionist structures. 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 Pastor doubles down on church sign calling minority Trump supporters ignorant An Alabama pastor has refused to retract a church sign calling minority Trump supporters ignorant despite his provocative message drawing criticism from public figures. Pastor Michael R. Jordan of New Era Baptist Church in Birmingham is known for using his church sign to convey controversial messages. His latest sign reads: Warning African Americans: A vote for Trump will put Blacks back to picking cotton, AL.com reported. On the reverse side, it states: Attention to all Blacks who plan to vote for Trump: You are an ignorant stupid Negro. The sign drew criticism from Alabama's Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. 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 On the social media platform X, Ainsworth wrote, Churches are supposed to spread the Gospel, offer messages of Gods love, and share the life of Christ, not threaten, intimidate, and insult those who exercise their right to vote and support the candidate that is best for them. Those responsible for this sign should be ashamed. In response, the pastor told WVTM 13, Hes thinking from a Republican point of view. Donald Trump is making sad, pitiful negative statements about people every day. Jordan reportedly plans to keep the message displayed through the inauguration. When questioned about whether his use of phrases like ignorant stupid Negro might offend potential churchgoers, Jordan responded that he wasnt concerned because he believes such language grabs attention. He explained that he aims to convey to African Americans and poor whites the seriousness of the upcoming election. Jordan has a history of posting provocative messages. In 2019, he posted a sign that read, A white vote for Trump is pure racism, and in 2017, he displayed, Trump deceived poor white folks. His controversial signs date back to 2004, when he posted, AIDS is Gods curse on homosexuals. In 2008, he warned of drug dealers selling crack cocaine on the same street as the church. In 2013, he posted messages supporting Trayvon Martin and criticizing the George Zimmerman jury. This is my ministry. This is my calling, Jordan was quoted as saying. Pastor, white or black, is a watchman, Jordan was quoted as saying. Im going to take a stand. Other pastors have also engaged in political messaging from the pulpit. In February, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California encouraged his congregation to vote for Republican former Dodgers star Steve Garvey. I want to publicly right now, today, encourage all of you to vote for Steve Garvey, Hibbs said, stepping away from the pulpit to comply with legal restrictions. In November 2022, Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, criticized Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker. Bryant called Walker the lowest caricature of a stereotypical, broken black man during a sermon. Walker was running against incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, who is also the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Home News Twin brother of murdered Texas pastor wants suspect jailed as he laments pace of justice The Rev. Roland Mouton, the twin brother of the late East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church pastor the Rev. Ronald K. Mouton, who was fatally shot in the chest in June 2022 after a 10-second argument with an Uber in Houston, is calling for the suspect in his brothers killing to be jailed for violating the terms of his bond as his laments the slow pace of justice for his family. Why is he still out if he violated the bond, especially four times? Mouton asked in an interview with The Christian Post about former Uber driver and the man charged with the murder of his brother, Deshawn Longmire, 25. Everybody said alleged murderer. Heres the point about the alleged murderer thing, the only reason why they know hes the killer is because the guy riding behind him videoed it and videoed the boys car and license plate. Thats how they know it was him, Mouton told CP. 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 Investigators from the Houston Police Department said surveillance video from the June 24, 2022, shooting of Ronald Mouton shows the pastor, who was driving a BMW, and his suspected killer, who was driving a black Honda Accord, stopped along the freeway before the shooting. Police say the two appeared to argue for about 10 seconds before the driver of the Honda shot the pastor in the chest and caused him to crash his vehicle. Ronald Mouton crashed shortly after 5 p.m. at 6400 Gulf Freeway near Gould Street along the southbound lanes, police said. He left behind his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren. Longmire was subsequently charged with murder after witnesses told investigators that they saw him arguing with the late pastor at a stoplight on the Gulf Freeway frontage road. Though neither driver exited their vehicles, witnesses told police that, when both vehicles started moving, Longmire stretched his arm out of the driver window with a pistol in his hand and allegedly shot Ronald Mouton and sped off. Surveillance videos show Ronald Mouton crashing his vehicle and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Records from Longmires Uber account showed that he was in the area at the time of the shooting. After his arrest, Longmire was later released from jail on a $500,000 bond, but Roland Mouton contends that his brothers alleged killer violated the terms of his bond four times in April this year so he should go back to jail until the start of his trial which has been delayed until April 2025. A Bond Condition Violation Report on Longmire reviewed by CP shows that the murder suspect failed to comply with the curfew requirements of his house arrest, but the court chose not to revoke his bond. The details of the violations indicated are that Longmire has a GPS device with a curfew of House Arrest. On April 19, Longmire, according to the report, left his house during curfew and returned home during curfew without authorization multiple times. On 4-19 the defendant left his home at 1:58 p.m. and returned home at 2:09 p.m. The defendant left again at 2:12 p.m. and returned home at 2:13 p.m. The defendant left again at 2:16 p.m. and returned home at 2:17 p.m., the report notes. Roland Mouton says he knows the city likely has many people on house arrest, but he believes that considering the nature of the charges against Longmire as well as the evidence against him, he shouldnt be allowed to flaunt the terms of his bail without it being revoked. I just think for somebody who has shot and killed somebody, that person should have gotten picked up immediately. I'm not saying it because this is my brother. I think in any case, or somebody that's an alleged killer, they should be back in custody once they violate their bond, the pastor said. Mouton said his family didnt want Longmire to be given bond, but Texas law allows any person standing trial to post bail before trial. Longmires trial was expected to start in September but his attorney, Carlos A. Rodriguez, asked the court for a continuance due to a conflict with a bribery case he is also working on, and it was granted. The decision to table Longmires murder trial for a bribery case might conflict with a new state law prioritizing murder trials that went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1, 2023. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said she hoped the law would help reduce the backlog of murder cases that has climbed to more than 1,800 in recent years, but noted that testing evidence at area crime labs could counter that push. When asked by CP why the court had not allowed Longmires attorney to prioritize his murder trial over the bribery case, John Donnelly, a public information officer with the Harris County District Attorneys office, said it was the courts decision. He further suggested that prosecutors had conflicts as well. In addition to a backlog of cases impacting the pace of Longmires trial, Fox 26 reported that his case was also delayed due to a change of his defense attorney and multiple applications for bond reduction. Longmire reportedly posted bail in March 2023. When asked what justice would look like for his family at this point, Mouton said seeing Longmire in custody and then having him convicted for his brothers murder and sentenced to no less than 40 years in prison. If he gets anything less than 40 years, we're not gonna like that, Mouton said. My family wants to make it at least 50 but I'm willing to accept 40 because I know the system. He explained that since the murder of his twin brother, his family hasn't been the same. I'll be honest with you, I'm not doing well, and [the] only thing that's holding me is I have longstanding in years and faith, as a pastor, said Mouton, who has been a pastor for more than 36 years. I am not doing well because me and my twin were very close, very, very close. I don't think his wife, I don't think she's doing well. They were married 36 years exactly. I just know his children, his boys, definitely not doing well. It affected everything, he continued. It affected that church, because our younger brother now pastors that church. That church is struggling because it was a caught off guard [by his] death that just didn't make sense to anybody. He had just left the church, like 30 minutes before that boy shot him. Nobody's really doing well, and the people have to really know. We had just buried my mother in March that year, and he gets killed in June, and we would bury our oldest brother in November, all in the same year, Mouton added. That was a tough year for this family; but we could handle the other deaths because we expected them. My mother had dementia. Oldest brother had suffered four strokes. We knew they were going, but this untimely, sensitive shooting of a death of my twin was just something nobody saw or expected. Mouton also revealed that he's had many discussions with law enforcement and legislators about road rage. The main suggestion to resolve it so far has been gun control, but he doesnt think thats a viable suggestion for now. We know gun control is not going to happen. How long we've been trying to get gun control in this country? Mouton asked. I have had many conversations with them, because it's just something that happens so frequently in Houston, Texas, [...] it's almost an every week thing, sometimes twice a week. I watch a lot of films about road rage. And I guess the thing is, there's so many unstable people today. Mentally [ill], people on drugs, he explained. It's just so many facets that lead to aiding road rage. You know, I don't think it's anything that they can control, because you can't control guns, he added. I hate it. I hate that my brother even said anything to the guy that day, and the guy said whatever he said to him. I guess now you just have to let people drive like they drive and just, you know, be patient. Home Opinion Enough is enough. The next president must protect children from online exploitation "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:3-4 ESV). On Nov. 5, Americans will elect a new president. As we prepare to do so, it is obvious many issues divide our nation. Yet, as I prepare to vote like many of you, I am convinced that one issue exists on which we all, including our presidential candidates, must agree. In fact, protecting the innocent and vulnerable is more than an obligation. It is a command from 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 Safeguarding children from the dangers of online exploitation must be of utmost importance under the next president, which is why Enough Is Enough (EIE), a national, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that has been a leading voice in the fight to protect children and families from online exploitation since 1994, is asking both presidential candidates to sign the 2024 Childrens Internet Safety Presidential Pledge (the Pledge). This bi-partisan Pledge, which is supported by over 60 organizations representing millions of concerned Americans, including survivors, calls upon both candidates to prioritize the online safety of Americas children if elected by: 1. Upholding the rule of law by ensuring aggressive enforcement and funding of existing federal laws and advancing sound public policies to prevent the online exploitation and abuse of children. 2. Directing the surgeon general to undertake investigations to address the public health risks of the online exploitation and abuse of minor children. 3. Considering the creation of a bipartisan presidential commission to examine the links between obscene pornography, child sexual abuse material, online exploitation and sex trafficking and make recommendations to the administration and Congress. 4. Advancing bipartisan legislation requiring internet technology services and platforms to improve safety measures, policies, tools and reporting mechanisms and promote voluntary efforts. 5. Considering the creation of a White House position of childrens internet safety director to oversee the president's domestic policy on childrens internet safety issues, and; 6. Supporting bipartisan congressional efforts to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. Unfortunately, no child is immune to the dangers of online exploitation. With the explosion of the internet, the ever-increasing use of smartphones, laptops and other devices, evolving social media and gaming platforms, and the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence, children are increasingly vulnerable to the impact of near-unfettered access to explicit and harmful online content. Parents, caregivers, and law enforcement are often overwhelmed, uninformed and ill-equipped to combat these evils. A 2018 study published by the National Institutes of Health suggests that only about 26% of child sex abuse cases are disclosed to adults and only 12% are ever reported to law enforcement. Inconsistency in reporting, limited resources, an unwillingness to enforce existing laws, and the lack of corporate accountability has allowed criminals and technological companies alike to profit from the exploitation of children. In its 2023 CyberTipline Report, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) documented over 36 million reports of suspected online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) containing more than 105 million images, pictures, videos and other files. Sixty three percent of the images involved children younger than 8 years old, including toddlers and infants. In 2022, the Internet Watch Foundation reported in its MIT Tech Review that the United States now hosts more CSAM than any other country, accounting for 30% of the global total of identified CSAM. As consumption of CSAM increases, so does a predators desire to make direct contact with children. NCMECs 2023 CyberTipline Report further showed that from 2021 to 2023, online enticement of children increased by more than 300%. Consider further that according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) human trafficking has become one of the fastest growing illicit enterprises in the world, generating an estimated $190 billion per year. In 2021, the ILO estimated that 50 million people live in modern-day slavery worldwide. An estimated 28 million people are living in forced labor, which includes sex trafficking. The ILO further estimated that 1 in 8 of those living in forced labor are children, with more than half of those being commercially sexually exploited. According to the U.S. Department of States 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, less than 1% of human trafficking victims are actually identified and reported. Not only must the criminal threat of online childhood exploitation be addressed by the next administration but also the resulting mental health crisis that is plaguing Americas youth. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently stated that the potential risks of harm to the mental health and well-being of children from the use of social media is the defining public health challenge of our times. A 2022 Pew Research Center Report showed that 95% of 13- to 17-year-olds use social media. A similar study in 2020 from the Cybersmile Foundation found that 46% of children aged 12 to 16 feel they are addicted to their smartphones; while a year earlier JAMA Psychiatry concluded in this 2019 study that children who spend more than three hours per day on social media are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, aggression and other antisocial behaviors. Answering the call to action to protect the innocent, vulnerable and oppressed from Psalm 82 will take all of us: parents, corporations, community leaders, and every level of government, including our next president. We must act now, or we will lose an entire generation of children to these evils. Enough Is Enough and its allies proudly stand together to defend our children; and we collectively call upon Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to sign this bipartisan Pledge and stand with us. Concerned Americans can join us in urging the candidates to sign the Pledge by signing our petition here. Home Opinion Why Christians cant afford to sit out the 2024 election A recent Barna study stated that 49% of Christians in America dont plan to vote in the upcoming 2024 election. This startling number got me thinking. As President of Christian Business Mens Connection (CBMC) USA, I get the privilege of traveling around the world seeing how people from other countries live and listening to how they view the United States. As hard as it may be to believe, one thing I have heard time and time again is how they admire the United States and wish they had some of the political and spiritual freedoms that we have in our country. Last I checked, God is still sovereign; He will still be on His throne on November 6 regardless of who wins. There are many verses that support this, but I like the clarity of Colossians 1:16 For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 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, the question that I have been wrestling with is what are we to do regarding this election? If God is in control, then I guess I dont have to do anything right? But then why does He give us free will? Del Tackett describes Gods great meta-narrative as this creation, fall, redemption, engagement and restoration. As you may have already figured out, we are somewhere between the redemption of the world (Jesus on the cross) and the restoration of the world (Jesus coming back to reign). We are in that time in which God is using us in His plan for the restoration of the world. He uses us to share our faith with those who dont know Him. He commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to go and make disciples. But what does He say about voting for a candidate that we dont like all that well? Unfortunately, He doesnt! Both presidential candidates are broken people, like the rest of us, and I am sure that you have local and state officials who are also broken people hoping to get elected to govern in our broken, imperfect world. As I have often said before, biblical worldview matters! Peoples worldview determines how they will lead, and how Americans will vote on very important issues. The Bible says in Romans 13:1, Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Does this change if we dont like these governing authorities as people? We will all be held accountable for our actions and if you just cant vote for someone, that is your right. However, there seems to be a bigger issue at hand when studies show that 49% of Christians will not be voting in this election. Unfortunately, it seems as though these Christians cant separate these broken and flawed candidates from the policies that they and their party stand for. These are complex issues. In the past, we often relied on the media to do some of the thinking for us. We can no longer do that today because it has become increasingly difficult to discern the truth. Our trust in the media has never been lower. In fact, one statistic shows that 50 years ago, there were approximately 50 companies controlling the media and the messages we heard. However, those same media are now only controlled by six companies! As Christians, we must recognize the presence of issues and candidates that may conflict with Gods design. We must look at their positions and compare them to the ultimate authority of Gods Word when thinking about issues like the sanctity of human life, the role of government, parental rights, our freedom of speech, religion and the protection of children. Please, let me be clear, I am not telling you who to vote for. What I am praying for, however, is that we would all lean in and engage. God can use us in this season as we exercise our right and privilege to vote. Lets prayerfully approach the ballot box and trust God with the results, knowing He is always on His throne (Isaiah 6:1). Join the 51% and vote! The O.G. sandwich at Delirama includes pastrami, coleslaw, Gruyere, Thousand Island dressing and mustard. The smash-hit deli launched at a new kitchen space in October. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle The operators behind some of the Bay Areas must-visit bars and restaurants made moves in October. New Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants as well as an eye-catching bar are building on successful projects in the East Bay this month. Some overlooked Bay Area cities also got some love, too, with exciting openings extending to Alameda, Orinda and Pittsburg. Click here for a list of notable restaurants that opened in September. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pastrami master locks in permanent residency Delirama acolytes have a reason to celebrate. The popular pastrami-obsessed deli is back in Berkeley, inside Olfactory Brewings kitchen space. East Bay Nosh reported the return, writing that favorites like the dads mustard sandwich, which stuffs 6 ounces of pastrami between rye bread slices, are still on the menu. Pastrami tacos, pizza and hoagies are also available. 2055 Center St., Suite D, Berkeley. instagram.com/delirama_jr Acclaimed restaurant opens spinoff The owners of top South Asian restaurant Puranpoli have a new restaurant showing off the flavors of Indias Maharashtra state. Solkadhi opened in Fremont with a menu that includes misal pav, a spicy curry made from sprouts and moth beans; spiced marinated tiger prawn kebabs; and special thali with mutton masala, chicken masala and sides like rice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 9158 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. solkadhi.net East Bay micro roaster grows Berkeleys Cafenated Coffee Co. is now in Uptown Oakland. Find the independent coffee roaster and cafes newest outlet at a converted shipping container on Broadway, formerly operated by Red Bay Coffee. Its serving the usual lineup of lattes and drip coffee, along with select pastries. A bowl of gumbo at Vegan Mob, which returned to Oaklands Grand Lake in October. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Soul food specialist makes a comeback Toriano Gordon closed his vegan soul food and barbecue restaurant Vegan Mob last year. In October, he returned to Oaklands Grand Lake with a food truck stationed outside the restaurants former location. The menu still includes favorites like fried oyster mushrooms and waffles, hefty combo plates featuring plant-based brisket, vegan links and more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 500 Lake Park Ave., Oakland. veganmob.biz Sourdough pizza expert opens shop Alameda has a new pizza shop on its west side. The pandemic-born Share Pizza announced its first brick-and-mortar at the corner of Main Street and Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway. The new shop offers several sourdough pizza options topped with butternut squash and poblano peppers, spinach and mushroom, and other classics like pepperoni and cheese pies. These are available whole or by the slice. 1930 Main St., Suite #2, Alameda instagram.com/sharepizzaalameda Sausage specialists open sandwich shop A roving favorite for homemade spicy and Italian-style sausages is now making links and hot sandwiches at a new permanent location. The Mercury News reports Paulo Sausage Co. opened a store after five years of slinging sausages around the Bay Areas farmers market circuit. The sandwiches take the punchy sausages, in flavors like pork with roasted garlic and wine, and place them atop bread from Pittsburg neighbor Rustic Culture Sourdough Co. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2951 Harbor St., Suite E, Pittsburg. paulosausageco.com Shawarmaji owner Mohammad Abutaha, as seen in 2020, mixes spices, yogurt and pepper paste for a marinade. He opened a new restaurant named Teta Nahla in Oakland in October. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Rare, comforting Arab dishes arrive Mohammad Abutaha, owner of top-rated Middle Eastern restaurant Shawarmaji, opened a new project in Oakland. Teta Nahla is a celebration of his grandmother Nahlas cooking. Expect seldom-seen dishes like mansaf, a Jordanian-Palestinian dish made with braised lamb in a yogurt sauce. There is also bamyeh, an okra stew with savory tomato sauce and enhanced with garlic and basil. 2123 Franklin St., Oakland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad New tenant arrives at old Thai restaurant location New restaurant Nua Thai Kitchen is now cooking inside the Piedmont Avenue space formerly home to northeastern Thai spot Pla Deek. Yelp users report there are the usual green and yellow curries and soups. Other dishes include massaman short ribs, cornish hen in green curry and burgers made with spiced ground pork or chicken between turmeric sticky rice buns. 4133 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Lively new bar revives popular bar space The team behind Bar Shiru, among the Bay Areas best bars, launched its latest. Named Gold Palm, the new Oakland bar features low-proof cocktails like spritzes and a signature milk punch washed with coconut milk. Local chef Selasie Dotse collaborated on the food menu, which has items the team is calling Pakistani bar food. These include flaky patties stuffed with chicken and a green chutney topped with masala seasoning. 1900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. instagram.com/goldpalmoakland/ Dishes from Bangladesh reach Orinda Atithi, a new Orinda restaurant, is now cooking Bangladeshi-style curries with chicken or blackened beef. Eater SF reports the new restaurant opened in October. 70 Moraga Way, Orinda. atithiorinda.com Jollibee opened its first Alameda location in October. Mario Cortez / The Chronicle Buzzy fried chicken docks in the East Bay East Bay Jollibee fans welcomed the Filipino chains newest location at the Alameda Landing Center on Oct. 11. The location drew long lines of customers waiting to bite into the companys fried chicken, peach-mango pies and Filipino-style spaghetti, made with a sweet tomato sauce. A San Francisco location is still in the works. Home News 'Tragic day': Law banning pro-lifers from abortion clinics could make silent prayer illegal Buffer zones around abortion facilities went into effect in England and Wales, a development that pro-life advocates contend criminalizes silent prayer and offering help for women and families in need of pregnancy resources. The zones, which were approved last year after Parliament passed the Public Order Act 2023, went into effect last Thursday. Under the law, it is a criminal offense for someone to be within 500 feet (150 meters) of an abortion facility or the access point of a building that has an abortion facility located inside. Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 states that influencing abortion-minded women or people performing abortions is now illegal. The law also prohibits actions that constitute causing harassment, alarm, or distress to abortion workers or someone entering an abortion facility. 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 One of the largest providers of abortion and contraception worldwide, Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices, formerly Marie Stopes International, celebrated the implementation of the buffer zones, also known as "safe access zones" in England and Wales. This is a huge win for reproductive rights at MSI Reproductive Choices UK, and we hope that this show of support from the government will inspire positive change elsewhere in the world, where our clinics remain unprotected from anti-choice harassment, the group said in a statement last Thursday. Everyone deserves to access and provide abortion [...] without fear of anti-choice harassment, the statement continued. Now, in England and Wales, this will be the reality. And everywhere else, we'll keep fighting. Right to Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson, however, bemoaned the introduction of buffer zones. She called it a tragic day for pregnant women in need of support and their unborn children in a statement released Thursday. The pro-life group argued that current laws already protect women and the general public from harassment outside abortion facilities. Hundreds of women have received practical support from pro-life volunteers outside abortion clinics over the years, support that provided a real alternative to abortion, Robinson added. Right to Life UK highlighted the Be Here for Me campaign, which consists of mothers in the United Kingdom who oppose buffer zones. The campaign features testimonies from women who received help from pro-life volunteers stationed outside abortion facilities, including financial support and material resources. The introduction of buffer zones today will criminalize offers of support outside abortion clinics, she continued. This support not only gives women a genuine choice but also helps those who may be facing coercion. Without this, many women will go through with abortions they didnt want and the lives of many more babies will be tragically lost to abortion. On the day that the new law was rolled out, the Crown Prosecution Service also released new guidelines that Right to Life UK fears could create confusion about what activities outside abortion facilities are considered illegal. While threats, assault and verbal abuse are illegal under the Act, the guidelines also list silent prayer, singing around religious pictures, holding vigils and passing out leaflets with what it described as misinformation about abortion. CPS did acknowledge, however, that factual questions may arise, noting that a person who carries out any of these activities within a safe access zone will not necessarily commit a criminal offense. The public agency instructed prosecutors to consider the context of certain actions, as well as the facts and circumstances. Earlier this month, British military veteran Adam Smith-Connor was found guilty of praying silently near an abortion facility in England. The Pool Magistrates Court granted Smith-Connor a conditional discharge, which means the veteran will face sentencing if convicted of future offenses within the next two years. Today, the court has decided that certain thoughts silent thoughts can be illegal in the United Kingdom, Smith-Connor said after the ruling. That cannot be right. All I did was pray to God, in the privacy of my own mind, and yet I stand convicted as a criminal? Following the implementation of abortion buffer zones, Students for Life of America and Students for Life Action President Kristan Hawkins expressed concern about the United States enacting a similar law. "If you think America could never follow suit, you are mistaken, as this could easily be us under a Kamala Harris administration," the pro-life leader wrote on X on Thursday. Listing her concerns with the vice presidents record, Hawkins pointed to Harris' answer during an interview with NBCs Hallie Jackson about whether the presidential hopeful would consider religious exemptions to a nationwide abortion mandate. Harris responded, I dont think we should be making concessions. Pro-lifers are not safe under a Harris-Walz administration, the SFLA president declared. If you are pro-lifer and decided to sit out this election, please reconsider & vote like your freedoms & lives depend on it because they do. Home News Christian woman tied to a tree, beaten by village leaders in Mexico A Christian woman who suffered severe internal injuries after being tied to a tree and beaten by traditionalist Catholic elders in her village in Mexicos Hidalgo State is now hospitalized in critical condition. Police have made no arrests, according to a report. The victim, identified as Maria Concepcion Hernandez Hernandez from the Great Commission Baptist Church in the community of Rancho Nuevo in Huejutla de los Reyes Municipality, was attacked on Dec. 21 by a group of people, all belonging to the Roman Catholic majority in the village, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported last week. Immediately before the attack, the bells of the local Roman Catholic church were ringing, CSW continued. 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 She was visiting her land as a neighbor had asked her to remove two trees because the local authorities had prohibited members of the religious minority from accessing or using their land for cultivating crops, the group said. The pastor of the womans church, Rogelio Hernandez Baltazar, was also detained for two hours after he sought to intervene to stop the attack, and threatened by the same authorities who declared they will not allow the victims body to be buried in the village if she does not recover from her injuries. The pastor and other villagers are prohibited from meeting her, the group said, adding that no arrests had been made despite complaints having been filed with the Hidalgo State Human Rights Commission and the Hidalgo State Prosecutor's Office. The attackers have been identified as Benito Rocha, Fermin Hernandez Hernandez, Octaviano Gutierrez Hernandez, Margarito Gutierrez Hernandez, Francisco Wenses, and catechist Juan Hernandez Hernandez. The life of a woman hangs in the balance and a community is living in fear because, despite ample evidence of serious violations of freedom of religion or belief in Rancho Nuevo for more than seven years, the Mexican authorities have failed to intervene, CSWs Head of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, said. Instead, Hidalgo State government officials, under the previous governor, have for years publicly denied the existence of cases of religious intolerance in the state, Stangl continued. This is not a one-off incident of Christian persecution in Mexico, which has risen due to drug cartel violence, persecution by traditionalist Catholics and violent discrimination by anti-Christian left-wing groups, Open Doors USA previously reported. In rural indigenous communities, anyone who turns away from traditional religious beliefs can face rejection and punishment in the form of fines, imprisonment, and forced displacement. Non-discrimination laws mean that any links between Christian faith and politics are placed under very strict legal scrutiny, says the ministry on its website. Unlike Christianity, traditionalist Catholicism relies on giving gifts to pagan gods in exchange for health, good fortune and protection from evil. They often participate in animal sacrifices to the gods and worship saints, incorporating practices from pagan Aztec beliefs. In areas controlled by criminal groups or drug cartels, young men are exposed to indoctrination and forced recruitment. Those who do not accept it for reasons of Christian faith or otherwise face threats, potential abduction and even death, says Open Doors USA. Families, too, are bribed and intimidated to force their children to obey the gangs. Church leaders are often victims of extortion because they are assumed to have access to church funds. Mexico also has the highest rate of human trafficking in the world, and women are easy targets for illegal armed groups to recruit or abduct. Last May, 16 indigenous Protestant Christian families in the southern state of Chiapas were pressured to pay illegal fines for the fourth consecutive year for not participating in a syncretic Roman Catholic festival that involves alcohol, CSW reported at the time. In September 2021, two evangelical families from the First Baptist Church in the La Mesa Limantitla area in Hidalgo states Huejutla de los Reyes Municipality were threatened with being cut off from essential services or expelled from the community if they continued to refuse to deny their faith and pay a fine illegally levied against them, CSW reported at the time. Home News Christian group demands Mexico protect clergy after priest is assassinated A UK-based Christian group has called on the Mexican government to protect clergy after a priest was assassinated in Chiapas State. Fr. Marcelo Perez Perez, who was shot to death after officiating Mass, had been a prominent advocate for peace and human rights in the region. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) last week urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the Oct. 20 assassination in the city of San Cristobal de las Casas. Two days after the assassination, Mexican authorities announced the arrest of one suspect. The Chiapas public prosecutor's office identified the alleged material author of the crime as Edgar N, following the usual practice of not giving full names, CBS News reported. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In September, Fr. Perez Perez led a public march calling for peace and spoke out against the growing presence of organized crime in Chiapas, according to CSW, which noted that he had received threats after speaking out against drug trafficking and related violence in the state. Chiapas State has been gripped by a cartel turf war between powerful groups like the Sinaloa and the Jalisco New Generation Cartels. Although an arrest has been made in the case, a thorough investigation is imperative to ensure that all those responsible for Father Perez Perezs death including those at the very top of transnational organized criminal groups are held to account, said CSWs Head of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and Chiapas State Governor Rutilio Escandon Cadenas must take swift and coordinated steps to eradicate these organized criminal groups spreading terror across the state, and this includes aggressively combatting corruption. The Mexican Bishops Conference lamented the brutal murder of the priest, noting that the act not only deprives the community of a dedicated pastor but also silences a prophetic voice that tirelessly fought for peace with truth and justice in the Chiapas region, said Catholic News Agency. According to the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas, the priest had faced a long period of threats, persecution, harassment, slander and defamation. Even knowing that his life was in danger, he lived a profound faith in God and a great love for the people that took him to the ultimate consequences, the diocese stated. Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, who ordained Father Perez Perez, described him as a man committed to justice and peace among Indigenous peoples. He added that the priest was very focused on his vocation, very prayerful and spent a lot of time before the tabernacle. The United Nations Human Rights Organization in Mexico also condemned the assassination. Jesus Pena Palacios, deputy representative, noted that since 2015, Father Perez Perez had been under precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights due to the constant risk to his life and personal safety because of his work in defense of human rights. The murder of Father Marcelo is absolutely unacceptable, Pena said. Despite having protective measures and constant complaints about the attacks he faced, these were insufficient to prevent his murder. Religious leaders have been targets of organized criminal groups in Mexico for many years. Mexico has been designated one of the most dangerous in the world for Roman Catholic priests, CSW noted. The ongoing conflict has forced thousands to flee for their lives, including more than 500 villagers who fled Chiapas into Guatemala in July, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The governor of Chiapas shared a video on social media assuring that investigations began immediately so that this homicide does not go unpunished and that the guilty parties face justice. At a press conference, the Mexican President said, We are coordinating to be able to make progress in the investigation and ensure that this crime does not go unpunished. The Latin American Bishops' Council recognized Father Perez Perez as a tireless seeker of peace and justice for his people, the fruit of his faithful commitment to the Gospel and his total dedication to Christ present among those who suffer the most. Hundreds of mourners attended the priest's funeral in his hometown, chanting, Long live Father Marcelo, priest of the poor! CBS News reported, noting that Mexico has seen more than 450,000 murders since a controversial military anti-drug operation was launched in 2006. Home News Church reels after murdered missionarys wife arrested in connection with his death Members of the Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where the late Beau Shroyer and his family were longtime members before moving to Lubango, Angola, to serve as missionaries in 2021, are now reeling in a complex web of emotions after learning that Beaus wife, Jackie Shroyer, was arrested in connection with his murder in the southern African country just over a week ago. It's been a pretty heavy and emotionally complicated week. The news of Beaus death along with now the heartbreaking news of Jackie's arrest in connection with his death has overwhelmed us with grief and speculation and confusion, Troy Easton, lead pastor, of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, said in a message to his congregation Sunday. Eastons comments to his congregation on the 44-year-old Beau Shroyers death came less than 48 hours after he announced in a letter that Jackie Shroyer had been arrested. 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 As you all know, our community has been deeply saddened by the death of our dear brother and friend Beau Shroyer, who was killed in a violent, criminal attack in Angola, Africa on Friday, October 25. Today, our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably as weve learned that his wife, Jackie Shroyer, has been arrested in connection with his death, Easton wrote. Im so sorry and simply do not have words to express my disbelief and sorrow about this news. The Shroyer family had been working with the missionary organization SIM USA during their time in Angola and Easton said the couples five children were being well cared for despite the tragedy. What I can tell you is that the Shroyer children are well cared for, and we will work alongside SIM USA and SIM Angola to ensure that continues to be the case, Easton explained. In a presentation on their missionary work in Lubango to Country Faith Church in June which has now been made private by the church on YouTube, Jackie Shroyer, also 44, revealed that she and her family moved to Angola about three years ago. She said it was their first time as a family living overseas and their first time working as missionaries and they struggled to adjust. She explained that in their first year in Lubango, they focused on learning Portuguese and the culture and constantly battled malaria and security issues. We battled many other sicknesses. We had a lot of security issues. Mistrust with guards. We went through so many guards, and we had several break-ins in our home during the night while we were at home sleeping, Jackie Shroyer said. On top of everything else, trying to figure out how to live in this culture, we had so many changes, so many difficult experiences that caused a lot of fear and trauma, she added. The couple said they had returned to the U.S. this summer for the first time since they relocated to Lubango in 2021, and Beau Shroyer, who previously worked as a realtor and police officer, quickly announced on his professional realtor Facebook page that he was open to work during his time stateside. Im back in Detroit Lakes for the summer, and still licensed to help you buy or sell your home in Minnesota. [...], he wrote on June 1. While ministry of officials have confirmed that Beau Shroyers death was violent, it remained unclear Monday how exactly he was killed as the church asked for privacy during their time of grief. And while he doesnt know how exactly God will work this tragedy for the churchs good, Easton said he believes that God will work things out. I get that losing my friend this week, our friend and brother, to a senseless and vicious crime was already so painful, especially in light of the family that he left behind and the sacrifices that we know he already made to love and serve God but now that grief is compounded by news that is unthinkable, he told his congregation on Sunday. I'm so sorry church for your loss, for our loss, and for how much this hurts. I'm sorry for all the unanswered questions and the confusion this creates for us, and I am just deeply sorry that this is what we need to walk through and face as a community right now. Home News Momentum has shifted toward Trump, but Evangelical turnout is critical': Trump pollster We are in the final hours of the most dramatic, historic and high stakes presidential campaign in the modern history of the United States. I am 57, and I've never witnessed anything like this a dead heat, said All Israel News' Joel Rosenberg. In the latest episode of his weekly program "The Rosenberg Report" on TBN, Rosenberg analyzed the high stakes in the 2024 elections for Christian and pro-Israel voters. He heard a similar "inside" message from both John McLaughlin a key pollster for former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, and Ken Blackwell former U.S. ambassador and Ohio secretary of state. The two top political veterans believe that the momentum in the presidential race has shifted in recent weeks from Vice President Kamala Harris to Trump. Nevertheless, they say, Republican turnout at the polls is absolutely crucial. They highlighted the importance of Evangelical and young black votes in battleground states. 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 This race is very different in that at this point in time we are tied in the national polls, McLaughlin told Rosenberg. You have us winning slightly every battleground state from 1 to 3 points, and early voting is going very well this week. In Nevada, North Carolina for the first time ever in history Republicans have outnumbered Democrats in early voting. In North Carolina, Georgia there's record numbers of voters out. Most voters will have voted early by Election Day. In Arizona, Republicans outnumber the Democrats in early voting. In the final weekend, McLaughlin said it comes down to three states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, where Republicans are running ahead of their past absentee turnout. There may be some surprises because we might just win Minnesota and New Mexico, he added. McLaughlin, who in the past also served as a pollster for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressed that the results of the upcoming vote are not only detrimental to Americans, but also to Israel and the world. Therefore, a lot of people are praying for good outcomes, in his words. Americans are seeing from Donald Trump somebody who is likable, who is confident, who also is patriotic, who is the strongest supporter of Israel that we've ever had, he said. You know, when Trump was president and Bibi was prime minister, I was on the receiving end of phone calls from both of them back-to-back. Despite the positive trends that he sees for Republicans with [one day] to Election Day, McLaughlin underscores that Evangelical turnout is critical. We do see in the polls that we're running over 70 percent of support with Evangelical voters that's strong, he said. But I'll tell you what, there are Evangelical voters who may not vote because some of them think Trump's got it in the back. He's going to win. Some of them think that their votes don't really count. Well, in this race, your votes do count. Plus, we've expanded our Evangelical support to Latino voters, to African American voters. And you see that in the polls with the Democrats are freaking out because Donald Trump is getting higher levels of support, historic levels of support from African Americans, from Hispanic voters, from Jewish voters, McLaughlin added. Originally published at All Israel News Home News Houston pastor was fatally shot after 10-second road rage argument, police say The late East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church pastor, Rev. Ronald K. Mouton, was fatally shot in the chest last Friday after an argument with another driver that lasted just 10 seconds along the Gulf Freeway in Houston, Texas, police revealed Wednesday. Investigators from the Houston Police Department said surveillance video from the incident shows the pastor, who was driving a BMW, and his suspected killer, who was driving a black Honda Accord, stopped along the freeway before the shooting, KPRC reported. Police say the two appeared to argue for about 10 seconds before the driver of the Honda shot the pastor in the chest and caused him to crash his vehicle. 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 Mouton, 58, crashed shortly after 5 p.m. at 6400 Gulf Freeway near Gould Street along the southbound lanes police. The pastor leaves behind his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren. Police say surveillance video also shows several vehicles stopped behind the two cars. Investigators hope that someone may have seen the suspect or the suspects license plate. During a press conference held at East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, faith leaders, elected officials and Moutons family members called on his killer to come forward and take responsibility for the murder. Authorities also announced that a reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect had been increased from $5,000 to $25,000. Were not looking for revenge ... but I think there is something we are owed, and that is justice, the late pastors twin brother, Roland Mouton, who is a pastor in Louisiana, said at the press conference, according to The Houston Chronicle. If you got a heart, if you got a conscience, ease our hurt and help us take away our anger and give us the justice that we deserve. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, who asked everyone at the press conference to face the pulpit and honor the late pastor with a moment of silence, said there were not enough words to express the magnitude of the loss felt by Moutons family and wider community as a result of his death. I want the community to know the magnitude of our loss. It is unspeakable. It cannot be defined. It cannot be crafted, it cannot be described and it cannot fit inside this room, Jackson Lee said. You killed a pastor, a person whose every (instinct) is to come to you in your time of need, she continued, aiming her comments at the unidentified killer. You have taken that away from the membership of the East Bethel Baptist Church. Crime Stoppers of Houston pledged a $15,000 reward for information leading to the shooters arrest. Billionaire businessman Tilman Fertitta also pledged an additional $10,000 towards the reward on Wednesday morning, HPD officials said. At 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, faith leaders, family members and other community members are expected to hold a prayer march for justice at Palm Center. A celebration of Moutons life will occur at Community of Faith Church on July 8, while East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is expected to host another memorial service for Mouton on July 9. Anyone with information that can help with the arrest of the suspect is asked to call HPD or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Information can be submitted online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Home News Evangelist Shane Pruitt urges Christians to avoid being a 'jerk for Jesus' or 'coward for Christ' A Christian evangelist is urging Christians to avoid acting like a jerk for Jesus or a coward for Christ while highlighting the need for the faithful to stand up for biblical truths even if it means getting involved in political discourse. In a video posted to Facebook Wednesday, evangelist Shane Pruitt lamented that for a "very long time, the world has been bullying the Church into silence on certain issues because the world wants to dominate that conversation. According to Pruitt, Theyll tell the Church Hey, you cant speak on that, thats a political issue and youre being too political. 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 However, you need to realize there are certain things that were biblical truths way before they were ever political statements, he added. Addressing the issue of abortion, Pruitt identified the question of when does life begin as a biblical truth. He also cited who determines what marriage is and who determines what sex and gender is as additional examples of biblical truths. Pruitt, who serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, maintained that the world is infringing on the words territory, not vice versa. He insisted that Christians only speak where the Bible speaks. The video concluded with Pruitt delivering a message to Christians: Raise up, Church. Be bold, be confident, be kind. Nowhere in the Bible does it give us an excuse to be a jerk for Jesus but it also doesnt give us an excuse to be a coward for Christ, he stressed. We always talk about needing a heart for Christianity and a heart for ministry. Yes, we need a heart but sometimes, we need a spine and a backbone, too. Pruitt made his remarks about Christians obligations to political discourse less than a week before the 2024 presidential election. He did not specifically discuss the election but the topics he touched upon, specifically abortion and the LGBT debate, are issues that loom large in the campaign. The Johnson Amendment, which dates back to 1954 and requires churches to refrain from explicitly supporting or endorsing political candidates as a condition of maintaining their tax-exempt status, is often listed as the reason why churches and pastors are reluctant to get involved in politics. Secular organizations like the Freedom From Religion Foundation often refer to the Johnson Amendment when filing complaints against churches for engaging in what it characterizes as political speech. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president in the 2024 election, campaigned on eliminating the longstanding provision from the United States tax code during his first presidential bid in 2016. In the first few months of his presidency, he issued an executive order directing the Internal Revenue Service to relax its enforcement of the Johnson Amendment against churches and pastors. A survey from Lifeway Research, published last month, found that 29% of respondents viewed pastors endorsing political candidates as appropriate. While this remains significantly below the majority, the share of the American public supporting pastors endorsing candidates at church has risen from the 13% measured in 2008. A group of religious broadcasters and churches filed a lawsuit earlier this year, accusing the IRS of selectively enforcing the Johnson Amendment in a way that enables progressive pastors to speak about politics from the pulpit while not granting the same right to their conservative counterparts. The complaint maintained that the Johnson Amendment, which also applies to nonprofit organizations that receive tax-exempt status from the IRS, violates the First and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Home News Sean Rowe installed as new leader of Episcopal Church; stresses unity, need to finish the job The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe has taken over as the new leader of The Episcopal Church, declaring at his installation service that the denomination must unify and finish the job of witnessing to a hurting world. Rowe was officially installed as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church in a ceremony at the Chapel of Christ the Lord in New York, New York, on Saturday, succeeding the Rev. Michael Curry, who in 2015 had become the first African American head of the denomination. During his sermon, Rowe preached John 11:38-44, which recounts the story of Jesus raising Lazarus up from the dead. After Lazarus was brought back to life, Jesus ordered the crowd to take off the grave clothes and let him go. 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 will find ourselves, I believe, reflected in the crowds standing around Lazarus tomb, said Rowe. Over and over again, we will stand together, sometimes afraid, sometimes bewildered, looking for life, hoping for wholeness in all things. Over and over, God will call us to finish the job, to wipe away the tears, to bear witness, to unbind the captives and set them free, to participate in the Kingdom of God, to make it manifest in the world right here, right now, he added. Rowe said the unbinding and liberating of ourselves and our structures and our hurting world will require us to set aside our disbelief and our divisions, our attachments to the things of this world and maybe our attachment to the way we think things ought to function. This sort of unbinding, though, is nothing less than standing against the lies of the enemy, he continued. This is the enemy who would keep us small and lifeless and hopeless. This is the enemy that would have us saying We cant do any better than were doing. The enemy who would keep us bound and will keep us bound if we prize our own preferences, traditions and comforts above the need to collaborate, to share, to work creatively to proclaim the Gospel. Rowe maintained that churches and dioceses within the denomination cannot go it alone, but rather, they must acknowledge our mutual interdependence, our need to do ministry together, to share what we have and to sustain one another. In this badly hurting world, we need to become one church, he stated. Were not a collection of dioceses and institutions, a collection of the ways of doing things. We are one church, one church in Jesus Christ. This work, the work of proclaiming in word and deed that Jesus resurrection and life, is the work to which God has called The Episcopal Church, now and always, as one church, together. The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, Rowe was elected at the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in June. Rowe received 89 out of 158 votes from the Episcopal House of Bishops, passing the minimum threshold of 82 votes. His election was then confirmed in a vote by the Episcopal Church House of Deputies. According to his official biography, Rowe was elected bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania on the first ballot in 2007 at age 32, making him the youngest Episcopal bishop at the time. Rowe has also served as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops, a member of the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance and Constitution and Canons, chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund and a member of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. Soon after being elected, it was announced that Rowe was not going to hold his investiture service at the Washington National Cathedral as was traditional but instead would hold the event at the much smaller venue of the Chapel of Christ the Lord at the denominations headquarters in New York, New York. With gratitude to all involved, I have decided to begin this ministry in a new way, Rowe said in a June statement. With a simple service at the Church Center that will include everyone via livestream, we can care for Gods creation by reducing our collective carbon footprint. The Episcopal Church traces its roots to the late 18th century and has been a prominent denomination in United States history. Over the past few decades, however, it has experienced considerable membership decline due to multiple factors. According to a report from September of last year, the Churchs membership in 2022 was approximately 1.58 million, which is well below the nearly 2 million members reported in 2010. Home News Trump pledges access for faith leaders 'directly into the Oval Office' if elected Former President Donald Trump has promised to provide faith leaders with direct access to him in the Oval Office if he wins the election. Speaking last Monday at the National Faith Summit in Powder Springs, Georgia, Trump vowed to reinstate the Faith Office he originally established during his first term, emphasizing the critical role of religion in the nation. In response to a question from moderator Paula White-Cain about what a faith office might look like in a second Trump administration, the former president indicated his plans involve a direct line to the Oval Office. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe First of all, we're going to set that up, and we'll be talking to you and all of the people that we just met, and anybody else that you think is appropriate as well, said Trump. It's important, and it'll be directly into the Oval Office. White-Cain, who previously oversaw the faith office during Trumps final year in office, reiterated Trumps promise. "If you just heard what the president said, [the] faith office will be in the Oval Office in the White House and directly reporting to him, because that, to him, is one of the most important things to people is that we remain strong in all of our faiths, she said. Last month, Trumps campaign announced that Dr. Benjamin Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, would serve as national faith chairman. In the announcement, Trump stated, Kamala Harris and the radical left have waged war on Americas faith community since the day they took office. Her selection of Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential nominee solidifies their commitment to intensifying those efforts. Ben Carson, a man of unwavering faith, is the perfect person to work with leaders of the faith community on behalf of the campaign to promote the protection of religious freedom and prosperity in our country," he added. "Nobody was a bigger champion for the faith community than me. Carson remarked, Im honored to serve as his national faith chairman and will work diligently with the faith community to get him elected. There is only one candidate in this race that has defended religious liberty and supported Americans of faith. That candidate is Donald J. Trump. Last December, Trump announced plans to create a task force to combat anti-Christian bias, which the former president said would focus on investigating "all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment and persecution against Christians in America." "They are going after Christians," he said at the time. "Americans of faith are not a threat to our country. Americans of faith are the soul of our country and they have been from the beginning." However, a recent report by researcher George Barna indicates that millions of Christians do not plan to vote in the upcoming election. Among those not voting, 68% cited a lack of interest in policies, while 57% expressed discontent with all major candidates. Half of those surveyed stated that the increasing controversy surrounding elections influenced their decision to abstain from voting. Martin Ray Winery owner Courtney Benham, left, has been rebottling bulk wine for decades. Chief marketing officer Ryan Watts, right, is a veteran of the original Cameron Hughes Wine company. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle When the wine company De Negoce appeared in 2020, it set off a peculiar frenzy. The pitch was irresistible: $100 Napa Cabernet discounted to as little as $10. The catch was that you had to buy at least a case, as futures committing before the wines were actually bottled and youd never learn the name of the winery that made it. Soon, fanatical De Negoce customers had taken to online message boards, obsessively tracking their purchases and trading tasting notes. Theyd rush to buy new wines as soon as the email announcement came through; the hottest releases sold out in a matter of minutes. These were the days of deep COVID, and America was buying wine as if there might literally be no tomorrow. Ive probably bought well over 150 cases at this point, said Matt Turk, a customer in San Diego. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But four years in, the fandom noticed something had changed. De Negoces founder, serial wine entrepreneur Cameron Hughes, had just vanished, as Turk put it, no longer signing the emails or posting his typically high volume of messages on the online forum. Logistical snags increased: Wines were delivered late, or shipped in weather so hot that it could damage the precious liquid. Some swear that the quality of the wines became more variable. Bottles of De Negoce Chardonnay on the bottling line at Martin Ray Winery in Santa Rosa. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The De Negoce community suspected something sketchy had happened. They believed they deserved answers. More than one customer emailed the Chronicle, urging an investigation. The Chronicle took the bait. An investigation revealed a relatively simple explanation the obvious explanation. In early 2024, Hughes sold De Negoce to Santa Rosas Martin Ray Winery; Hughes left; the new owner rebuilt the team. A run-of-the-mill merger-and-acquisition story. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was looking to cash in, to be honest with you, Hughes explained. Since launching De Negoce from his San Francisco home, hed been working 80-hour weeks. He wanted to focus on his other businesses, like the Wagyu steak company he owns. He remarried. The question now is whether the new De Negoce leadership can recapture the magic that Hughes found a familiar question for any newly acquired brand that had traded so heavily on the personality of its founder. De Negoces early success was inextricable from Hughes himself, hinging entirely on customers trust in his ability to discern good wine from bad and to negotiate a bargain. Each bottle of De Negoce is given a lot number, never to be repeated. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle New owner Courtney Benham wants to assure his customers that his team is upholding Hughes sourcing principles. Benham best known as the co-founder of Blackstone Merlot has been rebottling bulk wine for over 30 years, he points out, and is leveraging his own longtime industry connections to get the same competitive deals on high-quality bulk wine that Hughes was. If anything, Benham believes, the quality of the De Negoce wines has gone up: I think that our palates are maybe a little more exact, he said. Will the De Negoce megafans buy it? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hughes is whats known in wine circles as a negociant a trader who buys premade wine, rebottles it and sells it. His first venture, Cameron Hughes Wine, capitalized on a glut of wine on the bulk market in the early aughts. But Cameron Hughes Wine grew too quickly, took on too much debt, became too reliant on one wholesaler Costco, which bought less and less and eventually entered a court-appointed receivership. Vintage Wine Estates, which itself filed for bankruptcy this year, bought Cameron Hughes Wine in 2017. Hughes saw De Negoce as a do-over, a chance to correct the fatal errors that had doomed Cameron Hughes Wine. The futures model meant he would never have excess inventory. Direct-to-consumer sales meant he would no longer be at the mercy of a retailer like Costco. This time around, he said, it worked. I think we cracked the code, absolutely. Cameron Hughes at his San Francisco home in 2020, around the time he launched De Negoce. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle The timing was fortuitous: Bulk wine pricing was extremely low in early 2020, thanks to a yearslong surplus of grapes in California, so there were plenty of reputable wineries looking to sell perfectly good wine on the bulk market. Many of the early De Negoce wines were California Cabernets from 2018, an excellent vintage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Almost immediately, wine lovers took notice. When I started out, I thought it was amazing, said Carter Zinn, a lawyer in Mill Valley. There were several bottles that I just couldnt believe how good they were. He bought multiple cases of 2018 Napa Cab for $25 to $30 a bottle, and Im quite confident that some of these were equivalent to a $100 bottle. Rohit Bhan, a 30-year-old orthopedic surgery resident in Chicago, had never bought much wine before discovering De Negoce. The value proposition converted him into an enthusiast. I would say my hit rate was 70% very good, he said. Julio Mendez inspects a label of De Negoce Chardonnay as it is bottled. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Hughes emails announcing each new wine release used sensational language: The wines were dynamite, a stunning value, sourced from one of the icon estates of Napa Valley. He posted frequently on the online forum Wine Berserkers, really fueling the fire as much as he possibly could, said one frequent Berserkers poster in Santa Barbara County, Larry Schaffer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The approach encouraged amateur sleuthing: Customers would posit guesses about which wineries the De Negoce bulk lots had come from. One San Francisco fan, Laura Cook, started a website, De Negociants, that crowdsourced reviews of each wine. The community felt such a personal connection to Hughes that when he stopped communicating early this year, many felt betrayed. To this day we have no idea why, Turk said. I cant imagine why he just went silent. Behind the scenes, Hughes had been shopping De Negoce around. There were plenty of interested parties looking to buy it, he said. When a broker presented the opportunity to Benham, he was immediately intrigued, he said. And next thing I know, Im in business with Cameron. Martin Ray Winery owner Courtney Benham, left, with chief marketing officer Ryan Watts, center, and chief operating officer Andre Yen. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Benhams career is not unlike Hughes. He had his own runaway hit as a negociant, Blackstone Merlot, in the 1990s. After selling that brand, Benham set about reviving Martin Ray, a historic winery that had become neglected, ultimately building a family of wine brands that include Angeline and an eponymous label. Recently, Benhams acquisition activity has accelerated, buying Healdsburgs Foppiano Vineyards in June and the Vina Robles brand (but not its Paso Robles property) in September. In early 2023, Benham bought a 51% stake in De Negoce, he said, and kept Hughes around. In January, he bought the remainder of the company. Hughes left. To run De Negoce, Benham hired two veterans of the original Cameron Hughes Wine operations, Andre Yen and Ryan Watts. Theyve revamped the website and given the label design a refresh, but are emphatic that theyve maintained Hughes integrity of sourcing, Yen said. We havent changed the pipeline. We havent changed the processes. Some De Negoce customers who have learned of the sale have speculated that Benham may be using De Negoce to get rid of bulk wine that he doesnt want to use for Martin Ray and his other brands. Yen and Watts insist thats not true. We have total autonomy on what makes it and what doesnt, Yen said. On a few occasions this year, he said, Martin Ray wines have been used in De Negoce, but that was only because the wines met their standards. If it makes sense, then why not? Watts said. The independence of our sourcing is what keeps us alive. Just as I could tell a big winery in Napa no, we can give that no internally. Corks in the hopper on the bottling line at Martin Ray Winery. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Ardent De Negoce fans have maintained their skepticism. I do think theres been more misses lately, Zinn said. Without Hughes, something has been lost, Cook said: Before, it was more of a personal connection. Its changed. Prices have risen, a reflection of the fluctuating bulk wine market. Hughes capitalized on a uniquely advantageous moment in 2020; bulk prices spiked after that years wildfires. The preponderance of $10 Cabs in the early De Negoce days was a right-place, right-time situation, said Turk, who is likely the most prolific poster on the Berserkers thread. All the fun happened in 2020 and 2021, he said. Business appears to be humming nevertheless. Our regularly purchasing customers are in the tens of thousands, Yen said. Yet, several customers said theyd stopped buying as much from De Negoce for a more mundane reason: After years of frenzied ordering, unopened cases were stacking up. Home News Uber driver charged with murder of Texas pastor in road rage shooting Police in Houston, Texas, have charged a 23-year-old Uber driver with murder in the death of the Rev. Ronald K. Mouton who was killed in a road rage shooting. The Uber driver, identified as Deshawn Longmire, was charged with murder on Friday and is being held in Harris County Jail on a $500,000 bond, according to the Harris County District Clerks Office. Mouton, who served as the pastor of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, was shot and killed on the Gulf Freeway at Gould Road on June 24. 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 Longmire, who was driving for Uber in his black Honda sedan, was seen by a witness at a stoplight on the Gulf Freeway arguing with the 58-year-old pastor who was in his white BMW. When both started moving, Longmire stretched his arm out of the driver window with a pistol in his hand and allegedly shot Mouton and took off, according to witness accounts, Click 2 Houston reported. A surveillance video from Pusch and Nguyen Injury Lawyers showed Moutons vehicle crashing at a curb. The pastors family released a statement after the suspect's arrest. The horrific loss of our beloved, Rev. Dr. Ronald Mouton Sr., is painful beyond words, the family said, according to Click 2 Houston. We are still grief-stricken over this senseless tragedy. We want the man who took his life to understand the seriousness of his crime. He took the life of a husband, a father. Our confidence and hope is in the proficient work the of police. We also hope the work of the entire criminal justice system is done thoroughly and that justice is duly served. We understand the public interest in this case, but we are not ready to speak publicly. On the Sunday after the incident, current and former members of the church set up a memorial at the site where the pastor died. He left behind his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren. He was such a wonderful man, Sonja Gilmore-King told ABC 13 at the time. He was a man of God. He loved family, his church, and this community. I had to come over to see, was it true? I couldnt believe a man of God who loves so hard was taken away from us. We cant believe it because this man would give you anything, the shirt off his back literally, and for this to happen to him, none of us could believe it. Wendell Hutchins II, the founding pastor of the Church of Champions in Houston, called Mouton a brilliant man who demonstrated his love for his people on a daily basis. I mourn the loss of a great man that was such a fixture of faithfulness in our Houston communities. Our prayers are lifting the Mouton family in their hour of grief, he wrote on Facebook at the time. Were also praying for the entire East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church family as they mourn the sudden loss of their pastor. Bishop James Dixon, a close friend of Moutons, told ABC 13, He was not just a great man inside the church, but outside the church walls. He was a family man, a loving husband, and father, and just a great human being, raised by a great father and mother. (Photo: Getty/iStock) In recent years, surveys show that we are becoming much more divided over politics, with real animosity felt towards the other 'side' that can lead to family breakdown and intolerance. The 2024 US presidential election has been yet another example. However there are ways in which we can reverse this trend in our own lives and so influence others towards a more charitable attitude, too. Identify contempt in our own behaviour and decide to stop We can learn lessons about political hostility from research about the domestic kind. Arthur C Brooks interviewed marriage researcher John Gottman for his book 'Love your enemies: how decent people can save America from the culture of contempt'. Gottman's research revealed the biggest killer for a marriage to be contempt, which he described as "sulphuric acid for love". So much so, that he was able to predict with 94% accuracy, which couples would be divorced within three years by assessing how much contempt they showed for each other. "Sarcasm, sneering, hostile humour, and eye-rolling. These little acts effectively say 'you are worthless'," writes Brooks. This kind of contempt is openly shown by both political 'sides.' I regularly see words like "vermin" or "idiot" or "evil" used for the "other" on social media, especially during elections and the Brexit referendum. Political leaders are just as bad: contempt has been shown by both 'sides' at the highest levels in the presidential race. The culture of contempt has become so bad that Brooks considers it to be a kind of addiction that is fed by an "outrage industrial complex" of media companies and other people invested in keeping us contemptuous. When asked what he would prescribe for our warring society, Gottman made similar suggestions to those he gives to unhappy couples: try to understand the other's point of view and listen, offer positive feedback, and never make excuses for your own contempt, because it is never justifiable. As Christians, perhaps we need to take the words of Jesus much more seriously: "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell" (Matthew 5:21-22, NLT). Recognise bias and practise humility When entrenched in our own position, we often fail to perceive our own biases. Psychologists find that we see weaknesses in the other side's arguments much clearer than our own. In the US, 72% of Republicans regard Democrats as more immoral, and 63% of Democrats say the same about Republicans, according to a 2022 Pew Research survey, and the proportions have been getting steadily worse over time, along with many other measures of division and hostility. Even if the political issue you disagree on is a matter of life and death and when it comes to war and foreign policy, or legislation on abortion and euthanasia, then the subjects really are that important there is still no justification for showing contempt. In any case, research shows that insulting others will actually cause them to cling to their own position rather than be persuaded to your own, known as the "boomerang effect," Brooks says. "We need to defend people with whom we disagree when they're insulted by people with whom we do agree," he writes. "No matter what, we need to police our own behaviour so that we don't fall into the trap of insulting the other side." Examine your labels Pastor Patrick Miller, a co-host of the Truth over Tribe podcast, told Premier Unbelievable that their goal is to encourage Christians to identify less with a label such as 'Republican' or 'Democrat'. "We advocate for relativising your partisan allegiances," he said. "Our hope would be that it gets relegated to a much lower importance, and why that really matters is because if it's lower you're going to be willing to build relationships with people who are in the other tribe." Seek out encounters with people who disagree with you Much has been written about the "echo chambers" of social media that mean we rarely encounter the beliefs of the other "side" of a debate. When we do come across opponents, it is often the rudest, most ignorant and least charitable members. Where we live also affects who we will befriend and the opinions we will hear. The difference I observe in political discourse, attitudes and opinions between London and more rural areas is stark, and has become much more pronounced in my lifetime. A 2016 Pew Research study found that 24% of the Democrat supporting public had no friends who are Republican 14% of Republicans also had no friends who are Democrat. And this is associated with much harsher perceptions of the other 'side' those without cross-party friendships rate the other side as more close-minded, unintelligent, immoral and dishonest than other Americans. We can try to change this by deliberately building friendships with people who think differently to us. Focus on listening and showing respect Living Room Conversations is an organisation that seeks to encourage positive discussions across political divides especially in families. The first of their six points in their suggested 'agreement' is to be willing to listen. "Be curious and listen to understand," the group advises. "Conversation is as much about listening as it is about talking. You might enjoy exploring how others' experiences have shaped their values and perspectives." If you can't make it fake it Even if political subjects are upsetting and discussing them makes us angry, and we feel little love for the other side, it doesn't mean that bad behaviour is then justified. "We don't have to feel unity and brotherhood," says Arthur C Brookes in 'Love your enemies'. "We simply need to act in a spirit of unity and brotherhood, and the feelings will follow. By the same token, if we allow ourselves to indulge in habits of contempt frowning as we listen to talk radio or getting angry at the latest outrageous statement from a politician our emotions will follow those actions as well." Make a commitment to Jesus to become a peacemaker Brooks says that we need leaders to become "bridgers," who deliberately bring people together and embrace diversity of thought. "These are leaders of all political stripes who see common human stories all around them and are determined to bring people together," he writes. "Connection is found when we view one another as individuals with stories and dignity, just like ourselves... for both the left and right, then, unity requires us to see one another as people first and foremost." To return to the beauty of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us: "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God". The book of James says, "Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18). Heather Tomlinson is a freelance Christian writer. Find more of her work at https://heathertomlinson.substack.com/ or via X (twitter) @heathertomli As more generative AI projects move from proof-of-concept to production, CIOs will be shouldering the additional pressure of enacting AI governance policies to protect the enterprise and their jobs. There is no dearth of AI governance frameworks available from the US government and European Union, as well as top market researchers, but no doubt, as gen AI innovation outpaces formal standards, CIOs will need to enact and hone internal AI governance policies in 2025 and enlist the entire C-suite in the process to ensure they are not on the hook alone, observers say. Here, jurisdictional imbalances are in play. Microsoft has accused Google of building a lobby front in Europe to take action against Microsoft. In a blog post dated Oct. 28, Rima Alaily, Microsoft corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, described the recently founded Open Cloud Coalition (OCC), allegedly financed and controlled by Google, as an astroturf group. Its sole aim, according to Alaily, is to discredit Microsoft with competition authorities and political decision-makers and to mislead the public. The Open Cloud Coalition apparently launched on Oct. 29, one day after Alailys allegation. Founding members of the OCC include international companies such as Centerprise, Civo, Gigas, and Google, as well as British companies such as ControlPlane, DTP Group, Prolinx, Pulsant, Clairo, and Room 101. The OCC is committed to promoting openness, interoperability and fair competition across the cloud landscape and fostering a more innovative, transparent, resilient, and secure cloud ecosystem that benefits customers in the UK, EU and beyond, the association says. The European competition authorities have been called upon to be rigorous and bold in their ongoing review of the cloud sector. Historically, data center virtualization pioneer VMware was seen as a technology leader, but recent business changes have stirred consternation since its acquisition by Broadcom in late 2023. New product bundling and pricing, reseller program adjustments, divestments, and unforeseen changes are driving CIOs and IT providers to reassess their strategies and technologies. Its going to change the relationship customers have with the company because Broadcoms focus is on running as efficiently as possible, said Rajiv Ramaswami, president and CEO of Nutanix, in an April 2024 episode of Bloombergs Tech Disruptors podcast. That means for customers: price increases, potentially less supportand thats creating a disruption in the channel partner community, he said. For us, its a multi-year opportunity. Industry changes and fallout from disgruntled Broadcom VMware customers have been widely reported. In January 2024, The Wall Street Journal highlighted the attention Broadcoms VMware overhaul drew from CIOs, followed by reports of pricing and reseller agreement changes. The Register later noted whispers about a breakup with AWS, despite Broadcom addressing the issue in a blog post. Many customers remain wary, prompting IT leaders to explore alternatives and adjust their strategies regarding VMware products. On the Tech Disruptors podcast, Ramaswami outlined how Nutanix is meeting the rising demand for simplified IT infrastructure and positioning itself as the easiest alternative for VMware customers seeking to reduce risk or dependence. Podcast host Woo Jin Ho, an analyst at Bloomberg, said: From my math, it looks like [Broadcom] cut out roughly 10,000 channel partners out of their 28,000. [They are] now down to 18,000. Does that potentially expand the channel partner program for you guys? Ramaswami confirmed. Weve certainly seen a higher level of engagement with many channel partners, Ramaswami said, highlighting a recent announcement that WiPro created a Nutanix Business Unit to accelerate digital transformation and hybrid multicloud innovation. Many joint Nutanix and VMware partners are looking to renew their Nutanix partnership, especially those losing out of the top 2000 customers. Many customers who knew the Broadcom playbook signed three to five-year enterprise agreements with VMware before the deal was closed, Ramaswami said, adding this bought them time. Many see Nutanix as the easiest alternative, he said. Not everybody is going to do wholesale migrations. Many might adopt a dual vendor strategy and might use Nutanix in a portion of the business. Woo recognized the rising significance of hybrid multicloud following the COVID pandemic, a time that accelerated digital transformation to accommodate remote work and the surge in online commerce. People are finding that steady-state workloads can be run much more effectively and cost-effectively in their own data centers, said Ramaswami, highlighting how X (formerly Twitter) optimized its cloud usage, shifting more on-premises and cutting monthly cloud costs by 60%, data storage by 60%, and data processing costs by 75%. This is prompting the CIO shift to hybrid and multicloud. In Nutanixs recent Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) which surveyed 1,500 IT, DevOps, and platform engineering leaders globally over 80% of organizations viewed hybrid IT as essential for managing applications and data. Nearly half indicated that implementing hybrid IT is a top priority for their CIO. The interview hinted CIOs are cautious with their IT budgets and that while there is spending its with a total cost-of-ownership (TCO) mindset. We have a TAM (total addressable market) of about $76 billion and that includes software-defined compute, storage, and networking, Ramaswami said. Disruption from the Broadcom-VMware acquisition gives us an opportunity to grow [market] share faster than we probably normally have into that TAM. I would see this as an acceleration. Ramaswami discussed growth among both large Global 2000 and smaller companies globally, with many looking to expand their use of Nutanix. A major APAC company that ran a dual Nutanix and VMware strategy recently chose Nutanix over VMware for an expansion, while smaller customers show potential for full migration to Nutanix. And he noted, after the Broadcom deal closed, a smaller public healthcare system accelerated its shift to Nutanix, finishing in just 90 days. We have done a lot of work on automating migrations for simpler environments, but also for very complex environments, said Ramaswami. Learn how Nutanix can accelerate your hybrid cloud journey and transform your business. Disclaimer: Nutanix, Inc. is not affiliated with VMware by Broadcom or Broadcom. Ken Kaplan is Editor in Chief for The Forecast by Nutanix. Find him on X @kenekaplan. Having a Plan B is table stakes for any IT team. Rather than wait for a storm to hit, IT professionals map out options and build strategies to ensure business continuity. This may involve embracing redundancies or testing new tools for future operations. Following Broadcoms late 2023 acquisition of VMware, numerous changes prompted customers and partners to reassess their strategies. Some delayed decisions by relying on existing VMware licenses, while others explored alternatives or ran redundancies to compare options. Forrester predicted 20% of VMware customers would leave in 2024, exhausted by significant price hikes, degrading support, and mandatory subscription. Since Broadcoms acquisition of VMware, many IT teams are considering whether its the right time to explore VMware alternatives, says Steve Carter, Nutanixs product marketing director. Many are reframing how to manage infrastructure, especially as demand for AI and cloud-native innovation escalates, Carter said. A few years ago, Gregg Lowe the CIO of Boyd Gaming Corp., operator of 28 hotel and casino properties across the US, was negotiating a fresh enterprise agreement with VMware prior to its acquisition, reported The Register. Boyd was using VMware as our hypervisor and Nutanixs AHV, said Lowe while interviewed at NEXT 2024. Ill call it a bake-off: May the best person win. We put our requirements out there and let things go head to head. While Boyd opted for Nutanix, Lowe emphasized that Boyd Gaming couldnt afford business disruptions. We needed to plan out this migration, he said. It took about 18 months. Its not something you just flip off a switch and youre done. You need to plan. You need to focus to do the cutover. I do recognize some companies are probably easier than ours to go ahead and do the migration. But again, I still think it takes that commitment, that effort, and that reliance on each other to say, this is what were doing. While Boyd Gaming switched from VMware to Nutanix, others choose to run two hypervisors for resilience against threats and scalability, Carter explained. Organizations can maintain high-risk parts of their legacy VMware infrastructure while exploring how an alternative hypervisor can run business-critical applications and build new capabilities, said Carter. When vendor shakeups occur, CIOs and IT leaders immediately think about resiliency. Vendor allegiance once critical for many organizations due both to convenience and loyalty has become a company liability for many. Additionally, the sheer amount of options available and todays demand for more flexibility and hyper-customized user experiences require IT leaders to think more innovatively. Reveal the best of both worlds Carter noted that many VMware customers have invested in its solutions for decades but now seek modernization for greater agility, scalability, and cloud-native environments. The disruption from VMwares acquisition has led many to reconsider their virtualization strategies and explore new options. By running two hypervisors, companies can build a hybrid infrastructure that maintains legacy systems and learn whats the best way to handle new demands, Carter said. Carter explained that companies often run two hypervisors due to past mergers or acquisitions, where legacy systems exist across both environments rather than intentional implementation. However, this setup can offer a head start. He stressed that migrating to a new hypervisor requires careful planning and vendor support to ensure smooth execution and build IT team confidence. Notwithstanding, running two hypervisors can provide valuable resilience and help companies modernize while retaining legacy systems that still offer value and learning what works best. The aim is to manage present needs and be able to enlist new capabilities to meet future demands, Carter said. Its the ongoing challenge of integrating legacy systems and applications with next-gen technologies and solutions. Which Carter said is particularly relevant as businesses embrace and evolve hybrid multicloud operations for a future where they can manage resources and workloads across on-premises and public cloud services. Rene Van Den Bedem, principal technical program manager at Microsoft Azure, noted the benefits clients are seeing by running VMware and Nutanix together on Azure public cloud. The main requirement is having an Azure landing zone, and then you can build whatever service that you want on it, he told The Forecast. I think were going to see more of that. Typically, customers do like to have one hypervisor of choice, but thats a legacy on-prem way of thinking. I think the world is changing. Learn about AHV and the Nutanix Cloud Platform or explore the steps for migrating to Nutanix from VMware and the VMware to Nutanix Promotion. Disclaimer: Nutanix, Inc. is not affiliated with VMware by Broadcom or Broadcom. Ken Kaplan is Editor in Chief for The Forecast by Nutanix. Find him on X @kenekaplan. Jeff Schumacher, CEO of artificial intelligence (AI) software company NAX Group, told the World Economic Forum: To truly realize the promise of AI, businesses must not only adopt it, but also operationalize it. Schumacher and others believe AI can help companies make data-driven decisions by automating key parts of the strategic planning process. This process involves connecting AI models with observable actions, leveraging data subsequently fed back into the system to complete the feedback loop, Schumacher said. The critical element lies in automating these steps, enabling rapid, self-learning iterations that propel continued improvement and innovation. Most AI hype has focused on large language models (LLMs). However, research demonstrates that more executives, like Schumacher, recognize the connection between AI and business innovation. A June 2023 study by IBM found that 43% of executives use generative AI to inform strategic decisions, accessing real-time data and unique insights. Decision-making based on intuition, common sense, and knowledge is very good and should never be lost. But the more analytic support we have, the better, Gonzalo Gortazar CEO of CaixaBank, told IBM. AI can transform industries, reshaping how students learn, employees work, and consumers buy. And maybe most importantly, it can influence leadership. AI-driven decision-making transforming the c-suite Bret Greenstein, PwCs data and AI leader, is an expert on enterprise AI working with numerous executives to integrate AI operationally. He believes leaders are embracing generative AI (genAI) for its disruptive potential, not despite it. What we see is a consistent focus among clients in every sector to shift their investments into genAI as an enabler of transformation from cost savings to increased revenue, improved speed, and new value streams, he said. Greenstein added most C-level executives have embraced AI without fully grasping its potential and few recognize its value in decision-making. First, the use of genAI is helping senior executives get faster access to public and private data to get answers summarized, Greenstein said. Second, decision-makers increasingly rely on genAI to ask questions about their financial and operational data without relying on traditional dashboards and reports, said Greenstein. Transforming how leaders engage with customers AI equips executives with real-time data and insights, enabling them to understand customers better and confidently launch new business lines. Kirill Lazarev, founder and CEO of the design agency Lazarev, whose clients include Boeing, HP, Meta, and many Fortune 100 companies, shares his experience. A client once shared how predictive analytics allowed them to spot a rising trend in customer preferences early on. This wasnt just data for them; it was a window into their customers future desires, enabling them to tailor offerings like never before. It was a lightbulb moment for me, seeing AI as a bridge to deeper customer insights, he said. Lazarev now urges clients to use AI for analytics and decision-making and believes AI can bridge the gap between companies and customers, creating better market understanding and boosting profits. Hands-on leadership creates AI success Many executives are eager to implement AI, but the most successful take a hands-on approach, involving the C-suite throughout planning, implementation, and iterationlike Simon Bacher, CEO of education technology startup Ling App. I have utilized AI as a strategic tool, said Bacher, whose executive team uses AI to understand user needs, identify new business opportunities, and create a personalized language learning recommendation engine that generates individual learning paths for users. Im deeply involved in understanding the possibilities that AI presents while also being cognizant of its limitations. My involvement in fine-tuning and tweaking our AI models frequently helps yield more precise predictions and thus improves our overall business strategies, Bacher said. From AI-aware to AI-savvy While many executives are just beginning to understand AIs potential in business strategy, early adopters already use it to inform long-term planning. The C-suite is already changing, Greenstein said. They are investing in new skills to move from being AI-aware to AI-savvy. They are creating new C-suite roles to help govern and transform with AI roles like the chief AI officer or expanding the roles of chief digital or technology offerings to bring more AI thinking into the leadership team. Lazarev agrees: Its one thing to have the technology, but its another to weave it into the fabric of your business strategy. This requires a vision thats shared across the executive team and an openness to iteratively refine your approach based on feedback from the ground. Learn about Nutanixs AI platform, GPT-in-a-Box, and the latest IT industry trends in the 2024 Enterprise Cloud Index report. Marcus Taylor has worked as an executive and thought leadership writer for the information technology industry since 2016, specializing in SaaS, healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. He is reachable through his website: mtwriting.com. A woman votes on Election Day at Fire Station No. 4 in Berkeley in 2016. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2016 Elizabeth Aviles and Benjamin Kaplan mark their ballots on Election Day at City Hall in San Francisco in 2016. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle 2016 An ad recently released by Vote Common Good, a progressive Christian nonprofit, has garnered a huge outcry from commentators who call it immoral, corrupt and akin to having an affair. How spicy is this ad? Well, its about a MAGA-coded white straight couple in American flag gear who show up to a polling place to vote. The woman, middle-aged and donning denim and a bedazzled flag hat, takes her turn after her partner. But when she gets to her booth, she and another woman share a knowing glance. The ad cuts to a close-up of her ballot: She fills in the bubble next to Kamala Harris name. She assures her husband she made the right choice that is, voted the way he wanted her to. You can vote any way you want, she says as playful, whistley car insurance commercial music plays in the background. And no one will ever know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One might say the joke is on the man here, but its really on his illusion of control: And thats whats made right-wing figures furious. Jesse Watters, host of Foxs The Five, said on-air that if his wife (with whom he cheated on his first wife) voted for Harris, thats the same thing as having an affair That violates the sanctity of our marriage. Newt Gingrich, a former congressman who has also famously engaged in extramarital affairs, objected to the ad in an interview with Sean Hannity, asking, How do you run a country where youre walking around saying wives should lie to their husbands, husbands should lie to their wives? What kind of a totally amoral, corrupt, sick system have the Democrats developed? Some, like John McEntee, a former aide to Donald Trump, joked on social media that the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, should be repealed. This isnt new: In 2009, tech billionaire and Trump funder Peter Thiel published an essay that famously blamed womens enfranchisement for the downfall of a desirable capitalist democracy. Where does this overwrought sense of betrayal come from? And since when are men entitled to the votes of their wives and girlfriends? Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to the Vote Common Good ad, another campaign, Vote Without Fear, includes resources and articles that gently explains voting processes. Its website includes a big Quick Exit button thatll take you to Google a common feature in websites about domestic abuse. In her column on the phenomenon for the Guardian, Rebecca Solnit rightly points out that reminders to women that their votes are secret reflect the grim reality that a lot of women live in fear of their spouses. We dont question this as often as we should, she writes, though coercive control seems to be a throughline between those sorts of relationships and the vision of society pushed by the GOP. I spoke with Jennifer Piscopo, professor of Politics and Gender at the Royal Holloway University of London, who tends to get asked about married women voters every election cycle. Prior to this election, my standard response was always, well, its not really surprising that women and their husbands vote the same, she said. Were not suggesting women dont have agency, but its pretty straightforward that usually members of a couple are going to have similar values. But in a post-Roe world, things feel different, when even married white women, a reliable conservative voting bloc, have moved left when abortion was on the ballot. This election, the political debate isnt just about different tax rates, but fundamental questions that could exacerbate the voting gender gap, even within relationships. Should miscarriages be criminalized? Do we want to be a democracy? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The stakes are much higher now, and so the emotional intensity is much higher, said Piscopo. In the ad itself, the narrative of the womans defiance has the cadence of a joke. But offscreen, what will happen if and when the man in the ad finds out, and he has an emotional reaction akin to Watters supposition that voting blue is akin to an affair? What happens to her? A part of me wonders if the shy Harris voter might be wishful thinking. Whos to say women, like, say Melania Trump, cant be both oppressed by the patriarchy and fascists? But the fact that campaigns informing married white women about their voting rights have garnered so much hostility from the right wing tells a disturbing story thats worth paying attention to. Voting rights for racial minorities have been at risk in the United States for decades now, and its worth pointing out that racialized mass incarceration has already disenfranchised an enormous number of men of color. Depending on how this election goes, white women may be the next targets. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies Its downright depressing. I dont want to live in a world where we just accept that people need to be sneaky about their political affiliation, under threat of marital strife or worse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Email Toate Articolele Va rugam sa activati javascript in browser-ul dvs. pentru a putea trimite acest formular Peste o mie de copii din raionul Criuleni vor avea acces gratuit la un spatiu modern pentru joaca si lectura UNICEF Moldova is hiring a Health Officer, NO-B to provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the Health Programme within the Country Programme and RRP, from development planning to delivery of results, by preparing, executing, managing, and implementing a variety of technical and administrative programme tasks to facilitate programme development, implementation, programme progress monitoring, and evaluating and reporting of results. To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have Minimum requirements: Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. Work Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness or health humanitarian - development nexus. A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness or health humanitarian - development nexus. Language Requirements: Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English is required. Desirables: Relevant post university degree is considered as an asset Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. Knowledge of Russian or another official UN language is an asset. HOW TO APPLY: To read more detailed information and apply for this position, please visit UNICEF webpage https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/job/576864/health-officer-nob-ft-chisinau-moldova-for-moldovan-nationals-residents-only Application deadline: 10 November 2024 UNICEF is here to serve the worlds most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. UNICEFs active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. American newspapers have been grappling with questions of neutrality and endorsement in covering the presidential election. Journalists in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, have faced a similar dilemmaexcept if they get it wrong, they and those they love stand to be abducted, tortured, and murdered. Sinaloa has long been the center of Mexicos drug cartel violence. But the situation escalated in July when Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the head of Los Mayos, was arrested. His loyalists went to war with the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, known as Los Chapitos, over drug routes and local influence. Since September of this year, according to local sources, the daily homicide rate in the state has jumped from 1.4 to nearly 7. The fight for public perception is an equally critical front, and each group seeks to impose its version of events, to manipulate the truth. Journalists who feel duty-bound to report on the violence find themselves trapped between the groups. We know the pressure will come, Adrian Lopez Ortiz, editor in chief of Diario Noroeste, the largest news outlet in the state, which has sixty-five editorial staff. He recalled that, in 2010, toward the end of the previous bout of similar violence in Sinaloa, one side wanted us to forcefully publish their version of an event where they had killed some people. We refused, so they left a tarp with a message on the sidewalk and fired AK-47 rounds at the building. Its extremely dangerous for us to be perceived as leaning to one side, said Ismael Bojorquez, co-founder of Riodoce, a Sinaloa-based weekly newspaper of twelve reporters, whose cofounder and most prominent journalist, Javier Valdez, was killed in 2017 just blocks from the newsroom. We have to be very careful about what we publish and how we publish itthe headlines, titles, and images. Maintaining such careful balance is not only a journalistic imperative but a matter of survival. Theyll pick you up and shoot youthats the risk, Bojorquez said. On October 17, gunmen attacked the Culiacan newsroom of El Debate, one of Sinaloas largest newspapers. They fired twelve rounds at the buildings facade and damaged three vehicles, two of which bore the newspapers logo. Shortly afterward, a delivery worker was chased, assaulted, and abducted while transporting printed editions of the newspaper. In 2022, one of the papers columnists, Luis Enrique Ramirez, was kidnapped and killed. (That year, he was the ninth journalist killed in Mexico, making it the deadliest nation for journalists. It has since been surpassed by Palestine.) But the new front in the war is online. Social media is flooded with graphic information meant to control the narrative, intimidate competitors, and influence public opinion. Videos, often violent, are posted most days. In one video, shared on X, a man who says he is a member of Los Chapitos confesses during an interview prior to his execution that his faction allegedly supported and funded the campaign of Sinaloas governor. The news then circulated on the galaxy of blogs dedicated to this topic, such as El Blog del Narco. Often, afterward, each faction will accuse the other of engaging in a cyberwar with manufactured confessions and falsehoods. Journalists must be cautiousit is often impossible to verify the information in these videos, and to separate propaganda from reality. Its hard even to say which videos are original. We cant simply reproduce whats circulating online, said Andres Villarreal, one of Riodoces reporters. The narrative battle is already underway on social media and in physical spaces, with banners accusing the other side of extortion and robbery, said Lopez of Diario Noroeste. Our first priority is to report what happens and not let Sinaloa become a zone of silence, as is happening in other Mexican states. That effort has its own rules too. Reporters dont rush to crime scenes, Bojorquez said. If a victim survives, hit men might return to finish the job. Reporters wait for the police to secure the scene before approaching. The problem is that the police are always late, he said. Sign up for CJRs daily email Journalists never venture alone into rural areas; they work in pairs or as part of a media pool, often with three or four outlets coordinating coverage. All vehicles are equipped with geolocation devices, tracked in real time at the newsroom. Those vehicles are clearly marked Press, a necessity when engaging with the unfamiliar military forces now operating in the region. And when the story is secured, the language in which it is presented is chosen carefully. We avoid sensationalist terms like executed or kidnapped, Lopez said. Instead, Diario Noroeste uses phrases like deprived of liberty or detained. Our goal is to provide clarity without becoming a tool for organized crimes narrative. The paper also avoids narco gossipsensational stories that romanticize criminals, like the heavily covered story of El Chapos wife modeling in Milan Fashion Week, which they chose not to report. As the conflict deepens, the fear grows that it could mirror the brutal 200810 war, which claimed over two thousand lives each year. For journalists, the toll stands to be heavy in many senses. How do I keep my family functioning without letting it stop me from telling the story? said Lopez, the father of a seven-year-old and a nine-month-old. San Francisco Mayor London Breed looks over at former Mayor Willie Brown while he chats with attendees at Johns Grill annual Election Luncheon in San Francisco on Nov. 8, 2022. This years luncheon is expected to be well-attended because Vice President Kamala Harris is on the ticket. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The luncheon at Johns Grill in San Francisco that takes place every Election Day is typically a neutral place where candidates, staffers and voters of all stripes lay down their swords, Lee Houskeeper, an organizer and longtime political spokesperson, said. But this year theres a big exception: Kamala Harris. The former San Francisco district attorneys bid is expected to be a unifying force. Harris place at the top of the ticket means the luncheon, and other Election Day festivities across the city, are poised to be much bigger than usual. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The luncheon is hosted in part by the grills third-generation owner, John Konstin, and former Mayor Willie Brown, whose personal relationship with Harris before she became an elected official has been seized on by Republicans. Guests will dine on free chicken marsala, sundried tomato ravioli, wine and cocktails. The street outside will be closed to traffic, and the George Washington High School marching band is set to play. The luncheon is typically akin to Switzerland, Alex Clemens, a communications strategist involved in the event, said. But Brown, who will be greeting guests coming into Johns Grill, said he is eagerly looking forward to a Harris victory in what he believes is the most unusual election given Harris position as the first as a woman of color on a major presidential ticket and former President Donald Trumps third consecutive run for the White House. At Mannys, a political gathering place in the Mission District, celebrating Harris will play a central role in an election night watch party, which will include a pearl necklace-making station. Theres a sense that we have a personal stake in this election. Kamala Harris is from here. She was our DA. She came up through politics in our city, and so this also feels like our election, in a way, said Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Mannys. Its like she is our candidate, and her winning would put San Francisco and the Bay Area as a center of political power in this country. Her losing would be a bit of a repudiation of our area as well. The block of 15th Street outside the business will be closed to traffic and remain nonpartisan due to its proximity to a polling place, while news following election results will play on a large inflatable screen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ticketed event will also have neck massagers, cotton candy and nail painting. Yekutiel said he hopes stressed-out voters can come together with community members rather than just staring at a screen all night. Nearby Love Story Yoga will be offering classes focused on relaxation. For those still feeling dread over election results? Yekutiel says an emotional support bunny will be on hand. Yekutiel hosted a similar party in 2020, but thinks the local excitement over Harris will bring more people, potentially up to 1,000 between the venue and the street outside. But some things will remain the same, including hosting by drag performers Afrika America and Suppositori Spelling. We won in 2020 and so Im a little bit superstitious, and I want to keep the same vibes going, Yekutiel said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The venue has hosted letter writing and phone banking with Seed the Vote, a voting advocacy group. Yekutiel has also been canvassing in Carson City, Nev., in the weekends leading up to the election. At Johns Grill which has hosted the election day luncheon since 2012 after restarting the tradition held for decades by Russian Hill restaurant Allegro organizers think that despite the razor-thin contest between Trump and Harris, there will be a celebratory vibe. Konstin has never previously run out of food, and doesnt expect to this year. His staff begin preparing the night before to set up the three buffets and six bars for the luncheon. Joe Cotchett, a Burlingame lawyer active in San Francisco political circles, is also a financial backer of the event. Its a lot of fun in a year of very difficult times, Cotchett said of the event. He thinks the local celebration of Election Day will contrast significantly with the divisiveness of the national stage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zachary Barulich, chief financial officer of local BiRite Foodservice Distributors, said that their company will cover the cost of food provided to Johns Grill for the event. Konstin and Barulich both think the event is an important reminder to attendees not only to vote and be civically engaged, but also to come to downtown San Francisco. Its great for the community. Its great for downtown, especially. We need that boost, and it brings a lot of people to our area, Konstin said. It all comes back with people really enjoying themselves, and they remember downtown. Organizers of both events encourage voters and San Franciscans to come out to interact with like-minded people, rather than dealing with election-related stress on their own. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Citadel Securities lawsuit accusing Portofino Technologies AG of trade-secrets thefts can largely move forward against the high-frequency crypto-trading startup but not a seed investor in the firm. US District Judge Gregory Woods in Manhattan ruled last week that he lacked jurisdiction over the investor, Jean Canzoneri. The judge on Wednesday mostly denied Portofinos motion to dismiss the case but also threw out claims that the firm interfered with the employment contracts of three Citadel Securities workers it tried to recruit. Citadel Securities claimed two former London-based employees, Leonard Lancia and Alex Casimo, secured funding from Canzoneri and other investors to launch Portofino in Switzerland with trade secrets stolen from the market-making firm. In a statement, a Citadel Securities spokesperson said the firm was pleased with the ruling allowing the case to move forward against Portofino. We look forward to pursuing our case and holding them accountable in court, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Portofino said the firm didnt take any trade secrets and suggested Citadel Securities suit was in response to the startups success. Woods said Citadel Securities hadnt shown that the alleged actions of Canzoneri, a French national, had any consequences in New York justifying jurisdiction there. The judge noted that Canzoneris alleged investment pre-dated Portofinos April 2021 founding and any alleged trade-secrets theft. Canzoneri had also argued the case should be dismissed against him because Citadel Securities hadnt adequately alleged that he aided and abetted any trade-secrets theft. He said the market maker was essentially claiming that anyone who invests in a startup with knowledge of its founders past employment knows that they are stealing trade secrets from their old jobs. A lawyer for Canzoneri declined to comment. Citadel Securities also sued ten John Does it said were other early-stage investors in Portofino whom it had been unable to identify. Citadel Securities filed suit last year, accusing Portofino of engaging in a brazen scheme to steal trade secrets and raid the ranks of the firms employees. Lancia and Casimo allegedly began fundraising and building Portofino before they left Citadel Securities, where Lancia was the head of Europe systematic market making for derivatives and Casimo was with the firms business-management team in Europe. In its suit, Citadel Securities cited Portofinos hiring away of Taym Moustapha, a systematic options trader, as a violation of his employment agreement. It also pointed to an unidentified employee to whom it was forced to pay substantially increased compensation to counter a Portofino offer. Woods dismissed Citadel Securities claims regarding Moustapha, the unidentified employee and one other, but gave the firm leave to re-file its allegations. A claim involving another employee was allowed to proceed. In a motion to dismiss filed last year, Portofino labeled Citadel Securities suit an attempt to intimidate two employees who dared strike out on their own and to send a message to other Citadel Securities employees thinking of doing the same. Portofino said Citadel Securities had not come within shouting distance of alleging trade-secrets theft. All Citadel Securities alleges is that it has confidential research, trading strategies, simulations, and business plans and strategies. So what? These amorphous categories cover the entirety of any HFT business, Portofino said. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Insurance carriers are not responsible if a bank improperly cashes a check made out to two insureds and gives the proceeds to only one of them, a federal appeals court decided this week. The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday reversed a lower federal courts ruling and held that Markel American Insurance Co. had upheld its obligation when it issued joint checks for $573,404 made payable to two insured truck-leasing firms in Florida. Markel American agreed to provide coverage and payment for negotiated claims. It did not, however, agree to assume responsibility for the banks lack of diligence in paying a draft, 11th Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa wrote in the three-judge panels Oct. 30 opinion. The insured leasing company that missed out on the payment should sue the bank, not the insurance company, the judges noted. It all began several years ago. From 2016 to 2018, VFS Leasing Co., affiliated with Volvo Financial Services, leased trucks to Time Definite Leasing, a Florida company that is now in bankruptcy protection. TDL was required under the contract to insure the trucks and to name VFS as an additional insured or as a loss payee, the court explained. TDL did that, obtaining coverage through Markel American, along with certificates of insurance listing VFS as a certificate holder. After some of the trucks sustained damage, Markel paid the claims and wrote checks that were correctly made payable to both TDL and VFS. The check was apparently sent to TDL, and the bank, JPMorgan Chase, cashed the check. TDL, which entered bankruptcy in 2019, never forwarded a share of the insurance proceeds to VFS, the court explained. VFS then filed suit against Markel, arguing that the insurer had breached the insurance contract and had not actually paid the claim, since one of the insureds never saw the money. The district court agreed. Markel appealed and the appellate judges said the case turned on the Uniform Commercial Code, adopted by most states and codified by Florida in several statutes. One section of the law states plainly: If a draft is accepted by a bank, the drawer is discharged, regardless of when or by whom acceptance was obtained. But another section notes that if an instrument is payable to two or more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be negotiated, discharged, or enforced only by all of them. Case law on the question is thin. The U.S. 7th Circuit and Illinois state courts have found that the UCC discharges a payers duty when the check is accepted by a bank. But in a Texas case involving a State Farm insurance company, the Texas Supreme Court in 2014 reached the opposite conclusion. Ultimately, the 11th Circuit said the 7th Circuits Illinois decision was most on-point. Under Floridas commercial code statute, the banks acceptance of the draft discharged Markel Americans performance obligation on the claim, the appeals court wrote. In effect, VFS seeks to impose upon an insurer a duty of performance that exceeds the insurers obligations under the insurance contract. The decision should give insurers, at least in Florida, some measure of comfort, knowing that they likely will not have to face similar suits in the future. It follows a similar ruling by Floridas Fourth District Court of Appeals, a state-level appellate court, in 2022. That year, the majority of the DCAs panel found that United Property & Casualty Insurance Co. had fulfilled its obligation in an assignment-of-benefits claim when it made a check out to both the insured and a restoration contractor. Related: SageSure, Markel Collab to Expand Capacity in Coastal States Evelin Weber and her neighbors fled their Malibu homes as the deadly Woolsey Fire tore across the California coast in 2018. Ever since, haunted by fears of another blaze, shes spent $300,000 on fireproofing her house. Weber installed a fire hydrant outside her $4 million home, built a new turnaround for firetrucks in her driveway, planted fire-resistant plants and cleared brush. She and her husband also founded the Malibu Foundation to provide financial help for Woolsey victims and offer education on fire prevention and preparation. Im living in panic like four or five months out of the year now, she said. The risk of fire is too high and the risk will continue to get higher. Her investment underscores a harsh new reality in California: Wildfire readiness is quickly becoming a financial necessity. As the state braces for its biggest insurance overhaul in decades, rising premiums are a given. Fire mitigation is likely to be one of the few levers property owners can reach for to get a break on premiums or to secure or maintain coverage at all. Regulators say boosting preparedness has never been a bigger priority. Its actually been an afterthought for decades and now it is front and center for us, said Michael Soller, a spokesperson at the California Department of Insurance, which is poised to finalize the market revamp by year-end. Everything that were doing, every single change that were making through the sustainable insurance strategy, all put wildfire safety at the center. Insurance Pain California experienced its deadliest and most destructive wildfire year in 2018, and millions more acres burned in 2020 and 2021. After a relative respite in 2022 and 2023, this year brought new devastation in terms of acres burned. Insurers such as Allstate, USAA and State Farm have been sending out non-renewal notices to customers or leaving California altogether, citing state-imposed limits on rate increases and the increasing cost of fires. To coax companies back to a state long known for consumer-friendly rules, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara plans to open the door to higher rate increases by allowing the use of forward-looking catastrophe models and accounting for reinsurance costs. At the same time, state officials want to make it easier for homeowners who invest in wildfire safety to receive larger savings. California already requires insurers to provide discounts to homeowners who take steps to protect their properties. But as part of the regulatory changes, pricing will also factor in community-scale wildfire risk, potentially spurring more widespread investment in mitigation. Policyholders in the riskiest areas will benefit most, Soller said. One big catch: the price tag. A full retrofit of a typical 2,000-square-foot (186-square-meter) home in California involves installing new windows, enclosing eaves and replacing wooden decks or roofs, and the cost can easily soar to $40,000, according to a report earlier this year by researcher Headwaters Economics. In extreme cases, the cost can reach $100,000. While cheaper measures such as clearing brush can also make a difference, simply installing flame-resistant gutters and replacing flammable mulch can still run as high as $15,000. Camp Fire In the town of Paradise, where 90% of local structures were destroyed in the 2018 Camp fire, many homeowners lack the money to make even minor improvements given the financial strain from rebuilding. Despite federal grants and a broad-based settlement with PG&E Corp. that covered that fire and two others, the town has only partially rebuilt. A lot of people arent able to landscape because its so expensive, said Jen Goodlin, executive director at the Rebuild Paradise Foundation, which helps finance mitigation. Insurance discounts are often too paltry to provide significant savings to consumers, said Carmen Balber, executive director of the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog. Most insurance companies arent giving people meaningful mitigation discounts and that means discounts as an incentive to mitigate arent working, Balber said. State Farm last month implemented a 0.1% break for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas who install fire resistant vents, multi-pane windows and clear combustible materials. For a policyholder paying an annual premium of about $13,788, that would amount to savings of $14.35, according to filings. Even more substantial upgrades such as replacing a roof could result in a only 6% discount. But even customers who take all 12 of the states wildfire-prevention steps cant get more than 10%. Wildfire mitigation discounts are one part of a wide range of potential discounts State Farm offers to eligible policyholders to help them manage risks and lower the cost of insurance, said Tom Hartmann, a spokesman for the insurer. We encourage our customers to check with their local State Farm agent to learn about the full range of discounts that may be available to them. Government Support State and federal grants, tax incentives or legislative action probably will also be needed, said Karen Collins, vice president of property and environment at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, a trade group. Its going to take a holistic set of incentives, she said. But two bills to bring relief to consumers who cant get insurance despite hardening their homes failed in the legislature this year. Both initiatives aimed to reduce premiums by requiring companies to factor mitigation into their underwriting guidelines or catastrophe models when setting rates. Insurance companies need to take into account these large-scale mitigation efforts, said state Senator Josh Becker, a Democrat from the San Francisco Bay Area who authored one of the bills. They wanted to make so many changes watering down the bill that wouldve made it useless. Its something were going to need to come back to. For now, more Californians are investing in protecting what for many is their most valuable asset. At Komodo Fire Systems, a startup selling eco-friendly fire retardant, sales to homeowners doubled over the past year. Its not a substitute for vegetation management and defensible space clearing, said Komodos Rob Latham, a former firefighter. But with customers willing to ramp up spending to buttress their homes, the interest is through the roof. Top photo: A search and rescue crew member at a mobile home park destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise in 2018. Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Floridas Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, a state-created layer of reinsurance, expects to pay out about $4.6 billion to help cover insurers losses in Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But that wont trigger a surcharge on premiums. And a number of Florida property insurers will take a hit from the recent storms, but that, too, will be manageable. Related: Analysis Shows Wider Florida Flooding From Milton: 185,000 Buildings Hit Thats the word from the Cat Funds advisory council and from KBRA, the ratings firm previously known as Kroll Bond Rating Agency, which rates about 13 Florida-based carriers. While two major hurricanes hit Floridian shores within a two-week period, preliminary gross and net loss estimates for homeowners carriers indicate that full-year earnings will be significantly reduced but are expected to remain positive, with no appreciable erosion in capital and continued near-term ratings stability, KBRA said in a report released Thursday. Many insurance carriers in Florida, expecting a busy 2024 hurricane season, had beefed up their reinsurance coverage this year, helping to make the storms earnings events, not capital events. Some insurers anticipate Hurricane Helene to be a full-retention event while others anticipate limited insured losses, KBRA analysts noted. Most insurers expect Hurricane Milton will be a full-retention event. Florida-based insurers rated and tracked by KBRA include Universal Property & Casualty; First Protective Insurance/Frontline; Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance; American Traditions Insurance; Olympus Insurance; Manatee Insurance Exchange; Orange Insurance Exchange; Tower Hill insurance company and exchanges; and others. Most of the rated carriers should be able to help offset hurricane losses due to a very strong first half of the year, thanks to legislative litigation reforms and higher premiums, the rating firm said. Related: Liberty Mutual Estimates Up to $900M in Losses From Helene and Milton Policyholder surplus for KBRA-tracked insurers increased by 17% from 2023 to 2024. Many of these companies were able to improve their surplus through underwriting profitability, a trend not seen in the recent past, the report reads. Barring additional severe storm activity, KBRA expects many Florida homeowners insurance companies will still report a profit for FY 2024. Insurers claims operations were apparently prepared for back-to-back storms and the higher volume of claims that resulted, the agency noted. But the events will likely make some insurers more cautious about taking out more policies this year from the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the largest property insurer in the state, KBRA said. KBRA analysts could not be reached for comment for further information on the report. The report can be accessed here. Meanwhile, the Florida Cat Fund estimates it will have to pay out almost $5 billion, but will have more than $7 billion in cash and another $3.25 billion in pre-event bond funds available to cover the cost, said Chris Spencer, executive director of the State Board of Administration that oversees the Cat Fund, according to news reports. The Cat Funds advisory council met this week and reviewed the funds finances. The vast majority of the reinsurance payouts to insurers will be for Hurricane Milton, the Orlando Sentinel reported. As of Thursday, Oct. 31, Florida insurers had reported more than 266,800 claims from Milton. Some 169,660 of those have been closed without payment, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The office and some claims adjusters have reported that much of the damage from Milton is from storm surge and flooding, which is not covered by most property insurance policies. And the value of many wind claims have turned out to be below homeowners deductible levels. Top photo: Homes destroyed by Hurricane Milton in Grove City, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Barcelonas transport system ground to a halt, as Catalonia was the latest Spanish region to be hit by extreme storms that killed more than 200 people in neighboring Valencia last week. Flooded streets brought traffic to a standstill in the capital of Catalonia, while local train services were suspended on Monday. Flights were also redirected from Barcelonas airport, with parts of Catalonia under a red alert for torrential rains. Schools suspended classes in nine cities in the south of the region. Southern Catalonia borders Valencia, which is grappling with the aftermath of floods that killed at least 217 people, with hundreds more still missing. While the heavy rains have subsided in Valencia, downpours have been moving north along the Mediterranean coast to Catalonia. Up to 180 millimeters (7 inches) of rain could fall over just 12 hours in Barcelona, Spains second-largest city, according to national forecaster Aemet. Absolute precaution, Catalonias regional President Salvador Illa wrote on X Monday. We are sending mobile phone alerts in several areas due to the continued and torrential rains. The storms on Oct. 29 caught authorities in Valencia unprepared. The main alert system to mobile phones wasnt activated until after the storms started and thousands of people were caught unaware. The storms are one of Spains worst natural disasters in living memory. Such extreme storms, known in Spain as danas, are likely to become more common as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Record temperatures in the Mediterranean are also strengthening their effects. Mudslides and overflowing rivers meant that cities where little rain had fallen in the preceding days were impacted the most. Hundreds of people were trapped inside buildings for several days without water or electricity. Six days after the storms, the worst-hit areas are struggling to recover. In many streets of Paiporta, a town on the outskirts of the city of Valencia, hundreds of soldiers are working to clean roads, remove rubble from destroyed buildings, and pump out muddy knee-deep water from garages, houses and shops. Jose Maria Menchor, a police officer who lives in the western Spanish city of Caceres, some 650 kilometers from Paiporta, is among the thousands of volunteers who have traveled to the flooded areas to help with rescue efforts. Its such chaos that we dont know where to start from, Menchor said, standing next to a large fridge that was washed into the street. On Sunday, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI were heckled by a crowd of people, who pelted them with mud and sticks. Sanchez was whisked away by his security detail, while the monarch stayed to speak with protesters. Top photo: Railway lines destroyed by extreme flooding in Paiporta, Spain, on Nov. 3. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio Two people were hospitalized, one in critical condition, in separate shootings Sunday afternoon, police say. Officers first were called to the 4000 block of Okalona Road just after 12:30 p.m. They found the male victim with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Police say the victim was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. About 10 minutes later, police were called to the 3800 block of Salisbury Road, where officers found a male victim with at least one gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a hospital but no information was released on his condition. Police did take a male into custody following the second shooting. Police did not say if they suspect the shootings might be connected. No additional information was released on the victims. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting with the investigation into the first shooting. Shanxi to benefit from space rice research 10:18, November 04, 2024 By Zhu Xingxin and Zhou Huiying ( Chinadaily.com.cn Dong Qi (right), an agricultural expert, investigates the progeny of upland rice in a special experimental field in the Jinzhong National Agricultural High-Tech Industry Demonstration Zone in Shanxi province. (ZHU XINGXIN / CHINA DAILY) Dong Qi, an agricultural expert, was thrilled to reap a batch of upland rice in a special experimental field in the Jinzhong National Agricultural High-Tech Industry Demonstration Zone in Shanxi province. Different from other rice varieties, seeds in the high-tech zone are the descendants of upland rice seeds that were carried into space by the Shenzhou XVI crew in May 2023 and underwent a genetic mutation process called "space breeding" inside the Tiangong space station. A total of nine crop seeds, including upland rice, sorghum, corn, and wheat, from the high-tech zone were sent to space for mutagenesis experiments. They were exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity during the mission, resulting in genetic mutations. Back on Earth, scientists evaluated these mutations, some of which gave the seeds properties favored by farmers such as greater yield, shorter growth period, and better resistance to diseases. The upland rice seeds returned to Earth on Oct 31 last year, after more than 150 days in space, and were sent to be multiplied at the national seed breeding base in Hainan province. "Space breeding is a fundamental method, similar to hybrid breeding and radiation breeding. But for space breeding, the environment holds more value, which cannot be replicated on Earth," said Dong, a professor at Shanxi Agricultural University. "Traditional breeding usually takes eight to 10 years, but space breeding has the potential to reduce the time by half. Such seeds do not look any different, but undergo important genetic variations internally," he added. Jia Yuchen, head of the organic dryland agriculture project at the high-tech zone, said that Shanxi, located on the Loess Plateau, which has an arid climate and low rainfall, is highly suitable for the cultivation and promotion of new varieties of upland rice. "We plan to select new varieties suitable for the climate and soil characteristics of Shanxi within the next five or six years after verifying aspects such as yield, resistance, and quality," he said, adding that it is of great significance to increase grain production and farmers' income in China. The high-tech demonstration zone in Jinzhong has been a long-term collaborative partner of China's manned space program, which shoulders the important mission of promoting the development of organic dryland agriculture. The zone has established a high-standard experimental field, covering 6.67 hectares, for the selection and promotion of seeds for space breeding. The aim is to explore high-yielding and stress-resistant genes and further implement the selection and promotion of organic upland rice varieties. Yun Weihua, deputy director of the high-tech zone's management committee, said that research on breeding is their priority area. "We have successively established research institutes for millet and quinoa, and introduced a slew of high-tech enterprises to accelerate the development of the seed industry," he said. "We will continue to conduct space breeding, hoping to contribute to Shanxi's efforts to advance agricultural and rural modernization," Yun added. In August 1987, a retrievable scientific experiment satellite carried a batch of seeds into space, marking the first space journey of Chinese crop seeds. After the seeds returned to Earth, scientists found significant genetic changes and initiated a series of experiments involving crossbreeding. Data from the China Manned Space Engineering Office shows that over 3,000 space breeding experiments have been conducted, resulting in more than 240 approved main grain varieties and over 400 new varieties of vegetables, fruits, trees, grasses, and flowers. The experiments have also resulted in an annual increase in grain production of approximately 2.6 million metric tons. Dong, the professor, said they were striving to bring high-quality upland rice varieties mutated through space breeding to the table of the ordinary person soon. "I believe that the future market value of space breeding will be significant," he added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) 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. PayPal Inc. co-founder and Affirms CEO Max Levchin on center stage during day one of Collision 2019 at Enercare Center in Toronto, Canada. LONDON Buy now, pay later firm Affirm launched Monday its installment loans in the U.K., in the company's first expansion overseas. Founded in 2012, Affirm is an American fintech firm that offers flexible pay-over-time payment options. The company says it underwrites every individual transaction before making a lending decision, and doesn't charge any late fees. Affirm, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, said its U.K. offering will include interest-free and interest-bearing monthly payment options. Interest on its plans will be fixed and calculated on the original principal amount, meaning it won't increase or compound. The company's expansion to the U.K. marks the first time it is launching in a market outside the U.S. and Canada. Globally, Affirm counts over 50 million users and more than 300,000 active merchants, including Amazon , Shopify and Walmart . Among the first merchants offering Affirm as a payment method in the U.K. are Alternative Airlines, the flight booking website, and payments processing firm Fexco. Affirm said it expects to onboard more brands over the coming months. Max Levchin, CEO of Affirm, told CNBC that the company had been working on its launch in the U.K. for over a year. The reason Affirm chose Britain as its first overseas expansion target was because it saw a lot of demand from merchants in the country, according to Levchin. "It is a huge market, it's English-speaking," making it a great fit for the business, Levchin said in an interview last week ahead of Affirm's U.K. launch. Affirm will eventually expand into other markets that aren't English-speaking but this will take more work, he added. Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Markets: Stocks were mostly lower to start the week. Initially, the market got a boost from the big drop in Treasury yields, but the bond price rally, which pushes yields down, cooled off as the day progressed. The 10-year Treasury yield was still down on the session but back above 4.30%. We're wondering if the amount of supply hitting the Treasury market is becoming more of a factor. Earlier Monday, there was a $58 billion auction of 3-year Treasury notes . Tuesday will see a $42 billion auction of 10-year Treasurys, and Wednesday will bring a $25 billion auction of 30-year bonds . Election : Back to stocks, it's not a surprise to see some wait-and-see in the market ahead of Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, which increasingly looks like a tight race. As we scan across what's happening in the market, we see outperformance in stocks that were hit when Donald Trump led by more in the polls. For example, stocks with tariff risk like Club stocks Best Buy , Stanley Black & Decker , Home Depot , and Constellation Brands rallied. A less strict immigration policy would also be a tailwind for Constellation, the maker of Modelo and Corona, due to its strong ties to the Hispanic community through its Mexican beer portfolio. CEO Bill Newlands has previously downplayed the risks of higher tariffs on "Mad Money." Mixed signals : Speaking of "Mad Money," Coterra Energy Chairman and CEO Tom Jorden will be on the show Monday evening. This appearance comes after the company reported third-quarter results last Thursday and held its earnings conference call Friday. It's a good time to check in with Jorden because the quarter was initially well received as indicated by the stock's up-open last Friday, but it reversed hard during the conference call and ultimately the session finished down 5%. Piper Sandler raised its Coterra price target to $32 per share from $31 on Monday and maintained its overweight buy rating. Piper characterized the Club name's results as "strong" but said they were overshadowed by M & A risk. The market didn't like Jorden's unprompted comment about what he needs to see in a deal to cause Coterra to "stretch." The company is known for its discipline and prudence, making it odd to hear Jorden address big M & A, even if it was brief. There may have also been confusion around management's theoretical comments about discontinuing the use of Simul-frac, which has unlocked a lot of capital efficiencies. They were hesitant to commit to this drilling technique next year to maintain flexibility in a volatile commodity environment. Up next: After the closing bell, Palantir, Cleveland-Cliffs, Him's & Hers, Wynn Resorts, Astera Labs, Illumina, Realty Income, Diamondback Energy, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals are among the companies reporting earnings. Club name DuPont is scheduled to report Tuesday before the opening bell. We expect to see more signs of a recovery in its semiconductor/electronics business and we'll be listening to commentary about its China water treatment business. Some other companies scheduled to report Tuesday morning are Archer Daniels Midland, Builders First Source, Restaurant Brands, and Emerson Electric. We will also be checking early election data on Wednesday, but we don't plan on making any substantial changes based on the outcome. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. While Nvidia's spectacular surge remains the biggest story in the technology industry, the AI chipmaker's performance on the market has been dwarfed this year by a digital advertising company with a specialty in gaming. AppLovin has soared 310% in 2024, beating every U.S. tech company with a market cap of at least $5 billion, according to FactSet data. Nvidia, which has led the artificial intelligence boom and become the world's second-most valuable public company, is up 173% this year. Founded 12 years ago, AppLovin went public in 2021, riding a Covid-era wave of excitement in online games. Now, the company's games unit generates relatively slow growth, but its online ad business is bustling from advancements in AI that have improved ad targeting. Great returns bring great expectations, and AppLovin has a lot to prove in its earnings report on Wednesday, as investors look for proof that the rally is warranted. In its third-quarter report, analysts are expecting revenue growth of 31% to $1.13 billion, according to LSEG, following two straight quarters of growth above 40%. More than revenue, AppLovin has shown a massive increase in profit. Based on LSEG's consensus, EPS is expected to more than triple to 92 cents, while analysts see operating income more than doubling to $424.2 million, according to FactSet. AppLovin attributes much of its growth to its AI advertising engine called AXON, particularly since releasing the updated 2.0 version last year. The technology helps put more targeted ads on the mobile gaming apps the company owns, and works for other studios that license the software. "AXON enhancements through ongoing self-learning and our dedicated development efforts have fueled robust business performance this quarter," AppLovin said in its second-quarter shareholder letter in August. Revenue in the software business jumped 75% in the second quarter to $711 million, accounting for about two-thirds of total sales. Analysts have gotten increasingly bullish. Wells Fargo initiated AppLovin with the equivalent of a buy rating on Oct. 29, calling the company a share gainer. Analysts at BTIG lifted their price target last week to $202, the highest among firms tracked by FactSet. Oppenheimer, Stifel Nicolaus and Jefferies also raised their targets in October. According to analysts at Wedbush, the ad opportunity in the mobile gaming industry will grow from $10 billion today to $50 billion over the next decade. "Investors have bought into the story, driving APP shares to all-time highs, and we think that the rally is warranted," Wedbush analysts wrote in a note on Oct. 11. They said the company's "real opportunity" is to catch the influx in brand advertising towards mobile gaming from more conventional channels like social media or legacy broadcasting. Because of its position in digital advertising, AppLovin faces potential competition from some of the most well-capitalized companies on the planet. In its latest annual filing, AppLovin named Google , Amazon and Facebook as competitors. The company also relies on a small set of mobile platforms, most notably from Apple and Google, for distribution. AppLovin didn't respond to a request for comment. Among the biggest financial beneficiaries of AppLovin's historic rally is founder and CEO Adam Foroughi, whose stake has soared to about $5 billion in value. Things could've turned out very differently. In September 2016, several years before the IPO, Foroughi agreed to sell a majority stake in AppLovin to Chinese investment firm Orient Hontai Capital in a deal valued at $1.4 billion. The transaction never materialized as the agreement came at a time when the U.S. government was clamping down on Chinese involvement in the domestic tech sector. More recently, AppLovin was supposed to be on the other side of a deal that ultimately got scuttled. In 2022, AppLovin gave up on efforts to buy gaming software developer Unity Software for $20 billion, after Unity shareholders rejected the bid. Unity has since struggled mightily, losing more than half its value. Over that same stretch, AppLovin's market cap has ballooned by almost sixfold. WATCH: AppLovin is 'killing Unity' says LightShed's Brandon Ross watch now PHOENIX Immigration is a top election issue across the country, but few places feel it more than Arizona, the only swing state along the southern border and home to one of the races that could make or break control of the Senate. Arizona businesses say a shortage of workers is threatening to hold up projects in industries such as construction, hospitality and agriculture and that without changes to the federal immigration system, the economy could face a devastating hit. About 16.2% of Arizona's workforce is made up of immigrants, according to a 2022 study by the American Immigration Council. Meanwhile, the state is also facing a job shortage, 197,000 as of June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Monica Villalobos, the president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the lack of labor is leading to larger economic impacts, such as on housing prices. "We have several members that are in the construction industry that aren't able to find workers to complete projects," she said. "And when they can't complete projects, that means there is a lack of housing." Immigration has also been in the spotlight in the competitive Senate race between Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake, a former news anchor and the 2022 Republican nominee for Arizona governor. The race is to fill the seat being left by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an independent. Arizona Democratic Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego speaks during a press conference about the Arizona-Mexico border at the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Department in Nogales, Arizona, March 18, 2024. Rebecca Noble | Reuters While Congress has struggled to pass immigration reforms, Sinema and a bipartisan group of senators did produce a bill that, among other things, would have greatly expanded worker permits to immigrants. Political pressure ultimately caused the bill to fail on a procedural vote. Michael Infanzon, a lobbyist with the Canyon State Business Alliance, said the current legal immigration system is an "absolute fiasco" both for businesses needing employees and for workers. "Imagine if you wanted to go from Maryland to Virginia, and it took you three years to get the paperwork to go from Maryland to Virginia to work for six months," he told CNBC in an interview. "Are you going to continue to do that, or are you going to hop the border to do it and then go back?" Gallego said he supports the bipartisan legislation. He has also called for adding more Border Patrol agents and making cross-border trade more efficient. "I have been laser-focused on ensuring our Ports of Entry have the advanced technology and manpower to handle the cross-border trade that our country relies on," he said in a statement to CNBC. Arizona Attorney General candidate Abe Hamadeh, Arizona Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters, Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Secretary of State candidate Mark Finchem hold a press conference as they tour the Arizona-Mexico border area, Nov. 4, 2022. Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images Voters walk to cast their ballots during early voting in the presidential election at a polling station at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library in Tampa, Florida, U.S., November 1, 2024. This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . Just 12,000 jobs added in U.S. in October. The U.S. economy added 12,000 jobs in October, missing the Dow Jones estimate of 100,000 by a wide margin and marking the weakest level of job creation since December 2020. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the number was affected by hurricanes which hit the country and the Boeing strike in October. Markets shrug off weak jobs report Stocks rallied Friday to kick off November, led by Amazon and as traders shrugged off a disappointing jobs report. Amazon rallied 6.2% after the e-commerce giant's earnings came in above Wall Street's expectations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.69%, the S&P 500 advanced 0.41% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8%. Berkshire Hathaway's war chest surpasses $300 billion Berkshire Hathaway's cash pile surged to a record $325.2 billion by the end of September, compared with $276.9 billion the quarter before. This came as Warren Buffett continued his stock-selling spree and held back from repurchasing shares. The Oracle of Omaha sold $36.1 billion worth of stock in the third quarter, including significant portions of Apple and Bank of America. Harris gains ground in Iowa Iowa is not a state that many pollsters predicted will break for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. However, the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll revealed that the vice president leads Donald Trump in Iowa by 47% to 44% among likely voters, a seven-point shift since September. Iowa holds six electoral votes. [PRO] Congress makeup may decide stocks' performance While all eyes are on who will win the Oval Office after election night on Nov. 5 in the U.S., investors will want to pay attention to whether Congress ends up split or united. That, instead of the sitting president, could hold the key to how stocks perform going forward. European markets closed lower on Monday as traders awaited the U.S. presidential election due to take place on Tuesday. The pan-European Stoxx 600 provisionally closed down by 0.3%. Regional bourses and sectors were broadly in the red. Banks led the gains by sector, trading up 0.7%, while technology stocks closed 1.1% lower. Oil shares got a boost as crude prices rose more than 2% Monday on a decision by OPEC+ to delay plans to increase production. The sector closed up by 0.4%. Shares of Burberry closed 4.8% higher after a media report over the weekend suggested that its peer Moncler is mulling a bid for the British luxury retailer. There are 9 million "akiyas" empty houses across Japan, according to official government data as of 2023. You2u | Istock | Getty Images Buying a home can feel like an impossible feat as large parts of the world face a housing shortage. This is not the case with Japan though, which is dealing with an oversupply of properties. As of 2023, Japan had more than 9 million "akiyas" empty houses according to government data, with some of these properties going for less than $10,000. These homes, often abandoned and left empty for decades, are scattered across rural areas and big cities, offering a unique opportunity for buyers with creative ideas. Japan's 'akiyas' explained The rise in the number of abandoned houses in Japan is largely owed to a population crisis, as its fertility rate sinks to a record low of 1.2 births per woman as of 2023. Meanwhile, death rates have surpassed birth rates in Japan, as its elderly population continues to increase. "The akiya problem has been building for decades, rooted in Japan's post-war economic boom, which led to a surge in housing construction," Tetsuya Kaneko, head of research and consultancy at Savills Japan told CNBC Make It. "The issue became more pronounced in the 1990s with Japan's economic slowdown, and has worsened with ongoing demographic changes," said Kaneko. DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to negotiating higher pay Urban migration is another big contributing factor to Japan's abandoned houses. "As younger generations move to cities for work, rural areas are left with aging populations who may pass away or be unable to maintain their homes," he added. Among local people, akiyas are often stigmatized, and even seen as a "burden," said Kaneko. So, even when family homes are inherited by the children of elderly parents who pass away, many times, the heirs are reluctant to personally use or sell the property, adding more abandoned houses to the market. Notably, a home that is over 30-year-old "is typically considered old," said Kaneko, and locals tend to be concerned over things like safety issues, high renovation costs and decay, he explained. Some people even associate these homes with superstition, "believing they might be haunted or bring bad luck." Ultimately, "many Japanese [people] look at akiya as depreciating items that are more trouble than they're worth," Michael, founder of Japan real estate blog Cheap Houses Japan, told CNBC Make It. "The cheapest properties are that way for a reason," he said, whether it is because the location is not desirable, or the cost of renovations are expected to exceed the value of the property. Attracting foreign buyers Japan's akiyas are gaining the attention of overseas buyers. "We've noticed a rising trend in inquiries from abroad ...There has been an increase in interest and [in the] purchases of akiyas," said Kaneko. This rise in foreign interest for property in Japan has been driven partly by the pandemic, remote work trends, and shifting lifestyle preferences, said Kaneko. From young investors to retirees looking for a retreat, "more people are seeking second homes, vacation properties, or renovation projects," he said. I lived in New York for about two years, and then I was basically all over Europe ...There's no way that I could buy a house in any of these places that I've ever lived in. Anton Wormann Content creator and real estate investor Take for instance, Anton Wormann. He fell in love with Japan after visiting it during a work trip. Born and raised in Sweden, the 32-year-old had traveled all over the world during his 20s working as a model before relocating to the Asian country in 2018. "I lived in New York for about two years, and then I was basically all over Europe ... so I know how expensive all of these metropolitans are," Wormann told CNBC Make It. "There's no way that I could buy a house in any of these places that I've ever lived in." When he discovered that Japan was selling homes for cheap, he decided to purchase one for himself. Six years later, Wormann owns seven akiyas, and works as a full-time content creator and real estate investor in Japan. He has completed renovations on three of his properties, and is currently working on finishing up the other four renovations. Today, a property that cost him a total of about $110,000 to purchase and renovate, brings in $11,000 in short-term rental revenue per month. So, are 'akiyas' a good investment? Bosses have overwhelmingly embraced artificial intelligence's potential. Three-quarters of CEOs have experimented with ChatGPT, and 44% have used it in their jobs, according to recent research from Gartner. Moreover, 87% believe the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) outweigh its risks. Some of the world's top business leaders are using AI to conquer a familiar pet peeve at work: a cluttered inbox. The first thing Apple CEO Tim Cook does when he wakes up in the morning between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. is check his iPhone for new emails and overnight sales reports. Until recently, Cook read every email, including feedback from Apple customers, Cook recently told the Wall Street Journal Magazine a daunting task, considering the billionaire gets upwards of 800 emails a day. Now, Cook, 64, relies on summaries from Apple Intelligence, the tech giant's newest AI offering. When Apple Intelligence is turned on, short summaries automatically appear under your emails in the Mail app. "If I can save time here and there, it adds up to something significant across a day, a week, a month," Cook said. Even before Apple Intelligence was released to the public on iOS devices on Oct. 28, Cook said it changed his productivity and daily habits. "It's changed my life," he added. "It really has." Mark Cuban prefers a different AI tool to manage his inbox: Gemini, Google's generative AI assistant. The billionaire entrepreneur and investor, who spoke to CNBC Make It at an event announcing his AI partnership with Google, said he receives thousands of emails a day, "a lot of which are repetitive." Cuban, 66, started using Gemini's suggested email replies feature in Gmail when it was introduced a few months ago to triage his inbox faster, calling it the "ultimate time-savings hack." "It's reduced the need for me to write out routine replies," he said. "I can spend 30 seconds evaluating its response and hit 'send' versus typing it all out myself." With AI managing his correspondence, Cuban says he can spend less time in his inbox and more time on strategic tasks, which has helped him be a more productive, effective leader. AI has also helped Cuban be more efficient in his personal life. "I'll use different generative AI tools to edit my kids' homework assignments for spelling and grammar mistakes, which has helped me a lot as a parent," he added. "And to make sure they're not using AI to write their papers." Want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC's new online course How to Negotiate a Higher Salary. Expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to get a bigger paycheck, including how to prepare and build your confidence, what to do and say, and how to craft a counteroffer. Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 50% off through Nov. 26, 2024. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. An outperforming fund manager who previously sold Meta Platforms shares over concerns about the company's virtual reality investments is now bullish on the technology giant's artificial intelligence strategy. Stephen Yiu, chief investment officer of Blue Whale Growth Fund , said that Meta stands out as the only stock in the Magnificent 7 group, in addition to Nvidia , when it comes to artificial intelligence investments. "We really think Meta could be a net winner on the back of this AI spending," Yiu told CNBC's Squawk Box Europe on Friday, citing potential benefits from personalized advertising on the firm's platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and Threads , and new AI messaging capabilities for businesses on WhatsApp. This optimistic stance marks a significant shift for Yiu, who revealed that his fund had previously sold out of Meta Platform shares two years ago due to concerns about the company's virtual reality investments. "Compared to two years ago, when we exited Meta at the end of January 2022, we were very concerned about the Metaverse. Because Metaverse was something very different that maybe would take 10 years to see through," Yiu explained. "But with AI, you can actually see the benefit quite quickly." Meta's Reality Labs division, home to the company's virtual reality technologies and projects, took on $13.72 billion in losses in 2022 before Zuckerberg pivoted strategy. Meta is among the top 10 holdings in Yiu's Blue Whale Growth Fund, which itself is up 16.6% in 2024. Last year, the fund returned 30.7%, significantly outperforming its benchmark and the S & P 500, which was up 26%. Yiu's endorsement comes as Meta faces scrutiny over its ambitious AI spending plans, prompting mixed reactions from Wall Street analysts. Meta raised the low end of its capital expenditures guidance for 2024 to $38 billion from a previous outlook near $37 billion. The top end of the capex indication is still $40 billion for this year. The company added that the expenditures, which include purchases of billions of dollars worth of Nvidia's graphics processing units, will grow significantly in 2025. Deutsche Bank analyst Benjamin Black reacted positively to Meta's investment strategy, maintaining a "Buy" rating with a $650 price target. "To us, it is becoming increasingly evident that the scaled investments in core AI (and Gen AI) are having a tangible positive impact on advertising performance, driving an ever-widening gap between Meta and its peers," Black said in a note to clients after the Wednesday's earnings report. However, some analysts expressed caution. In a note to clients, Scotiabank's Nat Schindler said that the 9% increase in headcount and infrastructure investment showed a "lack of a clear AI monetization strategy" that raised "questions about sustainability of margin growth." Morningstar hit a middle ground, acknowledging both opportunities and challenges ahead. "We believe ad campaigns on Meta can derive greater value using GenAI tools, which Meta can capture via its potent monetization engine," said Morningstar's Malik Ahmed Khan, maintaining a $560 fair value estimate. "At the same time, we expect near-term margins to remain pressured as Meta's capital expenditures flow through its income statement as depreciation charges and it continues to spend heavily on AI talent." CNBC's Michael Bloom, Jonathan Vanian, Ari Levy contributed reporting. 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. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his "No Tax on Tips" campaign event in Il Toro E La Capra restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. August 23, 2024. There's the fact, too, that 37% of tipped workers had incomes low enough that they faced no federal income tax in 2022, Tedeschi estimated. Many of them also qualify for other forms of tax relief, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, to the extent that they wipe out any federal income tax liability. "One will potentially get a benefit and one will not," Tedeschi said. "Yet both are low-wage workers and under this rationale are deserving of this sort of benefit. There are other low-wage workers not in food service, such as home health workers and custodians, who will never see a benefit from this." Hypothetically, consider a waitress at a quick-serve restaurant who makes $34,000 a year, of which $19,000 comes from tips. One of her co-workers, a cashier, makes the same amount in hourly wages. If the waitress' tipped income is 100% deductible, and she takes the IRS 2024 standard deduction of $14,600, she'll receive a $1,656 refund. The cashier, though, is only entitled to the standard deduction and will owe Uncle Sam $2,096. What's more, he said, "You run into the horizontal equity problem, which is a fancy way of saying fairness, even among low-wage workers in jobs that we think of as similar." The proposed bills, therefore, leave out more than 95% of low- and moderate-wage workers. "It is a particularly poorly targeted way to reach low-wage workers," said Ernie Tedeschi, director of economics at the Yale Budget Lab. Put another way, among workers making less than $25 per hour the bottom half of all employees less than 5% receive tips. Zeroing in on just the nearly 2.2 million servers and bartenders, half earned a mean annual wage of $36,530 last year, or $17.56 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . To begin with, the policy would only impact a small number of individuals. There were roughly four million tipped workers in the U.S. in 2023 including restaurant servers, bartenders, barbers, taxicab and rideshare drivers and hairdressers representing only 2.5% of the total workforce, according to the Yale Budget Lab , a non-partisan policy research center. Upon closer inspection, however, some economists, tax experts and restaurant union and industry officials aren't quite so sanguine about the latest iterations. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is a catchy marketing slogan, but in this case, it could be prescient. Tipped workers in both crowds a sought-after cohort of voters in a critical swing state cheered the prospect of putting more money in their pockets. The campaigns' pledges also sparked related, if differing, bill proposals in both the Senate and the House . Suddenly, a concept first floated, unsuccessfully, back in 1997 by Texas GOP House member Ron Paul and subsequently revived by a few other legislators, to no avail, seemed to be gaining traction. In June, Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump told ralliers in Las Vegas a city that includes the highest proportion of restaurant, hotel and casino workers in the country that if elected, he would eliminate federal taxes on tipped income . Two months later, his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris , made a similar no-tax-on-tips promise to her revelers, likewise in Vegas. Nevada remains one of the most tightly contested swing states in the presidential election , with recent polls showing close to a virtual heat between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. It's also a state that has been ground zero for both candidates to promote a policy of excluding tipped income from taxes. An advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is displayed on the 580,000-square-foot Exosphere at Sphere, the first political campaign to do so, on October 30, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then there's the differences in the proposed legislation. The Senate bill, the No Tax on Tips Act, introduced by Ted Cruz (R-Texas), would allow workers to claim a 100% above-the-line deduction for cash tip income, including physical currency, debit or credit card payment and checks. Under Cruz's plan, as well as a companion House bill offered by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida), employees and employers would still each owe a 7.65% payroll tax which funds Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance on tipped income. (Another House bill, the Tax-Free Tips Act of 2024, initiated by Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), would exempt tips from both income and payroll taxes.) Critics argue that the GOP bills lack guardrails which, under current IRS rules, might allow high-income earners, such as hedge fund managers, lawyers and accountants, to game the system and enjoy a tax windfall. Highly paid professionals might be able to find ways to restructure their wages, bonuses or even profits as tips, according to an analysis by the Center for American Progress. For instance, a married couple making $1 million in wages who converts half of their compensation into tips would receive a $180,000 tax cut from the No Tax on Tips Act. "Tips have to be voluntary, so you could also see the introduction of tipping customs in marginal service jobs," said Alex Muresianu, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. An auto-body shop or a housing contractor "might start setting lower prices and asking for tips," he said. Without guardrails, that type of reclassification could be difficult for the IRS to enforce, Muresianu said. On the other side of the aisle, following Harris' proposal, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) submitted the Tipped Income Protection and Support (TIPS) Act. In addition to exempting tips from federal income tax (up to a threshold of $75,000 as a way to thwart high earners), the bill aims to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Taking a minimum-wage worker tax battle to Capitol Hill Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and $2.13 for workers who receive more than $30 a month in tips. Employers can take a so-called tip credit of $5.12 as a way to bring tipped workers up to at least the minimum wage. Many states have established a higher minimum wage and seven, including Nevada, have done away with the subminimum wage. The TIPS Act would exclude it nationwide and push to raise the minimum wage. The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents 60,000 hotel and restaurant workers in Nevada, was skeptical of Trump's proposal and Cruz's bill, because they didn't address the minimum wage, but has endorsed Harris' plan and the TIPS Act. "There are two sides to the same coin," said Ted Pappageorge, the union's secretary-treasurer, referring to no tax on tips and going after the subminimum wage. "We need to do both to really help the working class and low-income and middle-class tip earners, too," he said. "Tip earners are willing to pay their fair share, we just think there's been an overreach [by the IRS]." The National Restaurant Association, which represents more than a million restaurant and foodservice outlets and 15.5 million employees, didn't even have the no-tax-on-tips idea on its comprehensive tax agenda before Trump's pronouncement, said Sean Kennedy, the association's executive vice president for public policy. But once Cruz seized on it, "We had a series of very good conversations with [him] on the bright lines that the restaurant industry wanted to see if this was going to be formalized into legislation," Kennedy said. The association wanted to ensure that tip wages, while tax exempt, were still reflected on workers' W-2s so they could qualify for loans and access credit. It also lobbied to keep payroll taxes intact, to ensure workers were still paying into the Social Security Trust Fund for their retirement, Kennedy said. "This is a complicated issue, and to do this right is going to require a lot of continued thought and consideration by Congress." As for Horsford's TIPS Act, although agreeing with its ending taxes on tips, "we are absolutely, strongly opposed to eliminating the tip credit and the tipped [subminimum] wage," Kennedy said. "Most servers get far more than the minimum wage because of what the tipped wage allows," he said, alluding to the tip credit. The association is also "ready for a real conversation on the future of the federal minimum wage," Kennedy said, but with a caveat based on restaurants' labor costs. "If the answer is to simply increase the minimum wage and everyone will either sink or swim, a lot of restaurants are going to sink," Kennedy said, thus the association "would oppose a simple lined increase in minimum wage." According to a Square Payroll Index developed to track wage growth in the restaurant industry as well as other sectors, pay increases in food service have slowed considerably since the pandemic peak in 2022, though government data shows pay in the sector has continued to increase gradually, to an $18.70 average hourly wage, through August, according to the BLS. Finally, as with any federal tax cut, there's the question of how much it will decrease the Treasury's reserves. The Yale Budget Lab estimates an income tax-only version would cost $107 billion over 10 years, but about $62 billion with worker restrictions in place. The non-partisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget calculates a range between $150 billion and $250 billion for a version that also exempts tips from payroll tax. Regardless of the outcome of the election, the next Congress is set to debate the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act in 2025, when many of its provisions expire, including the standard deduction, individual tax rates and the child tax credit, all of which impact a wide swath of the workforce. Whether the no-tax-on-tips bills enter the fray is unpredictable. "It's too early to tell," Kennedy said, considering that the White House and Congress are fully in play, though he added, "we fully expect that a Trump administration would make this a priority." Meanwhile, restaurant union rep Pappageorge says, "the only chance of this happening is if [Harris] wins." Noting that both parties are on the bandwagon and the fiscal cost isn't huge, Tedeschi said he thinks "this is the likeliest policy proposal out of the 2024 campaign to actually become a reality." Muresianu, meanwhile, favors alternative solutions for helping working-class workers. "Whether it's expanding the EITC or the CTC, or increasing the standard deduction, they would all be better than no tax on tips," he said. watch now The head of oil producer alliance OPEC brushed off forecasts of dwindling crude demand in the coming year, saying there was too much pessimism in the market despite the group extending production cuts just one day prior in an attempt to shore up prices amid subdued global consumption. "Well, for OPEC, we have demand growth this year at 1.9 million barrels a day," OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais told CNBC's Dan Murphy Monday at the Adipec energy conference in Abu Dhabi. "Now some people might say this is on the high side, but other independent analysts, researchers in the market have it at similar levels," he said. "Some have it at [what] we believe [are] very low levels. We're still quite robust on demand." "I think there's a bit too much doom and gloom and pessimism in terms of the demand outlook by some corners in the market, in terms of analysts and research, but we believe, still, our numbers are in line with many other independents," Al Ghais said. watch now The Vienna-based oil producer group in mid-October downwardly revised its projections for oil demand growth in the near-term, forecasting growth of 1.93 million barrels a day this year and 1.64 million barrels a day in 2025. This compared to previous forecasts of 2.03 million and 1.74 million barrels a day, respectively. While the outlook figure was trimmed, it's still dramatically higher than that of the Paris-based International Energy Agency, which sees global oil demand increasing by roughly 900,000 barrels per day this year and close to 1 million barrels per day in 2025. "We have lowered down our demand numbers, to be fair, in the last couple of months, by about 100,000 to 200,000 barrels a day," Al Ghais said. "Nevertheless, we remain at 1.9 [million] and this is higher than the historical average, the pre-pandemic and even the post-pandemic recovery rate, which was around 1.2 million barrels per day." The forecasts come amid a slowing Chinese economy, which has significantly hit oil demand and abundant global supply. China is the world's largest crude importer and the second-largest crude consumer, after the United States. When asked about concerns over China's economic trajectory, the OPEC chief replied: "We have China growing at 0.6 million barrels a day this year ... I think the outliers who are looking at China growing at 0.1 [million barrels a day] or hardly any growth, are the outliers. We are not the outliers." He added that the group is "seeing some very positive numbers coming out of the U.S. economy" and that it sees "good signs in the petrochemical industry, aviation sector." watch now Larry Krasner, Philadelphia's district attorney, center, departs after a hearing at City Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. A judge on Monday rejected a request by the Philadelphia district attorney to block a $1 million daily giveaway by Tesla CEO Elon Musk's political action committee to voters in Pennsylvania and other swing states before Election Day. Philadelphia County Common Pleas Court Judge Angelo Foglietta's order came after an hourslong hearing in which District Attorney Larry Krasner testified that the giveaway by America PAC was a "scam," a "grift" and an "illegal lottery." "They know what they're doing is illegal, and they are doing everything under the sun to clean it up," Krasner said about Musk and the billionaire's America PAC, which is backing Donald Trump in the presidential election against Kamala Harris. America PAC to date has awarded $17 million to people in swing states who sign a petition supporting the Constitution and has said it will give out the last $1 million installment on Tuesday, Election Day. Foglietta in his order said he would later explain his reasons for denying Krasner's request for an injunction in a written decision. His order does not end the district attorney's civil lawsuit, which alleges Musk and the PAC are violating Pennsylvania lottery and consumer protection laws with the giveaway. Krasner on Monday said his legal case had actually gotten stronger due to admissions by the PAC that winners of the award were not chosen at random, as Musk had claimed. Chris Young, the treasurer for America PAC, testified that he was surprised to hear Musk use the term "randomly" at a public event in October announcing the giveaway. "Not the word I would have selected," Young said. He testified that recipients of the award were questioned before the prizes were announced, to "feel out their personality, make sure they were someone whose values aligned" with the PAC, which paid them to act as spokespeople. "The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance," the PAC's former treasurer, Chris Gober said Monday. "We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow." European leaders congratulated pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu on winning a runoff vote in Moldova's presidential election over the weekend, with the result seen as further step on the former Soviet republic's road to integration with the bloc. The second round of voting pitted incumbent Maia Sandu against her Russia-backed Party of Socialists opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, after neither candidate won a majority in the first round last month. With 99.9% of the responses at the poll counted on Monday morning, Sandu won 55.4% of the vote, compared to the 44.6% of Stoianoglo, according to Moldova's Central Electoral Commission. Sandu thanked her supporters at home and abroad on Sunday, after more than 300,000 people cast their votes overseas and significantly boosted her odds. "Moldova, today you are victorious. Together, we've shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future. Thank you, dear Moldovans, at home and abroad. Walk with prideyou are freedom, hope, and resilience. I am proud to serve you all," Sandu said on social media platform X. Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, the largely agrarian nation of 3 million people has found itself pulled between remaining within Russia's orbit, and a future with Europe. Russia was accused of meddling in Moldova's presidential vote and in parliamentary elections in fellow former Soviet republic Georgia last month, when the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party claimed victory. Moscow denied allegations of election interference and, in turn, accused the West of meddling in the Georgian vote. This weekend's election follows a referendum held in Moldova last month, which asked citizens whether the pursuit of EU membership should be enshrined in the country's constitution. A slim majority voted to back the move. That result, now followed by Sandu's victory, has been cheered by European leaders who are loathe to see Russia's influence re-assert itself and spread on their eastern flank. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Sandu on Sunday, posting in a Google-translated update on X that she had "steered the Republic of Moldova safely through difficult times and set the country on a European course. We stand by Moldova's side." Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed Sandu's re-election, posting on X that "democracy has triumphed against all the interference and and all the manoeuvres. France will continue to stand beside Moldova on its European path," according to a CNBC translation. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, likewise praised Maia Sandu, stating on X that "it takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election. I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people." Check out the companies making headlines after the bell : Palantir Technologies Shares popped 13%. The software company surpassed Wall Street's third-quarter estimates, posting adjusted earnings of 10 cents per share on $726 million in revenue. That beat the 9 cents per share and $701 million in revenue expected by analysts polled by LSEG. Palantir said U.S. government revenue grew 40% year over year during the period. Wynn Resorts The resort and casino operator's stock dropped more than 4% on third-quarter results that fell short of Wall Street's estimates on the top and bottom lines. Adjusted earnings came in at 90 cents a share on $1.69 billion in revenue. NXP Semiconductors The Netherlands-based semiconductor company shed 5% on disappointing fourth-quarter guidance, citing macro weakness in Europe and the Americas and in the industrial and internet of things market. NXP Semiconductors topped earnings estimates by 2 cents per share and posted in-line revenues. Dollar Tree The discount retailer popped 6% after announcing its CEO Rick Dreiling is stepping down . The company reiterated its third-quarter guidance and appointed its chief operating officer as interim CEO. Hims & Hers Health The telehealth company advanced more than 6% after its third-quarter earnings trounced Wall Street's expectations by 28 cents per share. Revenue also came in ahead of LSEG consensus estimates, and the company topped two million subscribers during the period. Cleveland-Cliffs Shares fell more than 4% after the steel producer fell short of Wall Street's revenue estimates. The company posted revenue of $4.57 billion, versus an LSEG estimate of $4.77 billion. Lattice Semiconductor The semiconductor design stock dropped nearly 9%. Lattice Semiconductor posted in-line third-quarter results, but offered disappointing earnings and revenue guidance for the current period. Cirrus Logic Shares sank more than 9%. The semiconductor supplier issued current-quarter revenue guidance that ranged between $480 million and $540 million, while analysts polled by LSEG sought $590 million. Boeing machinists approved a new labor deal Monday, ending a costly seven-week strike that halted most of the company's aircraft production, worsening its mounting losses. Machinists voted 59% in favor of the new contract, which includes 38% wage increases over four years and other improvements. The approval is a relief for Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who took the top job in August to steer the company through its safety and manufacturing crises. The company raised more than $20 billion in a share sale last week to weather its financial problems after warning it will likely burn cash through 2025. Ortberg last month said Boeing will cut 10% of its 170,000 workforce including mangers, executives and employees, to slash costs, with layoff notices going out in mid-November. He painted a picture of a leaner Boeing, focusing on its core commercial and defense businesses. "While the past few months have been difficult for all of us, we are all part of the same team. We will only move forward by listening and working together," Ortberg said after the contract passed. "There is much work ahead to return to the excellence that made Boeing an iconic company." Boeing will now be able to resume production, key to its recovery since the bulk of the aircraft price is paid when they are handed over to customers. But getting up to target production rates, particularly for the 737 Max, Boeing's cash cow, will take time. "While the strike ending and workers returning to the shopfloor is a meaningful step in the right direction, ramping back up will take time," said Bank of America aerospace analyst Ron Epstein. He said some workers will need to be retrained. The machinists, who build planes such as the bestselling 737 Max, the 777 and 767 aircraft must return to their jobs no later than Nov. 12 the union said. They could return as early as Wednesday. "Yesterday's resolution of the strike was low hanging fruit in our view," Jonathan Root, senior vice president at Moody's Ratings, said in a note Tuesday. "Relieving the impediments to achieving and then sustaining strong positive free cash flow remains the challenge." President Joe Biden spoke with union leaders and Boeing's CEO on Tuesday to congratulate them on the deal, the White House said. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su had gotten involved with the negotiations, flying to Seattle to meet with the union and the company, a top U.S. exporter and defense contractor. "This contract provides a 38% wage increase over four years, improves workers' ability to retire with dignity, and supports fairness at the workplace," Biden said in a statement. "This contract is also important for Boeing's future as a critical part of America's aerospace sector." Technology companies' push to directly power artificial intelligence with nuclear plants hit a major roadblock, after a federal regulator rejected a request to increase power for an Amazon data center. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday rejected a request to increase the amount of power the Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania can dispatch to an Amazon data center campus. Independent power producer Talen Energy in March sold the data center campus to Amazon for $650 million, which would be powered by the nuclear plant in a first-of-its-kind deal. Talen's stock closed more than 2% lower Monday in the wake of FERC's denial order. Constellation Energy and Vistra Corp. tumbled more than 12% and about 3%, respectively, in sympathy as investors Investors expect the companies to announce similar deals at some point. Constellation posted its worst day since the company spun off from Exelon in February 2022. The grid operator PJM Interconnection and the Susquehanna plant, which Talen owns, had filed a request to increase the amount of power dispatched to the Amazon data center from 300 megawatts currently to 480 megawatts. The arrangement, called co-location by the power industry, "could have huge ramifications for both grid reliability and consumer costs," said FERC Commissioner Mark Christie in his opinion backing the order. Talen said FERC's decision will have a "chilling effect on economic development in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey" in a statement Monday. The power company said it is evaluating its options with a "focus on commercial solutions." The Amazon data center campus can still use 300 megawatts of power from the Susquehanna nuclear plant, according to Talen. The company said the deal is "just and reasonable and in the best interest of consumers." The FERC decision does not directly affect Constellation's plans to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in 2028 through a power purchase agreement with Microsoft . Three Mile Island will dispatch power to the electric grid, rather than directly power Microsoft's data centers. But Constellation and Vistra have expressed interest in striking deals with tech companies that are similar to the agreement between Talen and Amazon. Data centers that power AI and cloud computing are consuming growing amounts of electricity. Utilities are scrambling to find ways to power the growing electric load. Tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear power because it is reliable, fossil free and does not emit carbon dioxide. Vistra and Constellation are two of the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 this year, as investors bet on a potential windfall from the tech sector's growing energy needs. Vistra's stock has more than tripled this year, outpacing even Nvidia to become the best-performing stock in the market. Constellation has more than doubled and is the fourth-best stock in the S&P 500 this year. Why Alphabet's Waymo and GM's Cruise may be better values than Tesla in autonomous driving right now and how to do a long-term pairs trade using options to play it. Autonomous driving is at a pivotal juncture, with several companies vying for leadership in a sector that promises to revolutionize transportation. While Tesla (TSLA) has dominated the autonomous vehicle headlines with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, it may not be the best autonomous driving investment. Google's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise appear to lead the way, offering more advanced and reliable technology at compelling valuations. Here's a breakdown of why Waymo and Cruise may be more persuasive investment choices for those interested in the future of driverless cars. Waymo: A leader in the autonomous race Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet , has long been a frontrunner in the autonomous driving sector. It operates commercial autonomous services in several U.S. cities, including Phoenix and Los Angeles, using its Jaguar I-PACE fleet. Soon, Waymo plans to switch to Hyundai Ioniq vehicles as it continues to refine its platform and expand its service areas. Waymo also pushes boundaries with advanced cars with no steering wheel or traditional controls. However, it must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirements, a challenging regulatory hurdle. Waymo's strategy involves a comprehensive suite of sensors, including lidar, radar, and optical cameras, which work together to ensure a multi-layered view of the driving environment. This approach is costly, with substantial investment required for equipment like custom telematics, redundancy systems, and sensors, yet it enhances reliability. Waymo's method also highlights its dedication to safety and precision, marking a significant advantage over Tesla's FSD, which relies solely on optical cameras. Following Cruise's recent issues, Waymo is positioned as the clear leader, able to scale more effectively and navigate regulatory challenges. Its cautionary approach to expanding its services, backed by Alphabet's resources, allows it to refine and perfect its systems for broader rollout, strengthening its foothold in the AV space. GM's Cruise: Learning from setbacks and moving forward General Motors ' Cruise was previously neck-and-neck with Waymo, particularly before the challenges it faced in late 2023. Cruise operates its AV service using a modified Chevy Bolt electric vehicle fleet. The company also developed an Origin vehicle prototype designed for autonomous operation without a driver's seat or steering wheel. However, regulatory and safety challenges have delayed this project, as current FMVSS standards do not yet allow completely driverless vehicles on public roads. After a major incident in 2023, GM CEO Mary Barra and Cruise's leadership took a conservative approach, re-evaluating the project and shelving Origin until the regulatory environment catches up. Cruise's setbacks, however, have been more of a pause than a defeat. The company's cautious stance now demonstrates GM's commitment to safety and compliance, which could give it an advantage as a trusted provider of autonomous solutions. Cruise also operates with a similar sensor-rich setup to Waymo, integrating lidar, radar, and cameras, collectively providing a more reliable system than Tesla's camera-only approach. By adopting this layered hardware model, Cruise aims to produce a safer and more accurate AV experience, which is particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas where it primarily operates. Tesla's approach: Speed and practicality over redundancy? Tesla's FSD software relies primarily on optical cameras, supported by advanced AI algorithms to interpret the road environment. Tesla's founder, Elon Musk, argues that if humans can drive with only vision, cars should also be able to. This approach is appealing due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, but has notable limitations. Unlike the multi-sensor setups of Waymo and Cruise, Tesla's reliance on cameras alone presents challenges, particularly in low-visibility conditions like fog, snow, or harsh sunlight. Critics have also pointed out cases of Tesla's FSD software malfunctioning, with reports of vehicles mistakenly accelerating or failing to detect obstacles. Additionally, Tesla's FSD software could face scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the coming years. Suppose regulators decide that Tesla's camera-only system falls short of safety standards. In that case, it may lead to recalls or stricter oversight, ultimately affecting Tesla's bottom line and delaying further FSD advancements. Tesla has taken a bold stance on their technological approach, and evidence suggests that it is safer than unassisted human drivers. Still, a potential future, more rigorous regulatory framework poses a possible risk factor for investors. The hardware and AI stack: A key differentiator The advanced sensor suites Waymo and Cruise use come at a high cost. Lidar, radar, optical cameras, and the accompanying AI and telematics systems represent an extensive investment in hardware and technology. These vehicles essentially act as "mobile test labs," providing invaluable data and experience. The current cost of these high-tech systems is prohibitive for mass-market consumer vehicles. Still, similar trends were seen in early computing, where enormous machines eventually led to more affordable consumer computers. As technology advances and costs decrease, the hardware in today's AVs could eventually become viable in consumer vehicles. Tesla's choice to rely on cameras alone is driven by cost reduction, aiming to create a more affordable option for consumers. However, this strategy may limit Tesla's scalability in commercial autonomous services, where reliability and safety are paramount. Regulatory and infrastructure hurdles Waymo and Cruise also benefit from more conservative regulatory strategies, which may be more sustainable in the long term. GM, in particular, is willing to wait until regulators have established clear guidelines. In contrast, Tesla has often pushed the boundaries of regulation, which could pose risks for future development if regulators clamp down. Moreover, Waymo and Cruise are better prepared for future changes in telematics infrastructure. The upcoming 5G network slicing, which is expected to improve data upload speeds, will be vital for AVs that need constant connectivity. Currently, Tesla's approach does not capitalize on telematics advancements in the same way as Waymo and Cruise, further narrowing its competitive edge in AVs. The value autonomous driving adds to stock Currently, Alphabet, GM, and Tesla are not generating meaningful revenue from autonomous driving or robotics technology. Some buyers may purchase Teslas over alternatives due to their current autopilot and FSD offerings and the promise of future enhancements. Similarly, GM's supercruise-assisted driving is widely recognized as one of the best, significantly outperforming offerings from rivals such as Ford and Stellantis. I am a big fan of Tesla products and Elon Musk. He has proven that he can take ideas to reality, even competing against far larger companies with more financial resources and an enormous head start in the car business. I would, therefore, challenge anyone to identify a better technology entrepreneur to lead a business in this area from the same starting point today. The problem for an investor is that these companies are orders of magnitude apart from a valuation perspective. Observing commonly used multiples of these companies, they are so different that TSLA needs a dedicated axis (plotted on the right) as its valuation is much greater than either Alphabet or GM, which are plotted on the primary/left Y axis below In fairness, TSLA has grown materially in recent years and is the only US automaker that manufactures and sells EVs profitably. Still, the safety of an investment is a function of the price investors pay for it. Let's look at another example: Price to Sales or Enterprise Value to Forward EBIT. No matter how you look at it, Tesla's current valuation is pricing in a lot of future growth. Final Thoughts For investors looking at autonomous vehicles, Google's Waymo and GM's Cruise provide robust, safety-oriented platforms with promising growth potential. At the same time, Tesla has captured the public's imagination with its FSD technology. None of these companies are yet generating profits or free cash flow from their robotics and autonomous driving technologies, but investors have already priced in presumed success at Tesla. Alphabet's valuation currently looks reasonable whether or not their Waymo investment pays off hugely. Waymo, should it succeed, is just icing on the cake. GM needs success from the Cruise program; its current valuation and trading at a mid-single-digit PE ratio suggest it may be existential. CEO Mary Barra's commitment to it indicates she believes that, too. That low multiple does provide a margin of safety on the long side. GM does not need to knock the cover off the ball to prove a good investment. If they can consistently grow at the pace of the global economy, cyclically adjusted, they deserve a much higher multiple. Tesla and Elon Musk, meanwhile, will likely continue to astonish us by using practical solutions while innovating. Still, it will be harder for the stock to rocket higher, given that so much of that is already priced. The trade Much like a "pairs" trade, one way to affect this thesis is to create offsetting positions with similar structures, such as long call spreads on the desired longs and short call spreads on the desired short position. The objective, assuming one chooses to use options rather than simply buying GOOGL and GM and taking the unlimited risk of going short TSLA, is to limit the total risk taken, have long and short positions offsetting one another to mitigate market volatility, and minimize "theta" or options decay net of all positions. Sell Dec. 13 TSLA $260 call Buy Dec. 13 TSLA $275 call Buy Dec. 13 GOOGL $165 call Sell Dec. 13 GOOGL $180 call Buy Dec. 13 GM $48 call Sell Dec. 13 GM $56 call The thesis is not that Tesla will not deliver on their technological promises someday, or a bet against Elon Musk which is a bit like betting against Secretariat but rather suggesting that those future achievements are baked into the price of Tesla shares today. DISCLOSURES: (None) Correction: Tesla was misspelled in a previous headline. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. China's hot electric vehicle market has been gaining investor interest, and one analyst sees potential for the sector to grow further. "China's EV market is the largest in the world and also delivers fast growth," Vincent Sun, senior equity analyst at Morningstar said. Sun who spoke to CNBC Pro on Nov. 1 remains positive on the sector's growth following a 31% year-to-date jump in EV sales to around 8 million units at the end of the third quarter. This translates to a penetration rate of 49% of China's auto market in September. Looking ahead, he expects EV sales to grow further by 20 to 25% on the back of government subsidies, improving vehicle technology and new model launches providing more options to consumers. Sun also foresees that battery-powered EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs will "continue to outperform the overall auto sector," and take share from internal combustion engines 'Camry of China' BYD has been the dominant EV automaker in China, but smaller players like XPeng and Nio are gaining prominence. Sun believes competition and price pressures in the domestic market may compromise BYD's margins in the near-term. However, he said "strong sales volume should drive top-line growth." Morningstar gives stocks a rating of between one and five stars, with a top rating indicating that the shares are undervalued. It has a 4-star rating on BYD and Nio and a 3-star rating on Xpeng. "We think Nio remains attractive for long-term investors who are patient for ramp-up of Nio's new brand Onvo . For Xpeng, we believe the upside from new model Mona M03 has largely been priced in," he explained. Rayliant Global Advisors' Jason Hsu, however, believes the smaller automakers will have difficulty nipping away at BYD's share. "I think of [BYD as] the Camry of China. There's not a lot maneuver room for anyone else. So, I think it's almost game over for other local brands," the founder and chief investment officer at the asset management house told CNBC's Pro Talks last month. "BYD just has a lower cost structure, such a superiority in terms of scale of manufacturing, given how long it's been in the space and given its manufacturing capability I think now everyone has sort of been pushed into the fringes as a niche player," he added. BYD made headlines last week after it reported a 24% year-on-year increase in its revenue to 201.12 billion Chinese yuan ($28.24 billion), which surpassed the $25.18 billion reported by its U.S. rival Tesla for the same period. Third-quarter net income grew nearly 12% to 11.6 billion Chinese yuan. Tesla also has a presence in China and makes its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles there. Sales of these vehicles in China's domestic market were up 66% year-on-year to 72,000 in September . Hsu said BYD and Tesla have a "good separation" because they are not seen as competitors in the Chinese market. "I wouldn't worry about Tesla's ... market positioning in China as a result of the rise of BYD," he explained. Instead, Hsu's take is that Tesla would have to "reimagine itself in China" given that it is seen as a premium brand there instead of a low cost option as it is positioned in the U.S. Goldman Sachs has refreshed its list of top stock picks in Asia to include two automotive stocks: India's Mahindra and Mahindra and Japan's Honda Motor . The stocks are featured on the investment bank's "Conviction List - Directors' Cut," which seeks to offer a "curated and active" list of buy-rated stocks. It comes as auto stocks have been in the spotlight in the region following stronger SUV sales in countries like India and high electric vehicle adoption in China . Mahindra and Mahindra Goldman is betting on Mahindra and Mahindra given its "unique pipeline" in India's SUV car market. "M & M's evolution from a rural SUV brand in the previous decade to a lifestyle SUV brand in the current decade offers comfort on its upward trajectory in ASP (average selling price) and profit per unit dynamics," the investment bank wrote in a Nov. 3 note. Analyst Chandramouli Muthiah expects the company's "strong new SUV order backlog and upcoming Battery Electric Vehicle launches to support industry leading growth visibility vs (its) peers." Mahindra plans to launch five new internal combustion engine SUVs and seven electric SUVs by 2030. Shares in Mahindra are listed on India's National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange and as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) in the U.S. under the MAHMF ticker. Its shares are up nearly 70% year-to-date. Goldman has a 12-month target price of 3,600 Indian rupees ($42.80) on the stock, implying 25% potential upside. Honda In Japan, Goldman is bullish on Honda which it describes as "one of the few automakers that can maintain/expand its strong profit margins while making upfront investments in electrification and intelligent mobility." In analyst Kota Yuzawa's view, the stock stands to gain from "growth in its motorcycle business, expanding earnings from next-generation hybrids, and appropriately controlling the timing of its investments." "While some investors are concerned about a temporary decline in earnings as the company transitions to a higher EV sales weighting, we think hybrid earnings are likely to minimize this impact. At the same time, strong growth and profitability in its motorcycle division will help underpin earnings," he added. Shares in Honda trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and as an ADR in the U.S. under the HMC ticker. Its shares have been on a broad decline over the past 6 months, but remain up nearly 4% year-to-date. Goldman has a target price of 2,200 Japanese yen ($14.50) on the stock, implying 44.3% potential upside. The investment bank's stock picks are selected by a subcommittee in each region which "collaborate with each sector analyst to identify top ideas that offer a combination of conviction, a differentiated view and high risk-adjusted returns," Goldman says. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. November 4, 2024: As of October, NATO has a new leader and multiple problems to deal with and solve. First, there is the war in Ukraine. Russia invaded in early 2022 and failed to win the expected quick victory. Instead Russia has lost over 600,000 dead, wounded and missing. A growing number of the missing are deserters who fled either before they were sent to Ukraine or after they arrived. Its illegal for Russian soldiers to desert but so many are doing so that the government ignores that problem. Thats because all those deserters are more than the prison system can handle and admitting there are that many deserters is an embarrassing admission of defeat. Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not tolerate defeat and is desperately seeking ways to avoid it. One of his latest efforts involves hiring 12,000 North Korean soldiers to restore the capabilities of his depleted army. That wont be enough and Putin sees the war as an endurance contest. He has pledged to keep fighting as long as it takes. Putin believes NATO will eventually tire of supporting Ukraine and allow Putin to annex Ukraine as part of Putins revived Soviet Union. The new NATO leader realizes he cannot let Putin get his way. Losing Ukraine would mean the next targets would be NATO members like Poland and the Baltic States. Poland sees this as a possibility and ordered a thousand K2 tanks from South Korea. The K2 is similar to the American M1 but was developed and built in South Korea using no American components or items where the U.S. owns the patents. Because of this South Korea can sell the K2 to Poland without American restrictions. Poland has already received over a hundred K2s and will eventually produce at least 500 K2s in Poland under license. Poland already has some German Leopard 2s and American M1s. Within a few years Poland will have the largest tank force in Europe, and that includes Russia. Putin does not want to attack NATO because Russia would be defeated, but Ukraine is another matter. Putin believes he can eventually persuade NATO to pressure Ukraine into surrendering the 26 percent of Ukraine that Russia already occupies. Ukrainians refuse to accept that large a loss and are willing to keep fighting to ensure the Russians do not get their way. In a world where clarity and finality are admired, the Ukraine War is murky and unending. NATO continues to be the primary supplier of weapons and economic aid to Ukraine. Most of Ukraine has not been affected by the fighting. Ukraine is still a major grain exporter, as is Russia. These grain exports cannot be disrupted because many countries, like Afghanistan, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey and Yemen depend on the Ukrainian grain exports. Western nations on this list can easily switch to another supplier, but African, Middle Eastern and Asian customers often cannot. Most NATO nations are not directly impacted by the stability of the Ukrainian grain exports, but many of the nations that are vulnerable have important relationships with NATO nations. As a result, continued Ukrainian grain exports is an important issue for NATO nations. Ukraine wants to become a NATO member and NATO is willing to accept Ukraine as its 33rd member. This cannot happen while Ukraine is still at war and Vladimir Putin has hinted at a deal that would involve Ukraine surrendering Russian occupied land in order to gain NATO membership. This is a surrender too far for Ukraine, which rejected this deal. Ukraine realizes that their fight against Russia prevents the Russians from going after Poland and the Baltic States. While such an attack on NATO members seems improbable, so was the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO finds itself in an impossible situation that must be resolved. Ukraine cannot afford to be lost and Russia must realize that fighting the NATO alliance is a losing proposition. Maybe not, but in the past Russia did not hesitate to attack Poland, Finland and planned to invade Germany before the Germans themselves attacked in 1941. Ironically, the war in Ukraine is the first major war in Europe since 1945 when the Western allies and Russia defeated Nazi Germany. By invading Ukraine, the Russians became the Nazis and they steadfastly refuse to accept that. Russia says it is in Ukraine to eliminate pro-Nazi elements and bring Ukraine back into a new Russian empire. NATO members do not believe any of that and are resigned to the task of continuing to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Another problem facing NATO is the reluctance of the United States to continue being the major supplier of aid for Ukraine. The Americans want NATO nations to do more of this and some NATO nations, like Poland, Romania, Finland, the Baltic States, and Germany are doing just that. Managing NATO in wartime may be a headache but so far these efforts have been successful. Doubts linger about NATO'S ability to keep it up. India and France have been elected as President and co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term, extending to 2026. In a recent reshuffle of ISA leadership, Ashish Khanna is set to succeed Dr. Ajay Mathur as ISA Director General, assuming the role in 2025. Thanking the Indian government and the ISA assembly for his nomination, Khanna stated that the world is ready for a major solar energy push, though challenges in climate finance require deeper discussion.Speaking to CNBC TV18 on the sidelines of the ISAs seventh assembly session in New Delhi, he expressed his commitment to fostering partnerships of equality among nations to drive energy access and transition. He also highlighted the reduction of fiscal impact as a significant opportunity for solar energy adoption, underscoring Indias solar success through public-private partnerships, which have expanded the countrys solar capacity to 90 GW, up from less than 2 GW in 2014.Meanwhile, Fijis Minister for Public Works and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, told CNBC TV18 that the Pacific island nation aims to meet 100% of its power demand with renewable energy by 2030. With fossil fuel imports currently accounting for 30% of Fijis total import costs, the country is focused on further solarization, particularly in rural areas, schools, hospitals, and for water access.The Fijian minister noted ongoing collaboration with other small island nations on climate finance, though he expressed concerns about the complex processes involved. Fiji is working with the ISA in key areas, including solar-powered and water pumps, to advance these goals. 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. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. November 4, 2024: The Netherlands is reviving and rebuilding its naval forces. This includes some novel innovations, like arming several commercial ships with weapons stored and operated from shipping containers. These containers would not look out of place on the deck of a freighter, and the few naval personnel needed to operate the weapons could wear civilian clothes when on deck. The weapons in the containers include drones for surveillance as well as some drones for attacking hostile warships. In addition there might be one or two anti-ship missiles. These missiles are relatively small and can be launched vertically. The Dutch will not reveal which of their merchant ships is armed and will provide protection to all their cargo ships operating to or from Dutch ports. There is no urgent need for armed merchant ships just now. By revealing their plans, actual or potentially hostile nations must now be worrying about Dutch merchant ships. What the Netherlands is going is reminiscent of the Q-Ships used by Britain against U-Boats, and the thirteen armed but disguised German merchant vessels used during both World Wars to prey on allied merchant vessels. During World War I Germany was blockaded by British mine fields near the German coast and the Royal Navy based in nearby British anchorages. The German fleet sought to break out of the British blockade in 1916, but the subsequent Battle of Jutland was one by the British. This left the Germans with their fleet of Q-Ships that continued to operate. The Q-Ships didnt have to be built from ships in Germany. There were many nations willing to allow the local German Embassy to buy and arm merchant ships to be Q-Ships. Overall, more than a hundred British, Americans and German Q-Ships were deployed during both World Wars. The Q-Ship concert didnt work but nations continue to change that. The Netherlands is the latest navy to adopt a Q-Ship type vessel. In this case the Dutch are arming their naval replenishment ships. These vessels deliver food, fuel and other supplies to Dutch ships operating in distant waters. Because these ships were sometimes operating in dangerous areas, they are armed with surveillance and attack drones. Hidden deck guns are now a thing of the past. A cargo container on deck full of drones gets the job done. The Americans are arming some of their cargo containers with cruise missiles, but that is an offensive weapon presently carried by warships and submarines. The Dutch are concentrating on some upgraded and improved warship designs that plan to use missile armed cargo ships as storage vessels for missiles and a launching site for missile attacks planned by the crew of a nearby warship, or some naval officer back in Holland. The Dutch are moving forward with their missile armed merchant ship concept. An important aspect of this is that these merchant ships can carry hundreds of cruise and anti-ship missiles. This is a less expensive solution than what the United States did with four of their SSBNs Nuclear ballistic missile submarines) converted by 2008 into four SSGNs. The SSGN is a cruise missile-armed submarine. One of these SSGNs was used in combat during 2011 against targets in Libya. With nearly all the country overrun by rebels, it was possible to get a close look at how well a new version of the American Tomahawk did in its first combat use. The missile performed as predicted. Most of these Tomahawks were fired during the initial air attack. Moreover, most of the more than a hundred Tomahawks were fired by one ship: the nuclear submarine USS Florida. This was the first time an SSGN saw combat, but not the first time nuclear subs have fired missiles in wartime. U.S. SSNs have fired Tomahawks several times. Each of these SSGNs carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as space for 66 SEAL commandos and their equipment. The idea of converting ballistic missile subs that must have been scrapped to fulfill disarmament agreements, had been bouncing around since the 1990s. After September 11, 2001, the idea got some traction. The navy submariners love this one, because they lost a lot of their reason for being with the end of the Cold War. The United States had built a powerful nuclear submarine force during the Cold War, but with the rapid disappearance of the Soviet navy in the 1990s, there was little reason to keep over a hundred nuclear subs in commission. These boats are expensive, costing over a billion each to build and over a million dollars a week to operate. The four Ohio class SSBN being converted each had at least twenty years of life left in them. The idea of a sub, armed with 154 highly accurate cruise missiles, and capable of rapidly traveling underwater, ignoring weather and observation, at a speed of over 1,200 kilometers a day, to a far off hotspot, had great appeal in the post-Cold War world. The ability to carry a large force of commandos as well was also attractive. In one sub you have your choice of hammer or scalpel. Whether or not this multi-billion dollar investment will pay off remains to be seen, but it certainly worked off Libya. The current Dutch fleet consists of three diesel electric submarines, two frigates, four destroyers, four offshore patrol vessels, three amphibious warfare ships, four minesweepers, and about thirty support and small patrol boats. The Netherlands is spending nearly three billion dollars to build four new Walrus-class 3,200 ton diesel electric subs equipped with AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) and more effective lithium ion batteries. These subs wont be completed until the early 2030s. The Dutch dont reveal how many armed merchant ships they presently have and plan to modify or build. In a partnership to tackle the fentanyl epidemic in communities across America, Governor Kay Ivey and the state of Alabama joined forces with the state of Virginia to participate in Operation Free an enforcement initiative which began on Sunday, Sept. 15, and ended on Thursday, Oct. 31. During Operation Free, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation and officers with the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force seized more than 48,800 grams of illicit drugs. Approximately 1,700 grams were fentanyl. Email newsletter signup The fentanyl epidemic in America is one of our gravest threats, and we are doing all we can in Alabama to battle it and protect our citizens, Ivey said. I am proud to join Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in Operation Free to help tackle this nationwide danger. Fentanyl cannot rob our people of their futures, so we will continue fighting to make sure this deadly drug is not a killer in Alabama. A safe Alabama is a secure future for Alabama, and a secured future is our goal. Alabama Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Dist. 21), also a part of Operation Free, highlighted the states efforts to fight trafficking, educate students on the dangers of fentanyl and support recovery. Operation Free perfectly aligns with the state of Alabamas ongoing efforts to fight the opioid and Fentanyl epidemic, Reynolds said. In the last three legislative sessions, Alabama has made significant progress in equipping law enforcement to fight Fentanyl traffickers by imposing the stiffest penalties in the nation. Additionally, we have mandated Fentanyl education curricula in our public schools through the Price Hornsby Act and invested heavily in substance abuse treatment. Every bit counts when it comes to saving lives, and I look forward to our continued efforts to protect the people of Alabama. Reynolds also invited Congressman Dale Strong to join Operation Free. As a lifelong first responder, I have personally worked over 300 drug overdose calls. The devastation of this epidemic continues to grow as we see other dangerous drugs laced with fentanyl, Strong said. This deadly drug is pouring across our Southern Border and wreaking havoc in our communities. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I believe securing the border is one piece of the puzzle to end this epidemic. On the local level, we must equip law enforcement officers, fund recovery efforts and educate our people. Im proud to join Operation Free to continue seeking ways to stop the spread of Fentanyl. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has become an increasingly significant threat, endangering the lives of citizens, law enforcement officers and first responders alike. In 2023, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 80 million Fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl powder. The 2023 seizures are equivalent to more than 390 million lethal doses of Fentanyl. Public safety is a shared responsibility that transcends state lines. We were proud to join our state counterparts during Operation Free and will continue to take proactive measures to protect our state from the destruction and the increasing concern caused by Fentanyl, ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. Through the leadership of Governor Ivey and joint initiatives such as this, we are able to work with all of our partners and make our communities safer to ultimately help eliminate this dangerous drug. In Fiscal Year 2022, special agents with ALEA SBI seized a total of 8,300 grams of Fentanyl, which is equivalent to 8.3 million lethal doses enough to kill more than the entire population of Alabama. In Fiscal Year 2023, ALEA seized a total of 18,500 grams of Fentanyl. The ADETF is comprised of ALEA and 47 local agencies, each having investigators sworn as state agents under ALEAs SBI. The task forces primary focus is to assist local communities with narcotics enforcement with resources not commonly available in these areas, along with targeting middle to upper-level drug trafficking organizations. More recently, the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit was established in collaboration with ALEA, the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, to confront and reduce violent crimes as well as drug-related incidents in the Capital City and surrounding areas. In August, the MACS unit seized enough Fentanyl to kill more than 5,000 individuals during one detail. The Alabama Department of Corrections is battling the war on contraband, which includes Fentanyl. The ADOC is committed to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy on contraband, even when it comes to policing our own, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said. Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, Queens. Photo: Owen Davies Owen Davies moved from the U.K. to New York in early March 2020, and he almost instantly found himself in a ghost city. The busy streets hed expected to encounter were deserted; his studio-photography work dried up. He, like a lot of us, ended up taking long walks to clear his head and get out of the house. He soon experienced what many of us did when we were new to New York: that whaaaat? feeling of coming around a corner and encountering a building youve never seen before, one that differs from everything else in the neighborhood. Big concrete monolithic buildings, comparatively rare in London, were the ones that really caught his eye, beginning with the Art Moderne bathhouse at Jacob Riis Park. It was autumn, he says, and it just looked otherworldly to me. There were very few people around it was kind of a quiet season and the way it sat on the boardwalk, with the light hitting it, it just looked almost like it had just been sent down by a spaceship or something. He took a few photos, thinking nothing of it, and when I got home and put it up on screen, I thought to myself, I wonder if there are any more like this around the city that have a similar kind of feeling. He soon found himself collecting concrete towers, particularly the buildings of the brutalist movement of the 1960s and 70s, the ones that so many architects love and so many others really loathe. In particular, he saw them with a new Americans eye: The light in New York and on the East Coast is very different to the U.K., which is he laughs almost permanently cloudy, always overcast, very soft, very diffused. The concrete there takes, to me, a much more miserable, oppressive tone. Here they kind of soak up the light and it really amplifies the texture, so I started to see them as monuments left behind from some kind of a failed utopia. The Egg at Empire State Plaza in Albany and the bathhouse at Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. The Egg at Empire State Plaza in Albany and the bathhouse at Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. The series of photographs, which he calls Light/Mass, is not limited to New York City, although most of the buildings are here or nearby, augmented by a few from Connecticut and Boston and Albany. (The giant egg-shaped performing-arts center at Empire State Plaza stands out, as does Marcel Breuers Armstrong Rubber Company building in New Haven.) Davies makes a point of talking about the light in his photographs, but what my colleagues and I find startling is the color palette: The buildings are pale buff and so is much of the landscape around them. (Davies does some color correction in postproduction, but not a wholesale overhaul; he also removes most of the people, evoking the emptied-out pandemic city where this project began.) The beige-ness is probably most evident in the photograph you can see here of the Abe Stark ice-skating rink in Coney Island, where the beach and the boardwalk and the building are practically monochrome. That one I was very much in that kind of Dune mind-set, Davies says. I was very glad that somebody decided to drive a truck or something across the sand. It gave me a bit of interest in the foreground. A colleague of mine who saw that track said that it looked like the mark left by the spaceships exhaust during the landing. Davies says he stays away from shooting in the lat-afternoon golden hour, when the light turns the buildings tawny, and aims to work earlier in the day, when the sun highlights every bit of bush-hammering. Asphalt Green, the municipal asphalt plant turned recreation center on the Upper East Side, and the Department of Sanitations salt shed at Spring and West Streets. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. Asphalt Green, the municipal asphalt plant turned recreation center on the Upper East Side, and the Department of Sanitations salt shed at Spring and... more Asphalt Green, the municipal asphalt plant turned recreation center on the Upper East Side, and the Department of Sanitations salt shed at Spring and West Streets. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. The Abe Stark Recreation Center and (left) a nearby apartment building in Coney Island; (right) the helical ramps at the Queens Place Mall. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. The Abe Stark Recreation Center and (left) a nearby apartment building in Coney Island; (right) the helical ramps at the Queens Place Mall. (Click to ... more The Abe Stark Recreation Center and (left) a nearby apartment building in Coney Island; (right) the helical ramps at the Queens Place Mall. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. The architectural legacy of this kind of building has been debated for decades and will continue for decades more. It is wildly out of style with the general public, and some of its great experiments are considered failures and are being demolished which is especially poignant because their builders often expected them to be nearly indestructible, the boomer generations pyramids of Giza. I guess for the people living in the buildings or using them, its probably a good thing cause I understand quite a lot are notoriously difficult to live with, Davies admits. But he is less equivocal about the spirit behind them: I love how the fact that these are, a lot of times, municipal buildings theyre quite radical for a government to commission. For an architect to do something that kind of outlandish is a very un-government feeling, to me at least. I would assume they would want something quite plain and safe, but theyre like, No, give it to Paul Rudolph and let him go. Today you get obviously theres some architectural wonders, I guess, but a lot of them feel very safe. Tribeca Synagogue, White Street. Photo: Owen Davies Two of Marcel Breuers four buildings at Bronx Community College. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. Two of Marcel Breuers four buildings at Bronx Community College. (Click to enlarge.) Owen Davies. Would he live in one himself? Yeah. My ideal I have two. Theres one right by Lincoln Center Lincoln Plaza Towers which I love. Either there or the Corinthian, over on the East Side. Oh, and Chatham Towers, downtown. I note that these are really all buildings that have a lot of haters as well as enthusiasts. Yeah, its really interesting. I can maybe understand it in a smaller city or town where its like the only large building in town, as if it were dropped in from space. But in a large city like New York or Boston, you know, maybe you dont like it but you dont have to like it. Theres another building for you around the corner. The former Armstrong Rubber Building in New Haven. Photo: Owen Davies As tomorrow is the day of perhaps the most momentous election in modern American history, it's time to recall the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: 'Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.' But how does that match up to our own recent electoral process, which concluded with an overwhelming victory, in parliamentary terms, for the Labour Party? We now know the answer. Sir Keir Starmer's administration is a government of the public sector, by the public sector, for the public sector. Actually, we discovered this at the start, when they awarded stonking pay increases to public sector workers, without a single efficiency condition, while funding that (in part) by removing the winter fuel payment from all old people except those on pension credit. Sir Keir Starmer has used the phrase 'hard choices' only to justify his own voluntary decisions But it was last week's Budget which drove home the point to anyone not paying attention. Rachel Reeves' 40 billion tax increases were directed with ruthless precision onto businesses in the private sector (already hit by Angela Rayner's labour 'reforms', which, even on the Government's own impact assessment, will 'disproportionately' affect small firms). The sharp hike in National Insurance for employers (and applying it to millions more lower-paid) is purely directed at the private sector in the sense that the Exchequer will reimburse the NHS for any of the increase applied to it as an employer. But such privately-owned health providers as GP practices or care homes, and charities such as hospices will face the full brunt. Thus, the project my wife founded, Team Domenica, which works to get young adults with learning disabilities into employment, will face a 35,000 increase in its National Insurance bill. For a small charity, and countless others like it, this will truly lead to 'hard choices' (to use the phrase beloved of Starmer and Reeves, but only to justify their own voluntary decisions). Originally, Reeves had intended a raid on pension contributions, by reducing the 40 per cent level of relief for those whose marginal tax rate is in the upper bracket. It was only when Treasury officials pointed out to the Chancellor that this would affect many more thousands of public sector workers, who, thanks to her largesse, were now higher-rate payers, that Reeves retreated. Nowhere was it mentioned that the same would have applied to millions of private sector employees who might have been affected. That wouldn't have mattered, apparently. Labour MPs cheered all her Budget measures in the Commons. They actually laughed when Rishi Sunak accused the Chancellor of breaking the promises on which they had been elected (not to raise more taxes, except on so-called 'non-doms' and private schools). Rachel Reeves' 40billion tax increases were directed with ruthless precision onto businesses in the private sector It's worth going back to that first televised election debate between Sunak and Starmer, on ITV. The then Conservative leader warned over and again that Labour would increase taxes, on a significant scale which Starmer denounced as 'absolute garbage' and 'nonsense'. Yet it was the absolute truth. And the Office for Budget Responsibility resolutely refused last week to accept Reeves' claim that it was all the fault of an unexpected '22billion black hole' left by the Tories. Something else from that ITV debate on June 4 resonates now. It was when Starmer declared he would never pay for private health provision, even if it enabled an ill family member stuck on the NHS waiting list a chance of much-needed treatment. It was a profoundly ideological admission; just as it is visceral dislike of the private educational sector that motivates this administration to impose VAT on their fees. It is something Tony Blair or Gordon Brown never considered: it was, however, the policy of Labour under Jeremy Corbyn, when Starmer was campaigning for the holy innocent idiot of Islington to become PM. Now, I can do no better than quote the gleeful claim of the 'staunch socialist' Labour MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley, a few months ago: 'Starmer says he considers himself a socialist, and that's good enough for me. It's certainly what I consider to be the most socialist-friendly government of my lifetime.' Had Starmer and Reeves campaigned on that basis during the election, we could have no complaint. But he, instead, publicly identified with what he described as Margaret Thatcher's achievement of having 'set loose our natural entrepreneurialism'; while she promised: 'If I become Chancellor, the next Labour government will be the most pro-business government this country has ever seen.' As Abraham Lincoln didn't say: 'You can't fool all of the people all of the time' which Labour will find out. Truss shows her genius for farce Like many readers, I have been entertained by the serialisation of Liz Truss's political testament, Ten Years To Save The West. In yesterday's chunk, the former PM of 49 days laid the blame for the degeneration of the Conservative Party on David Cameron and the 'modernisers'. This is hilarious: Truss owes her career to Cameron, in precisely that sense. Liz Truss owes her career to David Cameron, despite her laying the blame for the degeneration of the Conservative Party on the former PM and the 'modernisers' Not only was she a beneficiary of his 'A list', designed to push younger women into the safest parliamentary seats; but when, shortly after she became the candidate for South West Norfolk and the so-called 'Turnip Taliban' attempted to de-select her on discovering that she had been having an affair with another (married) Tory MP, David Cameron personally rang up the leader of those 'old-fashioned' Tories to tell them to stick with Truss. And in Saturday's extract, Truss bewailed the loss from Parliament of 'friends and allies who were resolutely for controlling immigration', while attacking Rishi Sunak for 'reflecting the Treasury stance of being pro-immigration'. As one of her former colleagues reminded me: 'The real reason Suella Braverman fell out with Truss, and was forced to leave her government, was because she furiously objected to Liz's plans, co-ordinated with the Treasury, for liberalising immigration rules to boost her 'growth' agenda.' Truss, unlike Sunak or Braverman, had been a 'Remainer' in the Brexit referendum. Later, a recording was leaked of her (when Chief Secretary to the Treasury, even after the vote to Leave) declaring: 'We say it's all Europe that's causing all these problemsit's all, it's migrants that's causing these problems. But actually what needs to happen, is, you know, a bit more graft.' Truth is, the former Lib-Dem student leader Liz Truss is not a Conservative at all, but a libertarian. Perhaps she should exploit her well-known popular appeal and start such a Party. Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives would somehow have to find a way of managing without her. For little Ashton Epthorp, it all started with a cough that wouldn't go away. As it was in the middle of winter, his mum Dominique thought her son had just caught a cold and would recover quickly, but that wasn't the case. Things took a concerning turn when the normally 'happy go-lucky, energetic and healthy kid' became more 'clingy and emotional', appeared pale at times and began experiencing shortness of breath. When the NSW family took the young schoolboy to the doctor to check on his persistent cough, the GP listened to his lungs, ordered a chest X-ray and prescribed a course of antibiotics. For weeks, the couple was repeatedly told by doctors that their son's cold-like symptoms were indicative of pneumonia. But the family was left reeling from the news that the cough was actually a sign of an aggressive blood cancer, despite having no prior medical issues or family history. 'As soon as doctors confirmed he had leukaemia - my whole world stopped... I felt like this was something that could take him from us,' Dominique told FEMAIL. 'When I told Ashton he had cancer, he didn't ask any questions. We just held each other and cried. Our family's life was completely changed and without warning.' Ashton Epthorp was just like any other kid. He went from a 'happy go-lucky, healthy kid' to fighting an aggressive cancer over two years Before the devastating diagnosis, Ashton was just like any other typical kid. Ashton - who lives in a rural area on the outskirts of Sydney - was learning how to ride his bike, loved hanging out his friends and enjoyed playing with his younger sister Savannah and his pet cat named Sunny. He had just celebrated his sixth birthday in June 2022 and was half-way through Year 1, so there was nothing out of the ordinary. At the time, Dominique was pregnant with her third baby and she was looking forward to taking maternity leave from her teaching job. However things didn't go to plan. Two months later in August, Ashton developed a persistent cough so his mum took him to the GP for a check-up. 'Initially we took Ashton to the doctor as we were concerned about his cough and he needed a medical certificate to explain his absence from school,' Dominique said. He was prescribed antibiotics and sent away for a chest X-ray. Ashton's mum said his X-ray came back 'abnormal with the entire left side of his lung whited out' - with doctors assuming it was just a build-up of fluid so they diagnosed him with atypical pneumonia. Ashton , far right, with his parents and two younger sisters - Savannah and baby Hayley The schoolboy was living a seemingly normal life when he was given a cancer diagnosis 'After he had completed his week long course of antibiotics, I remember thinking he seemed better and should be ok to return to school soon,' Dominique explained. 'He was eating well and still running around and playing with his sister at home.' The parents noticed bruises on Ashton's legs but didn't think anything serious because they thought the minor injuries were sustained from riding his bike without training wheels. Little did they know the bruises were one of the common symptoms of leukaemia. During the follow-up appointment in September 2022, two doctors could hear unusual 'cracking' sounds while listening to his lungs. 'I noticed as Ash took off his shirt for the examination that the left side of his chest was actually protruding in an abnormal way,' she said. 'His blood oxygen levels were not good so the decision was made that Ashton needed to be seen in emergency. 'I remember being so shocked that they were sending him to the emergency room as I truly thought he may have just needed another course of antibiotic.' The family was left reeling from the news that the cough was actually a sign of an aggressive blood cancer, despite Ashton having no prior medical issues or family history The family drove two hours to the nearest children's hospital where Dominique waited with Ashton in the emergency room to be seen. 'Finally at 10pm he was seen by a doctor who ordered additional chest X-rays and the blood test that I credit with saving Ashton's life,' she said. 'Every doctor we spoke to that evening continued to assume Ashton had pneumonia based on the abnormal chest X-ray. He was admitted to the hospital that night.' 'Our world changed forever' Shortly after midnight, Dominque was woken by a doctor to confirm they needed to run more tests after his blood results came back abnormal. 'I wouldn't find out any more information until the next morning which was the day our world changed forever,' she said. 'We came to the hospital expecting to be sent home with stronger antibiotics and unfortunately we were not able to return home for the next nine-and-a-half months due to the risks of sepsis and other life threatening side effects.' Further X-rays and a CT scan confirmed that something was far worse. What was thought to be fluid was actually a cancerous mass that developed in his thymus as a result of his leukaemia over the past few weeks. The large mass, measuring 5.7cm by 8.1cm, was causing difficulty breathing, threatening to cut off his airway and causing fluid to build up around his heart. 'I remember being so terrified that this tumour was going to cut off his airway. He was too unwell to undergo any general anesthetics,' Dominique said. 'As soon as I found out about the mass, I couldn't sleep. Instead I lay awake watching his breathing for signs of distress. The family spent the next eight months in hospital as Ashton went through 21 procedures Ashton spent four nights in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on oxygen support while they shrank the mass in his chest with steroids. 'It was a scary and uncertain time for our family. We were terrified we were going to lose Ash. His initial misdiagnosis had cost him valuable time,' she said. 'It was also really difficult to try to explain that we didn't realise he was sick with cancer and we weren't sure when it would be safe for him to go home.' To make things even more stressful, Dominique was seven months pregnant when she was given the soul-crushing news her eldest child had T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). In T-cell ALL, the abnormal lymphocytes are mainly in the blood and bone marrow. 'When I was told Ashton had blood cancer I initially had trouble wrapping my head around it - because for the last few weeks we had been repeatedly told all his symptoms were due to pneumonia and RSV (a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms),' the mum said. 'Felt defeated' 'Although the doctors assured us that they were confident the treatments available could cure him - they warned us the treatments would not be easy, that he would be put through harsh treatments in order to combat the aggressive blood cancer. 'When they told us his treatment plan lasted for two whole years - I felt defeated. I couldn't see how he could survive his cancer and two years of toxic chemotherapy.' The family lived in St Albans, a rural area about 94km north west of Sydney, but had to move closer to the hospital in Sydney so Ashton could receive the first nine months of frontline treatment. Ashton celebrating a milestone with his family. He completed chemotherapy after 247 days Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia symptoms tiredness and other sign of anaemia such as weakness, shortness of breath and a pale complexion fever and infections that dont go away, mouth sores, sore throats, coughing, boils and frequent and painful passing of urine bruising and bleeding easily, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and heavy periods in women weight loss night sweats loss of appetite swelling or discomfort in the abdomen caused by a buildup of leukaemia cells in the liver and spleen enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin pain in the bones or joints coughing and trouble breathing caused by an enlarged thymus less common symptoms including bone or joint pain, swollen and tender gums, skin rashes, headaches, weight loss, vision problems, vomiting and chest pains Source: Cancer Australia Advertisement They were worried that the cancer might be genetic, but Ashton's oncologist confirmed that his siblings were at no greater risk than any other child. The parents participated in a research study through the hospital to check for any genetic changes that could explain Ashton's cancer, but no abnormalities were found. 'Heartbreaking to watch' Over the next year-and-a-half, Ashton underwent a total of 21 procedures - including the 'harshest' rounds of intense chemotherapy. 'It was heartbreaking to witness my healthy, vibrant boy deteriorate so rapidly and not being able to help him in the way he needed on my own,' Dominique said. 'How do you prepare your child who has never been sick and so gravely sick to undergo such a scary and intimidating surgery - let alone do it 21 times over. 'Ashton lost the ability to walk almost entirely after his first month of chemo and needed help to even walk a short distance because he was so unsteady on his feet.' The only times she left her son's bedside were for her prenatal appointments at another hospital and to give birth to his baby sister Hayley in November 2022. 'Thankfully she ended up being the biggest blessing to our family and she was even allowed to come stay with Ash in the hospital. For so many admissions - the only time I saw him smile was when his baby sister came to visit,' the mum said. 'At times it felt like we lived in the hospital for weeks at a time during the hardest parts of his treatment and the separation of our family was extremely hard.' Ashton is now thriving - after he was declared in remission in early 2023 Her middle child, Ashton's sister Savannah, was not able to visit at all during many of his hospitalisations due to Covid restrictions. 'The toll of not being able to plan what tomorrow would hold or go home weighed heavy on our hearts,' Dominique said. 'From peaceful to a life full of fear' 'Our lives went from peaceful and predicable to a life full of fear and uncertainty. I still grieve not being able to take our newborn daughter home, in the way that we envisioned, until she was almost eight months old.' Thankfully, all of Ashton's procedures went smoothly, but the process remains difficult for both him and his parents. 'It was fraught with a lot of anxiety for us all and has left my son with medical trauma that I know he will need to work through,' she said. 'My greatest hope is that he never has to go under general anesthetic again and that the future brings kinder treatments so that others don't have endure this many traumatic procedures.' Thankfully in January 2023, Ashton was declared in remission. Ashton with his family celebrating his youngest sister Haley's first birthday 'Ash thankfully is thriving now,' Dominique said, adding her now-eight-year-old son has just finished his two-year chemotherapy. 'I look at him most days and marvel at how far he has come from his darkest days. 'Today he is back at school, catching up on the learning he missed while we were having to live away from home. He is enjoying being back with his friends and I know he appreciates every small joy in life like being able to be home with his sisters. 'My hero' 'He is my absolute hero and I am forever proud of him, not just for getting though all he did but for finding joy in life again.' Shining a spotlight on childhood cancer Ashton and family are sharing their support for Children's Cancer Institute's 'CEO Dare to Cure'. There's still time for CEO's to register to take part in the challenge by taking on a dare, and at the same time, help cure childhood cancer. Register here Advertisement Despite the challenges over the past two excruciating years, the mum said she feels 'grateful' that her family is 'still whole and able to be together again'. For families with kids battling cancer, Dominique said: 'There's a village of support waiting for you within the childhood cancer community. 'One of the most helpful things I've found personally is knowing that I am not alone in this journey and reaching out and connecting with other families has helped me through my absolute hardest days,' she said. Dominique hopes her son Ashton's story will shine a light on childhood cancer. 'It is hard to put into words the enormous toll that childhood cancer takes on the child, their siblings and parents,' she said. 'I hope I've been able to convey the need for more research, kinder treatments and mental health support for our children and the families affected. 'Donating directly to childhood cancer research gives families like mine so much hope for the future. It's a matter of 'if', not 'when', we find cures for childhood cancer and I hope it's something I get to witness in my lifetime.' Stanley has released a new wearable bottle, but it comes with a hefty price tag They were once a purely functional purchase, used solely to carry water while on the go. However, the humble water bottle has now become Gen Z's latest status symbol, with young adults splashing out staggering amounts to look cool while hydrating themselves. Last winter, the surge in popularity of Stanley Cups - an insulated beverage container - created such a craze in the US that children revealed that they were being bullied at school for having knock-off versions. The UK was similarly hit with a storm of trendy bottles, with people shunning basic bottles for those with higher price tags, with content creator Phoebe, 22, from Manchester, saying she adopted a new attitude after buying three Stanley cups. Now, the brand, established in the US in 1913, has launched a new, wearable bottle in the UK. Dubbed the Stanley Cross Bottle, it is likely to extend the trend further. Complete with adjustable strap, the bottle costs a staggering 75 - some 30 more than its standard version. Water bottles have become Gen Z's latest status symbol, with content creators, including Georgia Pemberton (pictured) from New Zealand, taking to TikTok to share their collections The rise in people opting for expensive water bottles, including Lululemon's version and Chilly's bottles, has been linked by some to the success of Stanley cups in America, with videos last year surfacing on TikTok of people fighting over specific colour shades. 'Everybody else had one, so I just feel like I needed to have one to fit in' one student told The Cut. Madalyn, a nine-year-old pupil in Kentucky, who owns five Stanley Cups, insisted that owning a Stanley is now a prerequisite for social acceptance at her school. 'I'm, like, a little bit more popular now, and I've been getting more friends because of it,' she told the publication. Dhalia, a 13-year-old from Dallas said her classmates will 'only talk to me in the morning when I'm holding my Stanley.' Jamie Sherman said her 11-year-old niece was bullied by her classmates for bringing an off-brand version of the cup to her New Hampshire middle school. 'When girls pass her in the hallway, they laugh and point, and they say, 'That's not real','' Sherman said. Elsewhere, in The Wall Street Journal, a teenage girl detailed how her parents have spent upwards of 2,320 ($3,000) on her Stanley cup fixation. She revealed her family has so far footed the bill for 37 of the cult Quenchers, which each cost around 45. Content creator Lily Bayliss (pictured) from the UK told her followers about her 'love' of her water bottle Manchester-based influencer Phoebe (pictured) purchased three Stanley cups - which would cost over 100 Calling the collection an 'obsession', the Alabama teen went on to explain how she, like so many others, first became enthralled after seeing the containers online. A year later, she started her own influencer account - where she proudly flaunts the fruits of her parents' efforts to her followers. Claiming she uses every cup she gets, she told the paper how she decides on which outfit to wear depending on the bottle she plans to use that day. Fast forward to this week and the brand has released its new wearable bottle - priced at a staggering 75 - in the UK for British fans. After successfully launching in the States, the brand decided to launch the 0.68L bottle in the UK, claiming it's the brand's most stylish and innovative creation yet. The bottle, which comes in three shades and keeps water cold for 12 hours, is said to be an improved version of the original cups, due to it being leakproof. The latest wearable Stanley Cross Bottle (pictured) is said to be an improved version of the Stanley Cup Ben James, Vice President, Global Commercial and General Manager, EMEA, at Stanley 1913 said: 'We have a lot to carry - phone, keys, wallet, laptop, gym bag, shopping bags - and the Stanley Cross Bottle is the embodiment of how Stanley 1913 makes people's lives easier through smart design. 'Even the size has been carefully considered to be the sweet spot in terms of providing enough water for our consumers to take with them on the go while maintaining the integrity of their look.' Elsewhere, on TikTok Gen Z have dubbed the accessories 'emotional support water bottles'. Talking of her bottles, content creator Georgia Pemberton from New Zealand said: 'I love them with my whole heart (only sippy lids) #emotionalsupportwaterbottle'. The video started with the question: 'Are you an addict?' To which she indicated yes by holding up her 'expensive' water bottle collection. UK content creator Lily Bayliss told her followers: 'Buy a Stanley just trust me' and added in the clip: 'Yes, I need a water bottle three times the size of my head and I love her'. Content creator Phoebe, 22, from Manchester, said she adopted a new attitude after buying three Stanley cups, saying: 'My attitude now I have three Stanley tumblers in the UK' - a collection that would have cost her approximately 135. Acknowledging the hype around water bottles, Francesca Hornak of You Magazine revealed what a water bottle says about its owner. She said of Gen Z: 'Your water bottle functions as social media prop, IRL accessory and as a kind of adult mascot. The bigger the better, preferably a 2.2-litre canister with motivational reminders to 'drink up' on the side.' Meanwhile, for millennials, she said: 'You are content with a moderate-sized bottle, though, because you have so much else to carry around (sanitiser, YoYo Bears, Water Wipes, your kids' untouched water bottles).' And for the Gen X: 'Your Gen Z child's water bottle, and attendant anxiety, is as baffling to you as everything else about them.' As the Melbourne Cup Carnival draws to a close today with the 'race that stops the nation', Mail+ columnist Jana Hocking recounts her eye-opening day in the exclusive Birdcage enclosure on Derby Day. With her trademark candour, Jana reveals how the celebrity turnout left much to be desired, the surprising Ozempic trend that was impossible to ignore, and how she stumbled across the ultimate after-party after being turned away from the 'old man' marquee... It's a well-known fact that Derby Day is the real party day of the Spring Racing Carnival. Sure, the Melbourne Cup is cute, but if you want to let your hair down among the elite, the Birdcage enclosure on Derby Day is the place to be. It's the day when international celebrities - the ones who have been paid big bucks to appear - are flown into town for a day of champagne and shoulder-rubbing. For years I lapped up the pics in the social pages until I started getting invited myself. This was my fourth time experiencing Derby Day. Filled with fond memories of my last three years, I was keen to get amongst it as I arrived at Flemington Racecourse. In previous years, I've danced with politicians, had cheeky chats with TV presenters, flirted outrageously with reality stars, and forged instant friendships with many famous woman in the fancy loos. Perhaps my favourite memory is a bawdy, hilarious conversation I had with a podcast host, a weatherman and a well-known reality TV producer. We were chatting away, turning the air blue, when a very drunk female television star stumbled over to announce she was bored of the marquee we were in (and no doubt seething over the lack of attention she was getting) and yelled at the top of her voice while looking right at me: 'Come on, let's go somewhere else. There are too many sluts in here!' Of course, we were all mortified and glared at her. The producer calmly replied, 'No, we will be staying, but perhaps you should go get a water.' Watching her stomp off in a huff was priceless. It seems the rumour about her being a 'mean girl' was true. So, on Saturday I donned a black frock (the dress code is strictly black and white), popped on my highest heels (rookie mistake) and off I went. Crossing the bridge from the normal racetrack to the bountiful Birdcage enclosure, which separates the regular race-goers from the VIPs, I was ready to see what was on offer. Sure, the Melbourne Cup is cute, writes Mail+ columnist Jana Hocking, but if you want to let your hair down among the elite, the Birdcage enclosure on Derby Day is the place to be Did I have fun? Yes, of course! Was it everything I expected? Oh, no. Here are the five things that took me by surprise - and they prove Derby Day isn't the raucous event it used to be. No Sydney celebs - and no international guests Gone are the days when you would jet into Melbourne Airport on a Friday and expect to run into fellow Sydneysiders toting designer dresses and suit bags ready for the races. The fact I was the only one should have been the first sign it was going to be a very different Melbourne Cup Carnival this year. After touching down, I couldn't spot a single celebrity - not even a Z-lister. It was a similar story on Derby Day. Sure, there was a small smattering of lower-tier Sydney stars in attendance - I'm taking former reality stars and the like - but the absence of big names was noticeable to everyone. Thankfully David and Candice Warner were there to bring some sporting glamour to Flemington, and Michael Clarke turned heads with his stunning new girlfriend. But that was about it! As for the Melbourne celebrities, they were out in force. As a Sydney girl, I'm going to get in trouble for saying this, but they really do show us up in the style stakes. Nadia Bartel? She looked a million bucks. Lauren Phillips? Simply stunning. The absence of big names from Sydney and overseas was noticeable as Jana flitted between marquees. Fortunately, Candice Warner (left) was around to bring plenty of sporting glamour I didn't spot a single international guest of note. There used to be a time when British and American accents would float in the air as you trod through the Birdcage, but now it's just the same old Aussie drawl. Look, there was Cody Simpson. He, in theory, is an international recording artist. But let's be honest, no one calls him international anymore since he put down his guitar and squeezed on a pair of Speedos to resume his competitive swimming career. I couldn't help but long for the years when you could spot Miranda Kerr, Elle MacPherson and Snoop Dogg hob-knobbing with Australia's finest. Those days are sadly a thing of the past. The best marquee wasn't a marquee - and it wasn't at Flemington The marquees in the Birdcage were particularly choosy with who they let in this year. I was lucky enough to visit the three main ones Penfolds (fun!), Lexus (slightly snore) and Mumm (by far my favourite) - but there was barely any 'marquee-hopping' this year, with most celebrities under strict orders to stay in the marquee they were invited to. It kind of sucked the fun out of flitting from one party to another. And the marquee lockdowns meant there was little to no flexibility on the guest list. While I was able to run free in the big marquees, I was turned away by TAB. Yes, TAB! An insider told me I missed nothing - it was apparently filled to the brim with 'old man punters' so no great loss for a single gal like me. But I had it on very good authority that the real party was being held after the race, at Melbourne's iconic Bar Bambi, and sponsored by Don Julio. It was the official after-party, so of course I was there. And I kid you not, the celebrities kept themselves fairly tame at the track just so they could really let loose at sundown. It felt like the good ol' days when everyone was allowed to mingle and come together. Birdcage organisers, take note! Jana (pictured here with her mates Laura Csortan and Hollie Nasser) found the Mumm marquee to be the best one because of its refreshing lack of social hierarchy. By contrast, the other parties seemed to differentiate between guests and VIPs Ozempic? Never heard of it! It was curves central in the Birdcage - and it was glorious to see. In fact, it was probably the first thing I noticed upon arrival as I checked out the lovely ladies swanning between the marquees. A stroll through Flemington provided ample evidence that 'underground Ozempic' has not (yet) hit our southern state like it has in Sydney - where every party is filled with talk of 'which doctor do you use?' and the shady operators who sell it online. The women were owning their curves in form-fitting dresses and there was barely a malnourished starlet in sight. Unlike Sydney parties where most of the food gets ignored due to 'loss of appetite', celebrities were wolfing down the caviar, chips and chicken sandwiches. And it really helped with the next-day hangover. Huzzah! Jana is used to hearing everyone talk about Ozempic on the Sydney party scene. But it was a whole different world in Melbourne, where women seem to be embracing their natural curves Even in the Birdcage you can feel B-grade Entry into the Birdcage may put you a step above the average punter, but once you're inside you soon realise you're nothing special. Yes, there is a hierarchy in the enclosure and that VIP invitation - the one you jumped for joy over when it pinged! into your inbox weeks earlier - only gets you so far. A Birdcage guest realises pretty early on where they sit in the unspoken hierarchy. The big three marquees Penfolds, Lexus and Mumm - all have VIP areas inside where the real A-listers are invited to sit-down dinners, specially reserved seating and, in Penfold's case, wine tastings. Nothing puts you back in your box quite like making it into a Birdcage marquee only to discover the inner sanctum is off-limits. There was one exception, however. That was the Mumm marquee, which was the place to be at the end of the day when the bubbles (handed out on a fabulous Sushi Train-inspired conveyor belt) start going to your brain. They had the best DJ and everyone shuffled onto the dance floor like it was Studio 54. There was no hierarchy in there by the end of the day - even if you'd felt like a third-class passenger at arrival. Note to self: Find out how to get invited to the sit-down lunches. Jana reckons this year was the best-behaved Birdcage she's ever seen. 'Look, it was a win for law and order, but part of me was thinking: "Bring back the messy celebs!"' she writes The cost of living has hit the Birdcage powder room How do I put this delicately the races in Australia are sometimes known for their, shall we say, less than legal extracurricular activities. But this year was perhaps the most well-behaved I've seen - and I attribute that not to any spiritual awakening among revellers, but rather to the cost-of-living crisis. In years gone by, socialites piling into toilet cubicles for some, er, refreshment is a common sight - but at Derby Day this year I barely heard a snort in the bathrooms. Now, of course, I did witness some misbehaving celebrities in the Birdcage - I mean, it is Spring Racing. But the usual suspects - the ones who, in years gone by, would offer a 'cheeky line' before even saying hello - they were awfully quiet on Saturday. There was little to no obvious wiping of noses as small groups left the one bathroom stall, no 'wanna go for a bump?' asked by well-known athletes and businessmen. In fact, the marquees were scaled right back from their glory days and everyone kept themselves fairly tidy. Look, it was a win for law and order, but part of me was thinking: 'Bring back the messy celebs!' Oprah Winfrey has plugged a $146 luxury bodycare set gifted by 'her neighbour Meghan' - and it's made by a millionaire Montecito beauty guru who appeared in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series. The talk show host, 70, who lives in Montecito, California, publishes her annual 'Favorite Things' gift guide on her website ahead of the festive season - with last year's list featuring a $110 plate of cheese and some luxury salt for $80. This year, the TV veteran appears to have turned to her friend the Duchess of Sussex for gifting inspiration and chose to include a luxury $146 bodycare set in her edit. On Oprah Daily, the star explained how she was introduced to Tatcha's Hinoki range by the former Suits actress - who is close friends with the brand's co-founder and fellow Montecito resident Vicky Tsai. Oprah gushed: 'This is a favorite Favorite Thingwith the scent of a forest sent to me by my neighbor Meghan. Pictured: Meghan Markle at the 2024 Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala last month. The Duchess of Sussex is credited as introducing Oprah to the $148 Tatcha bodycare set in her latest gift guide 'If you were to come into my house, youd see this body wash, body oil, and body milk right by the tub.' The luxury set consists of a body milk, body wash and body oil, which are all scented with the brand's Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend. In the product descriptions, Tatcha claims the blend of cedar, hiba, and hinoki oils 'reduce stress, lift mood, and help improve well-being'. In 2019, Meghan sent her A-List baby shower guests home with $700 goodie bags - which included Tatcha's $65 The Rice Polish, which serves as an exfoliant to 'polish skin for a healthy glow'. Five years earlier, Meghan told Allure magazine: 'I really love the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder,' It just sort of foams on your face and gives you a really subtle exfoliation.' In 2014, the Duchess raved about Tatcha's Face Moisture Mask in an interview with Glamour - labeling it one of her favorite beauty treatments. Tatcha's Taiwanese-American co-founder also appeared in Harry and Meghan's Netflix docu-series in 2022 - where she confessed she cried watching the couple's wedding. She said: 'It felt like a moment where the world paused and celebrated love. The luxury set (pictured) consists of a body milk, body wash and body oil, which are all scented with the brand's Forest Awakening Essential Oil Blend The talk show host (pictured), 70, publishes her annual 'Favorite Things' gift guide on her website ahead of the festive season Tatcha co-founder Vicky (pictured) started her skincare brand in 2009, with it quickly going from strength to strength 'I remember watching him look at her and I almost started to cry and I was like, "No Vicky, don't cry.''' It's unclear how the Harvard Business School graduate originally got to know Harry and Meghan, but she is reported to own a $12.95million second home in Montecito, California, with her husband Eric Bevan. Vicky's Italian-styled five-bedroom home, which she was said to have purchased in June 2022, looks as equally grand as Harry and Meghan's $15million pad, with a terracotta facade, manicured gardens complete with a pool and water features and a guesthouse. Vicky appeared in the second episode of the series Harry & Meghan - where she was labeled as a 'friend'. Recalling the moment she learned of the couple's engagement through the press she said: 'When I saw the headlines, I was happy for her. It looked like a fairytale.' In the Harry & Meghan series, Tatcha co-founder Vicky describes their relationship like a 'fairytale' The businesswoman, who grew up in Houston, Texas, launched her beauty brand in 2009 three years after finishing her MBA at Harvard and helping to launch consumer products for Starbucks in China An exterior shot of Vicky's home where she lives with her husband Eric and their 12-year-old daughter Alea Meghan has spoken about her love of Vicky's Japanese-inspired Tatcha brand, which sells a range of face creams, serums, cleansers and sunscreens priced from $18 to $125 What's more, the brand's Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures initiative - which was set up in 2014 to help girls stay in school - is a cause close to both Meghan and Oprah's hearts. During her royal tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand in 2018, the Duchess spoke passionately of women's 'right to education'. In her first speech of the tour, the mother-of-two said: 'When girls are given the right tools to succeed they can create incredible futures not just for themselves but for all of those around them.' Meanwhile, the TV star built the $40m Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007 to support 'girls like herself', who were born into poverty. However, the Tatcha set isn't the only Meghan Markle-approved present in Oprah's gift guide this year. The TV star has also included the $248 Eberjey Renew Plush Long Robe in the guide, which is another brand that seems to have received the Duchess' stamp of approval. Pictured: Meghan Markle, who gifted Oprah her 'favorite' Tatcha bodyset, at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota in August 2024 Oprah has unveiled her Favorite Things for 2024 - which many people believe signifies that holiday season has officially arrived Pictured: the $248 Eberjey Renew Plush Long Robe, which Oprah Winfrey has included in her Favorite Things gift guide for 2024 Meghan Markle famously wore a pair of Eberjey's 'Gisele' pyjamas (pictured) on the set of Suit in 2011 Oprah gushes of the item: 'A robe that wraps a person in a cloud of softness can take the edge off even the earliest morning or the coldest dayand is something friends and family wont splurge on for themselves.' The female-founded loungewear brand also counts Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Molly Sims, Meghan Markle, Selena Gomez and Nicola Peltz as fans. The Duchess of Sussex famously wore a pair of the brand's $148 'Gisele' pyjamas on the set of Suits, which were customised with Rachel Zane's name. Other items in this year's Favorite Things list include a $1,549 espresso machine, $395 sneaker heels and $48 LED color-changing evening bag. Many of the unique gifts come from small businesses, as well as women-owned, Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses across the United States. British brand Sole Bliss also made the list with its Wonder Boots, which are made from luxury Italian leather with a shearling lining. The boots, available in three colors, also include retractable stainless-steel studs, which can flip up and down for icy days. Pictured: Oprah Winfrey at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor in May 2018 Oprah Winfrey famously interviewed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about their time in the Royal Family in 2021 Sole Bliss is already a favorite of A-listers like Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore and Helen Mirren, and members of the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton. Now, its equally beloved by Oprah and her best friend, Gayle, who wore the brand's platform heels to the Mission Impossible premiere. Oprah Winfrey - who famously filmed a bombshell interview with the royal couple in 2021 - has been close friends with the Duchess for several years and attended the Royal Wedding in May 2018. Their relationship appears to have grown even stronger over the years after the Sussexes moved into a $14million Montecito mansion, which is located just a stone's throw from Oprah's own sprawling home. Oprah even publicly weighed in on whether she thought they should attend King Charles' Coronation in May 2023. 'I think they should do what they feel is best for them and their family. That's what I think,' she said on the CBS Mornings show ahead of the event, adding: 'They haven't asked me my opinion.' Earlier this year, Meghan Markle attended Oprah's book club session at the new Godmothers bookstore in Summerland, which is just a few miles from their neighbourhood. Marius, 27, was arrested in August and later admitted assaulting his girlfriend The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway were given prior warning that the Princess's son was about to be arrested on suspicion of assault in August after his 'girlfriend' was taken to hospital with injuries she sustained in an attack. Marius Borg Hiby, 27, admitted assaulting Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, thought to be his girlfriend at the time, in a booze and drug fuelled attack this summer, in a case which rocked the Norwegian royal family. Marius, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon and eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was taken into custody and spent the night in a police cell while Ms Helberg Arntsen was treated for her injuries in hospital following the domestic incident, which also resulted in the destruction of the property. Now, Norwegian media is reporting that the Crown Prince and Princess were made aware ahead of time that Borg Hoiby was going to be arrested on suspicion of assault, after the police notified the Royal Court of their intention to take him into custody. A spokesman for the Royal Court told VG: 'The police notified the Royal Court and the Royal Court then informed the Crown Prince couple about an incident involving Marius Borg Hiby and about a possible arrest. Norwegian media has reported the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway were alerted in advance that the Princess's son, Marius Borg Hiby, was likely to be arrested 'As is known, the police also notified Marius Borg Hiby ahead of the arrest. The police chose not to make an arrest at his residence, and have never searched it.' FEMAIL has contacted the Norwegian Palace for more information. The bombshell comes after months of speculation that the Norwegian royals, including Marius himself, had been notified that he would be arrested following the attack; which he later admitted in a grovelling apology to Rebecca Helberg Arntsen. Last week Crown Prince Haakon, 51, spoke to press about the 'demanding situation' when attending the Opera. 'I understand that there are many questions about this. It is, of course, as you surely understand, a demanding situation,' the royal said to NRK when translated to English. According to Sweden Herald, the future monarch added: 'There is an ongoing police investigation, and I don't think it's right to say too much about individual aspects of it. Marius, 27 (pictured) admitted assaulting his then girlfriend Rebecca Helberg Arntsen in August in a drug and booze-fuelled attack Crown Prince Haakon (pictured in September with Crown Princess Mette-Marit) said the family are caring for each other amid his stepson's legal battles Often called the 'black sheep' of the Norwegian Royal Family, Marius Borg Hiby has found himself in headlines again as he continues to deny allegations of assault. Borg Hiby, who is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, has denied criminal liability for abuse in close relationships against two women - Nora Haukland and Juliane Snekkestad - and claims himself to be a victim. The 27-year-old has reportedly been questioned over the allegations in eight police interviews, and was taken into custody earlier in October after breaching a restraining order. The restraining order was for the protection of Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, whom Borg Hiby admitted to assaulting in a booze and drug-fuelled attack on 4 August, which saw him arrested for the first time and held in a police cell overnight. The order was not made immediately after the attack, but after Borg Hiby reportedly contacted the victim on several occasions following the assault. Meanwhile, assault charges against the royal have recently expanded to include three more alleged victims, two of whom have been named as his ex-girlfriends Juliane Snekkestad and Nora Haukland. However, Borg Hiby has denied the charges, with his defence lawyer claiming the 27-year-old had faced abuse in a past relationship himself. The scandal comes at a difficult time for his immediate family, as his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 51, was last month placed on sick leave due to side effects of her chronic lung disease. The heir to the Norwegian throne (pictured with Marius Borg Hoiby in December, 2017) said the family is facing a 'demanding situation' Marius (pictured with Mette-Marit in June, 2022) is facing assault charges against former partners following his arrest in August The Norwegian Royal Court confirmed to Femail that 51-year-old Mette-Marit is taking some time out, saying: 'H.K.H. The Crown Princess is on sick leave. 'Due to side effects of the medication that Her Royal Highness is using for her chronic lung disease, she is on sick leave, initially for a week. Her official program during this period will be cancelled or postponed.' Last month, the court warned that Mette-Marit's current course of treatment for pulmonary fibrosis may interfere with her planned duties over the coming weeks. The Crown Princess' health condition was first made public in 2018, when it was revealed Mette-Marit had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis or the thickening of lung tissue. At the time, Mette-Marit issued a statement explaining that the condition 'means my working capacity will vary' to accommodate her treatment including 'periods of time without an official programme'. 'For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what is involved,' the mother-of-three said. 'The condition means that my working capacity will vary. 'The Crown Prince and I are choosing to make this public now partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without an official programme to accommodate treatment and when the disease is more active.' Mette-Marit and the Crown Prince share two children together, and the Crown Princess also has a son, Marius Borg Hiby, from a previous marriage Marius Borg Hiby (seen in 2021), now 27, is currently embroiled in scandal after he sensationally admitted to assaulting a woman he called his 'girlfriend' while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine In the wake of the scandal, the Norwegian Palace confirmed Hiby (seen in 2022) would not attend the wedding of Princess Martha Louise to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verett in Geiranger Fjord on August 31 Pulmonary fibrosis is incurable and worsens over time, but the Norwegian royal's doctor, Professor Kristian Bjro at the National Hospital, said they'd been monitoring her condition for several years and the 'disease progression has been slow over this period'. Not much is known about the unusual variant of fibrosis that was detected in Mette-Marit's lung but, according to the Royal House, 'there is broad consensus that, unlike other more common types of pulmonary fibrosis, it is not related to environmental or lifestyle factors'. The fact that the disease was detected at an early stage improves Mette-Marit's prognosis, as per the Palace's official statement. 'Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible,' the mother-of-three said. According to the NHS, the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include shortness of breath, loss of appetite and weight loss, extreme tiredness, a persistent dry cough, and swollen fingertips. The Prince of Wales has touched down in Cape Town, where he will present the fourth annual Earthshot Prize later this week. The royal, 42, looked sharp in a suit as he seemingly arrived solo in the South African city to commence his four day visit on Monday. The trip, 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. Earlier this week, William reminisced about his personal connections with Africa ahead of the trip. The Prince 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. The future King 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. Ahead of his trip, which kicked off today, 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. The Prince of Wales has touched down in Cape Town, where he will present the fourth annual Earthshot Prize later this week '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 royal, 42, looked sharp in a suit as he seemingly arrived solo in the South African capital to commence his four day visit on Monday The Prince of Wales recently 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 - pictured last month - 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 William pictured at the Earthshot awards ceremony last year, which was held in Singapore, in November The prince pictured alongside Hannah Jones, who is CEO of the Earthshot Awards in Singapore last year The prince was pictured with Hannah Waddingham, who attended last years ceremony in Singapore 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. 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. Eagle eyed fans have spotted one key moment from the book While the Harry Potter trilogy may have ended more than a decade ago, staunch fans are still discovering hidden gems from the timeless films. The internationally famed fictional series by J.K. Rowling has drawn in millions of committed fans, with the acclaimed children's books having been translated into film, theatre and even a major London tourist attraction. But it seems even the most die hard Harry Potter fans are still discovering nuances from the films that originated from the books - including one recently discovered easter egg from the first in the franchise. Taking to Reddit, one eager eyed fans spotted a moment early on in the first film, Harry Potter: The Philosophers Stone. The moment instant comes early on in the film when Harry receives his first letter from Hogwarts. Taking to Reddit, one eager eyed fans spotted a moment early on in the first film, Harry Potter: The Philosophers Stone Pictured: a young Daniel Radcliffe during the filming of the first Harry Potter film. While the Harry Potter trilogy may have ended more than a decade ago, staunch fans are still discovering hidden gems from the timeless films Distracted by the significant scene in the plot, most Potter heads appear to have missed seeing Aunt Petunia - played by Fiona Shaw - boiling something mysterious in the background. But only those who read the original books would be away of the hidden moment. During the early scene, a young Harry is sat at the breakfast table with the Dursley's when the post arrives. Rushing to collect it for his ungenerous uncle, Harry spots a letter addressed to him, specifically to his bedroom 'The cupboard under the stairs'. As he hands the rest of the post to his uncle, the young wizard stares star struck at the mysterious letter. As Mr Dursley skims through the post, he spots Harry, engrossed in the letter, and quickly snatches it out of his hands. Meanwhile in the background, Aunt Petunia can be seen with a pair of kitchen tongs boiling an enormous saucepan over the stove. Taking to Reddit, one Potter lingual viewer spotted Aunt Petunia and pointed out that the scene is likely the moment when she dyes Dudley's old clothes grey. In the post, they said: 'In, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Aunt Petunia is visible in the background of this scene dyeing Dudley's old clothes grey for Harry's uniform. This is only ever mentioned in the book.' Fans of the trilogy will recall the Dursley's were never fond of Harry with the family plotting to sabotage things for him at every possible opportunity. Before he was a Hogwarts student, the Dursley's had plotted to send Harry to Stonewall High, which was regarded as less prestigious to the Dudley's school -Smeltings Academy. In the post, they said: 'In, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, Aunt Petunia is visible in the background of this scene dyeing Dudley's old clothes grey for Harry's uniform. This is only ever mentioned in the book' The internationally famed fictional series by J K Rowling has drawn in millions of committed fans, with the acclaimed children's books having been translated into film, theatre and even a major London tourist attraction Even after countless hours spent watching the famous first film in the franchise, Potter heads were shocked to discover they had missed the easter egg Rather than buying Harry his own uniform, the Dursley's had planned to dye an old set of Dudley's school clothes grey, matching him to the much inferior outfit of Stonewall High. Harry even described the dreary grey shade of his his newly boiled as 'elephant skin'. But luckily, the young wizard was rescued from the perils of ever having to attend the Dursley's choice of school - since he was offered a place at Hogwarts. Even after countless hours spent watching the famous first film in the franchise, Potter heads were shocked to discover they had missed the easter egg. Fans of the franchise leapt to the comments, shocked to have missed the moment. One person said: 'I always wondered what she was doing, I'd clearly forgotten that detail between reason the book and watching the film.' A second wrote: 'The amount of times I have seen this movie is crazy, and I've read the book once, absolutely loved it, and yet I didn't even notice this. 'Remember when the movies were this true to the books? Good times,' a third penned. Though the discovery was not a surprise to everyone. In one thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, one defensive Potterhead said: 'Im convinced people watch movies with their eyes closed.' Another said: 'Its not an easter egg. Its in the book so they put it in the film! People really are idiots!' The son of Lord Lucan's murdered nanny broke down in tears as he recalled the devastating moment he discovered who his real mother was. Sandra Rivett was just 29 years old when her dead body was found in a mail sack in the basement of Lord Lucan's townhouse in Belgravia in November 1974. The aristocrat subsequently went on the run and was last seen at Ian Maxwell-Scott's home in Uckfield, Sussex - where he told his friend's wife he had had a 'traumatic night of unbelievable coincidence' and was going to 'lie doggo for a while'. 50 years on, Lord Lucan - who was declared 'presumed dead' in 2015 - has never been brought to justice for Sandra's murder, despite an inquest in 1975 finding him guilty of murder. To mark the anniversary of the case that scandalised Britain, Sandra's son Neil Berriman - who was given up for adoption as a baby - has appeared in the new BBC Two documentary series Lucan. Pictured: Sandra Rivett's son Neil Berriman - who was given up for adoption as a baby - has appeared in the new BBC documentary series Lucan The aristocrat also carried out a brutal attack on his estranged wife Veronica, who survived despite suffering horrific injuries. Pictured together after they announced their engagement in 1963 In the first episode, which airs at 9pm on Wednesday, Neil, from Petersfield, Hampshire, reveals how his adoptive mother Audrey would often tell him to look out a brown envelope containing the truth about his real family in later life. She would tell him: 'You should open it. There's items in the envelope that [will give you] the answers to some questions.' Neil continued: 'I remember saying, "No, mum. I'm not interested. I don't need the brown envelope.' The merchant banker appeared visibly emotional as he recalled how Audrey told him he would find the answers 'when he needed them' on her deathbed. Three years after she passed away from cancer, Neil decided to look out the envelope - which contained correspondence regarding his adoption and a Mail on Sunday newspaper article from 1994 where a man named Stephen Hensby detailed how he only learned Sandra was his mother, not his sister, after her death. In 2007, Neil said he only knew the basics of the Lucan affair - and had no idea he had a personal connection to it. He continued: 'It was then that I managed to put two and two together.' On Neil's adoption order, the case workers revealed that the name he was given at birth was Gary Roger Hensby. Sandra Rivett was brutally murdered in the darkened basement kitchen of Lord Lucan's family Belgravia home in 1974 Lord Lucan (pictured) was last seen at Ian Maxwell-Scott's home in Uckfield, Sussex - where he told his friend's wife he had had a 'traumatic night of unbelievable coincidence' and was going to 'lie doggo for a while' Neil said: 'So Stephen - the boy from the newspaper article - must be my brother. But [the nanny] can't be connected to me because she's called Sandra Rivett. 'I read the article one last time and down [at] the bottom I then realised her name was actually Sandra Eleanor Hensby.' As he looked back on the devastating moment he discovered his real family history, Neil fought back tears. He said: 'I am the son of Sandra Eleanor Hensby - also known as the nanny murdered by Lord Lucan in 1974. 'A single letter is what I was expecting. This just doesn't happen, does it? 'The chances of you being adopted and finding out that your mother is [involved] in one of the biggest murder mysteries of all time. It's unbelievable.' In March 1964, Sandra Hensby welcomed her first son Stephen with her fiance John. At the time of his birth, their relationship was reportedly at breaking point, which is why Sandra gave Stephen her surname. John Richard Bingham, Earl of Lucan, and Veronica Duncan pictured on their wedding day in 1963 Pictured: Sandra Rivett, who was murdered by Lord Lucan at his Belgravia home in November 1974 The following year, Sandra's parents Albert and Enich Hensby officially adopted Stephen. In 1966, Sandra welcomed her second son - whom she shared with a married man who had employed her as a housekeeper. According to the adoption agency, the man's wife had been in hospital when Neil was conceived and Sandra 'did not feel she could possibly bring this baby up properly herself'. Sandra went on to marry Roger Rivett, who was in the Royal Navy, in June 1967 but the the couple divorced six years later. She had been working for Lord Lucan and his wife Veronica for just 10 weeks when she was murdered. According to the police report, Lord Lucan was 'devoted to his children', and it proved a bitter blow when Lady Lucan later won an acrimonious custody battle for them following their separation in 1973. On November 7 that year, Lady Lucan was watching television in her bedroom on the second floor of her home with her daughter Frances and the 29-year-old nanny. The other two children were in bed. Lady Lucan (pictured), who survived the attack and later died age 80. She says she recognised her ex-husband's voice in the kitchen Lord Lucan was looking for his estranged wife Veronica after a bitter argument, and entered a dark basement and hit her with a lead pipe, but it was Sandra, not Veronica The Met Report read: 'Thursdays were usually Sandra Rivett's night off, but she had not gone out that evening. At approximately 8.55pm Sandra Rivett asked Lady Lucan whether she would like a cup of tea... and went down to the basement, where the kitchen was. 'At about 9.15pm Lady Lucan went to the basement to see what was taking Sandra so long. She got to the top of the stairs that led to the basement and was surprised to see that there were no lights on. 'She shouted "Sandra, Sandra". Then she heard a noise from a room behind her and she was struck over the head a number of times. At this stage, she had not seen her attacker. 'She fell to the ground and started to scream. Her attacker then put his gloved fingers down her throat and told her to 'shut up'. She recognised the voice as Lord Lucan's. A struggle ensued, during which Lady Lucan bit his fingers and grabbed his genitalia.' Pictured: The Plumbers Arms, where Lady Lucan ran to after finding Sandra Rivett dead in her house Susan Maxwell-Scott pictured with her husband William. She was the last person to see Lord Lucan alive Pictured: Police dog handlers search for Lord Lucan on the downs above Newhaven Harbour following the aristocrat's disappearance At this stage her attacker gave up the fight. 'He seemed to lose strength and Lady Lucan tried to talk to him. She asked him where Sandra was, he initially said she had gone out. He then said, 'I've killed her, she came down first, if it had been you, you would have got it'.' Lady Lucan managed to persuade her husband to go upstairs with her, so that she could clean her injuries. They went up to Lady Lucan's bedroom. Lord Lucan placed a towel on the bed and Lady Lucan lay on it. He went to use the bathroom, whereupon she ran out of the house to The Plumbers Arms nearby. 'When she got into the pub,' the report says, 'she collapsed on the floor and screamed, 'He's murdered the nanny and he's after the children'. The police and an ambulance were called. 'The first officers on the scene spoke to Lady Lucan. She told them that the nanny had been murdered and she gave them her address. Lady Lucan was taken to St George's Hospital, SW1.' Police went to the family home and forced the door open. According to the Met dossier, officers discovered Sandra Rivett's body in a canvas United States mailbag in the basement. After driving to Ian Maxwell-Scott's home in Uckfield, Sussex, Lord Lucan is thought to have gone to Newhaven harbour - where his car was later found dumped nearby. Previous reports have noted difficult weather on the night before Lucans Ford Corsair was found, and said harbour logs showed no boat leaving. Friends had suggested the professional gambler peer had killed himself by jumping off a Channel ferry from Newhaven. But in one of the two blood-stained letters claimed to have been sent by Lucan after the murder he had said he was planning to lie doggo for a bit. There have been persistent rumours he hid out in southern Africa, supported by his set of wealthy gamblers. The inquest into Miss Rivetts death in 1975 ended with the jury ruling she had died as a result of Murder by Lord Lucan. Speaking to the Mail in 2015, Neil said: I dont feel angry with my mother for putting me up for adoption. I believe she felt she was doing what was best for me. 'Everyone tells me Sandra loved children, even though she wasnt in a position to bring up her own [...] I like to think that, had she lived, she would have been thrilled that Id tracked her down and we would have built a relationship.' Listen to the first episode of the Daily Mail's hit podcast The Trial of Lord Lucan here. Lucan airs at 9pm on BBC Two on Wednesday and is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Queen Mary of Denmark couldn't hold back her laughter as she met with hospital clowns during a solo visit to the town of Middelfart. The royal, 52, arrived at the event with a huge smile on her face as she was handed a bouquet of flowers. She grinned while meeting with Danish Hospital Clowns - an organisation that works to lighten the days of children who are receiving medical treatment. Those who are part of the movement are professionals who have to undergo special training which can take up to a year-and-a-half to complete. Mary was greeted by workers who were dressed in colourful ensembles with balloon headwear and round clown noses. The beaming monarch appeared unfazed following the one-year anniversary of her husband King Frederik's rumoured 'affair' scandal. The royal, 52, arrived at the event with a huge smile on her face as she was handed a bouquet of flowers by some of the staff She looked to be in high spirits as hospital employees put on a show for her at the Severin Konference hotel. The mother-of-four put her best fashion foot forward and wore a vibrant ensemble to the occasion. Mary sported an Erdem Lindsay Hideko Silk Floral-print Blouse that she tucked into a black belted maxi skirt, which showed off her slender figure. She completed the look with sheer tights, simple black heels and a pair of gold pendant earrings. Those who take part in the Danish Hospital Clowns training programme are taught about relationship building and neuropsychology along with how to better understand the needs of hospitalised children. The team is built up of around 61 hospital clown members and they visit more than 30,000 children who are admitted to Denmark every year. The clowns have also worked at several of the country's child and adolescent psychiatric departments. The mother-of-four put her best fashion foot forward and wore a vibrant ensemble to the occasion Mary also met with some of the children and youths who experienced the clowns while in hospital She even grinned as the hospital employees put on a show for her at the Severin Konference hotel She sported an Erdem Lindsay Hideko Silk Floral-print Blouse that she tucked into a black belted maxi skirt, which showed off her slender figure Queen Mary of Denmark looked in high spirits as went on a solo visit to greet hospital clowns during a conference in Middelfart Mary also met with some of the children and youths who got to meet the clowns while in hospital, along with giving a talk about the organisation onstage at the conference. Yesterday, she attended the Hubertus Hunt in Dyrehaven with her daughter, Princess Josephine, 13. 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. Josephine and Mary's appearance comes as the pair jetted back from Australia on the weekend 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. Mary gave a talk about the organisation onstage at the conference, sporting a colourful ensemble Danish Hospital Clowns is an organisation that works to help hospitalised children's and takes months of training Queen Mary spoke about the Danish Hospital Clowns onstage at the conference, where she donned a chic blouse Mary was greeted by workers who were dressed in colourful outfits with balloon headwear and round clown noses Mary completed her ensemble with sheer tights, simple black heels and a pair of gold pendant earrings 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. 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 alleged '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. A holidaymaker spent 3,000 and eight months saving an injured stray dog she found in Morocco after falling in love with the pooch. Sue Fisher, 65, from the Isle of Man, was in Taghazout, Morocco, with sister Natalie Eaton, 55, when they found a stray puppy they named Lucy behind their hotel, in November 2023. The dog had a broken leg in three places and was unlikely to survive on the streets - so Sue paid 100 for surgery to insert a metal pin. So enamoured by the pup, Sue, a retired offshore trust and corporate administrator, sent photos to husband Grant, 60, a retired engineer, and they decided to adopt her. Sue left Lucy in a shelter where she was given all the treatments she needed so she could come to the UK. Sue Fisher, 65, from the Isle of Man, was in Taghazout, Morocco, with sister Natalie Eaton, 55, when they found a stray puppy they named Lucy behind their hotel, in November 2023 In July, Sue flew back out and brought Lucy home via Paris - having splashed around 3,000 in total to do so. Lucy now lives with Sue and Grant on the Isle of Man, along with their two other dogs, and is thriving. She said: 'When we found Lucy in Morocco she was so much pain - she wouldn't have survived on the streets. 'But she was so gorgeous, I just fell in love with her. I took her to the vets and paid for her surgery to fix her leg. 'I sent photos of her to Grant and told him the situation, and he said ''can we adopt her?'' 'Six months later I was flying back out to get her - we just wanted to give her a better life. Now she gets treated like a princess and she's so happy, confident and loving.' Sue left Lucy, a Moroccan Beldi, with a shelter, Al-Nour Tierhilfe, and set up a monthly donation to keep her there. Lucy had injections and treatments, then had to wait several months for antibodies to form before she could travel. The dog had a broken leg - in three places - and was unlikely to survive on the streets - so Sue paid 100 for surgery to insert a metal pin So enamoured by the pup, Sue, a retired offshore trust and corporate administrator, sent photos to husband Grant, 60, a retired engineer, and they decided to adopt her X-ray of Lucy's broken leg, which was broken in three places in Morocco Sue left Lucy in a shelter where she was given all the treatments she needed so she could come to the UK Sue Fisher with her sister Natalie in Taghazout, Morocco, where the found the injured puppy Lucy now lives with Sue and Grant on the Isle of Man, along with their two other dogs, and is thriving Sue left Lucy, a Moroccan Beldi, with a shelter, Al-Nour Tierhilfe, and set up a monthly donation to keep her there Sue and Lucy had to fly via Paris to get a pet passport, and was met in the UK by pet siblings Mr Darcy and Lola Once a tiny pup, she is now 16 months old, and 73.5cm tall - twice the height of their other dogs She said despite never having been toilet trained or used a lead before, Lucy had picked them both up happily within a day Sue and Lucy had to fly via Paris to get a pet passport, and was met in the UK by pet siblings Mr Darcy and Lola. She said: 'Once I had made the commitment I knew I couldn't go back on it. I didn't want to let Lucy down. I wanted to give that poor little puppy the life she deserved.' Once a tiny pup, she is now 16 months old, and 73.5cm tall - twice the height of their other dogs. She said despite never having been toilet trained or used a lead before, Lucy had picked them both up happily within a day. She said: 'She was so good - at first she was petrified, but even then she was well behaved. 'She is still so clingy and loving and puts her head on my chest. I think she knows we saved her life.' Fergie, 65, is currently on a visit to Australia and took part in a book signing Sarah Ferguson showed off her sense of humour in her latest TikTok video, joking she's 'every day a bride' as she filmed herself getting ready for a book signing in Perth. The 65-year-old former wife of Prince Andrew is currently in Australia, just weeks after King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the country. 'Every day a bride! Every day a bride,' she laughed in the light-hearted post, as her make-up was touched up before the event. She offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her preparations for the book signing, pulling faces at the camera. Posing beside a bin, Fergie said: 'Just about to make my speech - in a waste bucket!' Sarah Ferguson showed off her sense of humour in her latest TikTok video, joking she's 'every day a bride' as she filmed herself getting ready for a book signing 'Every day a bride! Every day a bride,' she laughed in the light-hearted post, as her make-up was touched up before the event 'Life's too short to be serious all of the time!' she added in the caption of the video, showing a medley of humorous moments. Royal fans rushed to social media to praise the Duchess for 'her great sense of humour.' They wrote: 'Love Sarah shes so real'; 'Love fergie she is so down to earth'; 'I just adore your wittiness! You are so much fun. Thank you for joining TikTok! Such amazing posts. always down to earth & you sprinkle everything with sunshine!'; Fergie offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her preparations for the book signing, pulling faces at the camera Posing beside a bin, Fergie said: 'Just about to make my speech - in a waste bucket!' Royal fans rushed to social media to praise the Duchess for 'her great sense of humour' 'Duchess you're a wonderful royal with a great sense of humour'; 'She is one off the funniest royals about ive always liked Fergie.' Mother-of-two Fergie kicked off her visit with a literary event at Joondalup Resort, where she signed copies of her books - in recent times, she has penned a number of tomes. She looked chic, donning a little black dress under her blazer, pairing it with black heels. The Duchess of York wore her red tresses loose, letting them fall past her shoulders in a casual style. The Duchess of York is pictured attending a book signing at Joondalup Resort in Perth on Friday The royal donned a pink blazer for the event, pairing it with a little black dress, and black high heels The Duchess, who has penned a number of books including historical romances, is pictured during Friday's literary event After today's event, the royal will be undertaking a number of further engagements during the trip, including working with the non-profit Youth Impact Council. Her polished style today was a very different look than the one she sported while making a recent social media post. Last week, Fergie shared a powerful message about mental health as she visited the beach in Donegal, Ireland. In it, she spoke candidly about how 'sometimes things get overwhelming'. Sarah, who has battled cancer twice over the past year, being diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023 and a malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, in January, candidly spoke to her followers while taking a stroll on the beach. Speaking in the video, the first royal to join TikTok, said: 'Hello everybody! I'm here in Donegal and sometimes when I find things get sometimes overwhelming, I just try and take myself off to the most beautiful, wonderful blast of fresh air. 'Looking at the ocean, looking at the beach, looking at the shells. It's great to be in the wind and just getting fresh air on my face.' She added in her caption: 'The benefits of getting some fresh air everyday really can do wonders for you. Thank you Donegal!' The royal looked stylish in her ensemble, as she kicked off her trip to Australia. She will be attending further engagements after today Sarah's appearance today followed a recent social media video she shared, in which she candidly spoke about how 'overwhelming' life can sometimes get FRIENDLY: The tactile royal was snapped embracing her sister Jane during the literary event Royals fans were quick to praise the 'inspiring' post, with many noting how well the Duchess was looking. They wrote: 'Lovely to see you. You look well. Nothing quite like the wind on your face, and just breathing in the fresh air, is there. Thank you for sharing this moment from your day.' 'You are an inspiration thank you x.' 'So proud of you Sarah your resolve is an inspiration for me.' 'Beautiful. Thanks for sharing !!!' Sarah Ferguson became the first member of the royal family to join TikTok - and marked the occasion with a poignant video reflecting on her cancer journey. The Duchess, who currently resides in the Royal Lodge in Windsor Park, has made her debut on the social media app under the username sarahtheduchess. Sarah - who is often affectionately known as Fergie - donned a casual ensemble for the clip, consisting of a denim jacket and an aqua blue jumpsuit. She sat down in a field to film the clip and captioned it: 'My first ever TikTok!' Fergie was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2023. Just months later, in January 2024, the mother-of-two was told she had malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The Duchess of York made her debut on the social media app yesterday under the username sarahtheduchess The mother-of-two said she felt 'hollow' and experienced 'total abject fear' when she heard her breast cancer diagnosis. Fergie said: 'The drive [between hospitals] was 40 minutes and I didn't speak - I couldn't speak. It was very interesting for me not to speak. 'I couldn't express myself, I just shut down, I went back into [a] little girl. It was easier not to ask for support and just to deal with it because that's what I'm used to, that's what I was taught. 'It's only now that I am really proud of my scars, they're really important. 'I never thought you could free the shackles of your heart by cancer, by learning what it is to be able to talk right about what it feels like to ask for help, to surrender and to realise that everything is going to be okay. And you can find joy and you can not worry so much.' She put in her caption: 'One cancer diagnosis was bad enough but to go through all those emotions twice was a lot to handle. For anyone going through this now, know that you are not alone.' The Duchess has racked up more than 2,000 views in less than a day, with fans commenting love heart emojis under her first post. Decades after James Van Der Beek was thrust into the spotlight thanks to his role in the beloved WB series Dawson's Creek, the actor made the shocking decision to leave Hollywood behind. The Rules of Attraction alum, now 47, moved onto a stunning ranch in Austin, Texas, with his wife, business consultant Kimberly (nee Brook), and their six kids in 2020, and since then, he has opted for a much quieter life, mostly out of the public eye. But the former TV star's personal life has been thrust back into the spotlight this week as he shared the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer on Sunday. James wrote in a heartbreaking Instagram post that he had been told that a tabloid was planning to publish a story about it, so he was forced to share it online sooner than he would have liked to have gone public with it. He did not reveal what kind of cancer he had - but People magazine reported that it was colorectal cancer - and added that he would tell people more 'when he's ready.' Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, now 47, made the shocking announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer on Sunday Amid the actor's heartbreaking health update, FEMAIL has rounded up everything that you need to know about his extremely private life in Texas James was once one of the most popular actors on the globe thanks to his role as Dawson Leery in the 1997 WB series Dawson's Creek. The show was as his first major role and turned him into a massive star practically overnight - and after it came to an end in 2003, he went on to star in a slew of other successful movies and shows. But in recent years, his life has slowed down immensely, as he has switched his focus to being a doting husband and father instead. He married his wife, Kimberly, in 2010 following his highly-publicized divorce from actress Heather McComb, and the couple went on to welcome six kids together: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, eight, Gwendolyn, six, and Jeremiah, three. In 2020, following an extremely difficult year that involved two pregnancy losses and the death of his mother, the couple decided to relocate to Texas so that they could be closer to 'nature.' Afterwards, James confessed that his 'priorities had changed' and that while he loved being a part of the movie industry, he would now only get involved in projects that 'fit around' his family. Following the actor's heartbreaking health update, FEMAIL has rounded up everything that you need to know about his extremely private life in Texas. Becoming a Hollywood heartthrob: James was skyrocketed into the spotlight due to Dawson's Creek James was once one of the most popular actors on the globe thanks to his role as Dawson Leery in the 1997 WB series Dawson's Creek James grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut, and fell in love with theater at a young age. The show was as his first major role and turned him into a massive star practically overnight - and after it came to an end in 2003, he went on to star in a slew of other successful movies and shows He made his off-Broadway debut at only 16 years old in the play Finding the Sun, and had small roles in the films Angus and I Love You, I Love You Not throughout the 1990s. After graduating from high school he headed to Drew University for college, but dropped out after he was cast in Dawson's Creek in 1998. The show, which also starred Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson, was a huge success and propelled him into the spotlight immediately. He went on to star in the drama Varsity Blues, western film Texas Rangers, comedy Scary Movie, The Rules of Attraction, the series One Tree Hill, political thriller Formosa Betrayed, medical drama Mercy, Anders Anderson's Stolen, ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and the Emmy-nominated series Pose. He also wrote, produced, and starred in the comedy show What Would Diplo Do? and competed in the 28th season of Dancing With the Stars. Leaving the spotlight behind: Actor said goodbye to Hollywood to move onto a stunning Texas ranch But in recent years, his life has slowed down immensely, as he has switched his focus to being a doting husband and father instead In 2020, following an extremely difficult year that involved two pregnancy losses and the death of his mother, the couple decided to relocate to Texas so they could be closer to 'nature' But in 2020, James left Hollywood and relocated with his family to Austin, Texas. He told Fox News afterwards that the decision stemmed from him and his wife wanting their kids to be closer to 'nature.' 'We love it, we have a lot more space,' he gushed at the time. 'We all needed a more immediate connection to nature. Afterwards, James confessed that his 'priorities had changed' and he would only take on projects that 'fit around' his family 'It's been a really, really great move and the kids are really happy. 'One of the benefits of getting out of the big city was getting to a place where we could just have more space right outside our door. It's a very different life.' In addition, James described the move as 'really centering' and 'grounding' to People magazine, adding, 'It's just connected us, not just to nature, but to the natural life cycles all around us.' His wife Kimberly also told ET Online that they opted to move after enduring a 'crazy year' that involved two tragic pregnancy losses and the passing of James' mom. 'We just had been through a crazy year with two late-term miscarriages and my body was still healing and it was hard for me to walk around at that point,' she shared. 'I was exhausted. And James' mom had just passed, so to get [to] Texas, it was the nurturing hug we needed. 'Texas has the capacity to heal. Its expansive and nature will hug you and heal you.' 'Now my priorities have changed,' he told Fox News. '[My next role] would really have to fit around my life' James previously spoke about his wife's first pregnancy lost, which occurred in the midst of his appearance on Dancing With the Stars in 2019. 'It was just so much pain, and it was so unexpected because everything was right, everything was fairytale,' he said. 'Everything was coming together perfectly ... We were both just crying and sobbing.' She then endured another miscarriage in 2020, with James writing on Instagram at the time, 'After suffering a brutal, very public miscarriage last November, we were overjoyed to learn we were pregnant. 'This time, we kept the news to ourselves. But last weekend, once again, 17 weeks in... the soul wed been excited to welcome into the world had lessons for our family that did not include joining us in a living physical body.' After moving, James admitted that his 'priorities had changed,' and that while he still loved acting and writing, he now wanted to 'spend the most amount of time with his family.' 'I was really enjoying the kind of career that I had been wanting to build for quite some time before 2020 but now my priorities have changed,' he told Fox News. '[My next role] would really have to fit around my life.' But he added, 'I do love telling stories. That is something that I've always wanted to do, and I think I'll always continue to do that.' Heartbreaking cancer diagnosis: James has now revealed that he's battling the disease James wrote in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday that he had been told that a tabloid was planning to publish a story about his cancer, so he was forced to share it online He did not reveal what kind of cancer he had - but People magazine reported that it was colorectal cancer - and added that he would tell people more 'when he's ready' James revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer on Sunday via Instagram. '"It is cancer." Each year, approximately two billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And Im one of them,' he wrote. 'Theres no playbook for how announce these things, but Id planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. 'But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.' The actor added that he had been 'getting treatment' in private, and apologized to the people 'in his life' who had to find out through the post. 'Ive been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,' he continued. 'Im in a good place and feeling strong. Its been quite the initiation, and Ill tell you more when Im ready. 'Apologies to all the people in my life who Id planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline 'But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.' The actor is now slated to be one of the numerous celebrities to appear on Fox's The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special where celebs will strip to spread awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. He will be joined by Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, and Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. The Reddit user said that she was done with the dating scene She revealed that her date, 24, asked her to hook up in the parking lot A woman has recalled the 'worst date of [her] life' that saw her crush asking to split a $20 bill and left her wanting to take a break from the romantic scene. The unnamed 21-year-old took to Reddit to detail the disastrous date that saw her going out with a 24-year-old. In a thread titled, Dating, she admitted that she had recently been 'ghosted' - which is a term used when someone cuts off communication abruptly - by a guy she 'really liked.' She noted that she wanted to put herself back out there and try dating again in hopes she would meet her perfect match. However, she was turned off after her date asked her to split the bill before begging her to 'hook up' in the back of a parking lot. A woman has recalled the 'worst date of [her] life' that saw her crush asking to split a $20 bill and left her wanting to take a break from the romantic scene (stock image) The unnamed 21-year-old took to Reddit to detail the disastrous date that saw her going out with a 24-year-old The post was titled: 'Just had the worst date of my life.' She explained: 'I (F21) went out with a guy (M24) on a date tonight and think its been the worst date of my life. We meet at a Spanish tapas restaurant that HE recommended and we order two tapas plates, both about $12 each and he complains about the prices. 'To my knowledge tapas is like dim sum where youre supposed to order a few dishes and share. When the bill comes he just stares at it and then stares at me for a while, then says, do you want to split it? I said sure, but was kind of off put by it. 'I think at least for the first date the person that asks, whether that be guy or girl, should pay and then it should flip flop after that. I have also never been asked to split the bill by a guy, especially not a $24 bill so I was just put off.' However, the nightmare romantic outing didn't end there as the 21-year-old revealed that the date got worse. She revealed that the man then asked to go to another restaurant because he was 'still hungry'. 'He then says hes still hungry and that we should go somewhere else, so we find a Mexican restaurant a few doors down and we go and order food (pay at the counter type of place so we both order separately) after talking and eating Im kind of full so I only ate half of my second taco, and as I start putting my food together to throw it away, he asks if he can finish my HALF-EATEN TACO. I honestly find that disgusting. 'So as were walking back to my car he says, Im just gonna be blunt, I think youre really cute, would you want to go to my car and find a place to hook up? People on the web flooded the comments section and slammed the mystery man for his behavior 'At this point I want to run for the hills. I say no point blank. I then offer to drive him to his car because its way further than mine and its 35 degrees outside,' the woman added. While in the car, the man continued to try to lay the moves on his date as he begged her to sleep with him. The 21-year-old confessed: 'During the car ride we talk about how we liked the food and out of nowhere he goes, Are you a virgin? I kind of deflect but he then asks, Would you be open to hook up, we can go to the back of Whole Foods? 'Like sir what the actual f**k is wrong with you. I just got ghosted by a guy I really like and wanted to move on with a good date, but I think I may just take a break for a while. I hate dating.' People on the web flooded the comments section and slammed the mystery man for his behavior. One person said: 'Ew what the hell is wrong with him? Hes broke and trashy.' Another user added: 'This guy sounds like a real treat. And, by that I mean a piece of s**t loser. Run.' Someone else wrote: 'Sounds like a dummy.' TV writer Gary Janetti has claimed that the British Royal Family was 'not too pleased' with his 2021 animated HBO series The Prince - and why it wasn't renewed for a second season. Janetti, who has written for Family Guy, went viral on Instagram a few years ago for his hilarious royal family memes that feature pictures of Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6. The virality landed him an HBO series, which depicted an eight-year-old Prince George and his life at Buckingham Palace. The show spoofed the late Queen and King, as well as Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Prince William. Some of the storylines included Markle joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and having the wives visit the palace, and the entire family taking a trip to the Caribbean. TV writer Gary Janetti has revealed that the British Royal Family was 'not too pleased' with his 2021 animated HBO series The Prince The show spoofed the late Queen and King, as well as Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Prince William Janetti went viral on Instagram a few years ago for his hilarious royal family memes that feature pictures of Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6 However, in a new interview on comedian Matt Friend's podcast, Friend In High Places, Janetti claimed that the royals were not very happy with his depictions - or the show's plot, seemingly. The writer explained that he was approached to create the show right around the time he was thinking of pitching it himself. 'I did a season at HBO Max, and then I actually wrote the second season because they picked up the scripts for the second season, but we didn't go forward,' Janetti claimed. 'I believe the royal family was not too pleased with the show.' The Do You Mind If I Cancel? author also explained that another season could have been quite the hassle for everyone involved. 'They were not happy with it, and I think nobody wanted to deal with the controversy of having displeased the Royal Family,' he said. Podcast host Friend then asked if the family was pleased with The Crown - to which Janetti said that they were 'more pleased' than his show. 'I think they were relentless about it, it was a thing,' Janetti said. 'They were not happy with it, and I think nobody wanted to deal with the controversy of having displeased royal family,' he said about the royal family The Do You Mind If I Cancel? author also explained that another season could have been quite the hassle for everyone involved Janetti's virality landed him an HBO series, which depicted George and his life at Buckingham Palace. Pictured are his parents, King Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Friend joked that essentially, the Royal Family had 'canceled' his show, to which the writer agreed. But even though the show wasn't renewed, Janetti admitted it was 'cool' that the royals allegedly 'canceled' it. 'I'm from Queens, I grew up in Queens,' the Will and Grace executive producer said. 'I know, it's very meta.' However, interestingly enough, Janetti revealed in an interview last July that he was never really invested in the royal family. 'I actually was never interested in the royal family in the slightest,' Janetti told Us Weekly at the time. 'I know that seems strange.' 'It was just, to me, all fictitious. It was just a world that I created based on a personality that I started giving them,' he continued. 'It was never something I was interested in at all. Isnt that weird?' DailyMail.com has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. A couples' counselor has lifted the lid on the traits you should look for when searching for your perfect match. Jeff Guenther, from Portland, Oregon, has become a viral sensation on TikTok for often sharing his expertise in the love and romance departments. Most recently, he shared a video to his 2.8 million followers detailing the most important qualities that you should ensure your future partner has. According to the love specialist, you should make sure your partner is 'emotionally intelligent', 'trustworthy' and can 'effectively communicate.' In a viral video, which has so far amassed over 103,000 views, the therapist gave viewers some romance advice as he explained why these traits were crucial to a healthy relationship. A couples' counselor has lifted the lid on the traits you should look for when searching for your perfect match (stock image) Want to find true love? Look for these traits Emotionally intelligent Trustworthy In tune with their bodies Practices effective communication Won't give into peer pressure Responsive Handles conflict well Advertisement The clip was captioned: 'As a couples' counselor, I'm looking for these traits in my partner.' Jeff first told his followers to try their best to find someone who is emotionally intelligent. He explained: 'Number one: Emotional intelligence. The ability to understand and manage their own emotions and empathize with mine.' Next, the relationship expert urged romantics to find a partner who is extremely reliable. 'Number two: Trustworthiness. They are reliable and have the ability to build and maintain trust.' The therapist advised his followers to also look for someone who is in tune with their bodies and who frequently practices open communication. He revealed that lovebirds should always seek out 'honest and respectful dialogue.' To stay safe and happy, Jeff advised his followers to find a partner who will not give into 'peer pressure or stupid trends.' Jeff Guenther, from Portland, Oregon, has become a viral sensation on TikTok for often sharing his expertise in the love and romance departments People on the web flooded the comments section and praised him for his love advice 'Responsiveness. Being emotionally available and responsive to my needs,' he said as he also urged viewers to find someone who 'respects' others. Lastly, Jeff suggested those looking for their true match should make sure the person they meet can handle conflict. He explained that the 'ability to admit it's your fault is crucial' in a relationship. People on the web flooded the comments section and praised him for his love advice. One person said: 'Couldn't agree more.' Another user added: 'I appreciate you so much.' 'I really liked this list,' commented someone else. Ivanka Trump seems to be blocking out the noise as she's posting a list of life lessons, pictures of gorgeous flowers and serene horses just mere days before the 2024 Presidential Election. The businesswoman, 43, posted a long list of 16 life lessons on her Instagram page on Monday afternoon in honor of her birthday, which was on October 30. Her top lessons included that family and friends 'are everything,' to 'forgive people,' and that 'everyone is a teacher.' Other lessons on her list included to avoid gossip, 'get sunshine daily,' and 'guard your peace.' She also stressed the importance of having a 'strong body' and 'strong mind' while still being able to indulge in certain foods, like cake. The businesswoman, 43, took to her Instagram stories on Sunday to share a snap of a huge, stunning bouquet of red, lilac, and white roses along with white Snapdragons sitting on a wooden table On Monday, she shared another sweet sight on her Instagram stories - this time of repost of someone petting and washing a brown horse named Arabella Ivanka Trump has not been seen much on her dad's campaign trail this year, seen here with her husband, Jared Kushner, and stepmom Melania, at the 2024 Republican National Convention And, on Sunday she took to the platform to share a snap of a huge, stunning bouquet of red, lilac, and white roses along with white Snapdragons sitting on a wooden table. The former Advisor to the President of The United States artfully leaned a Fender guitar against the table where the arrangement was sitting. Ivanka did not indicate if the flowers were sent to her, or if she arranged them herself. She posed another sweet sight on her Instagram Stories Monday afternoon - this time a repost of someone petting and washing a brown horse named Arabella. The video was captured by Michelle Lundh Rodrigo, who is the owner of Horizonte Horse Experience in Costa Rica. Ivanka reposted the story, adding two white hearts at the bottom of the post. The posts come as former President Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, joined him for a swing state rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, on Monday afternoon. Donald Trump's sons, Eric and Don Jr., were also there. Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, recently said there was 'zero chance' his wife would be working to support her father in the lead up to the end of the campaign The posts come as former President Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, joined him for a swing state rally in Reading, Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon His sons, Eric and Don Jr., were also at the rally along with Lara and former President Donald Trump His daughter, Tiffany Trump, has also been pushing for her dad's victory, writing a post on X in support of him on Monday Ivanka and her daughter went to Taylor Swift's concert in Miami after Trump lamented, 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!' his social media website Truth Social last month Lara opened the rally alongside a group of women - including Dance Moms star Kira Girard - who said to the crowd that Trump is leading 'the best comeback of all time,' according to Fox 56. 'Tomorrow is not the end," Lara said during the rally, according to the outlet. 'Tomorrow is just the beginning. It will be Donald J. Trump who restores the American dream for the United States of America.' The former President will also be heading to another rally this evening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His daughter, Tiffany Trump, has also been pushing for her dad's victory, writing a post on X in support of him on Monday. 'A few points to reiterate as you head to the voting booth: 1. Project 2025 is NOT my fathers plan,' she wrote. 'He has not read it and does not endorse it. 2. My father will NOT sign a national abortion ban. 3. My father greatly supports IVF and wants to make it accessible to anyone who needs it. Get out and VOTE!' she urged in her message. Meanwhile, Ivanka, has not participated in her father's campaign this year. 'A few points to reiterate as you head to the voting booth: 1. Project 2025 is NOT my fathers plan,' Tiffany wrote in a Monday post on X 'He has not read it and does not endorse it. 2. My father will NOT sign a national abortion ban. 3. My father greatly supports IVF and wants to make it accessible to anyone who needs it. Get out and VOTE!' she urged in her message Her husband, Jared Kushner, recently said there was 'zero chance' she would be working to support her father in the lead up to the end of the campaign. Her new Instagram posts also come just days after she took her eldest daughter, 13-year-old Arabella, to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in Miami, Florida. The duo went after Trump lamented, 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!' on his social media website Truth Social last month. He made the declaration five days after Swift said in a lengthy Instagram post that she would be voting for Harris in November. Shoppers have discovered the 'ultimate summer dress' - and it's a bargain dupe of a high-end item worth over five times the price. The Target linen-blend scallop hem midi dress ($70) has stunned Australian women looking to spruce up their wardrobes. It has been compared to Posse's Zayla dress ($399) which sold out immediately and another design by Seed Heritage ($229). Both dresses are available in black and white, and have scallop hems across the chest and length of the skirt. The trendy detail elevates the outfit above a simple strapless dress. 'Target's cut is the best, it's gorgeous!' a shopper raved. 'I am so here for the banging Kmart and Target dupes that have been dropping lately,' another said. A third wrote, 'I really like Target's European linen range - I find that it's so well made.' The Target linen-blend scallop hem midi dress ($70) has stunned Australian women looking to spruce up their wardrobes The Target linen-blend scallop hem midi dress ($70) is also available in white But the dress isn't the only Target 'dupe' going viral. The Target shoulder bag ($25) has been flying off the shelves after fashion fans noticed a keen resemblance to an English designer bag - and it pairs perfectly with the scallop hem midi dress. DeMellier's Tokyo bag ($650) has a unique triangular shape with an arrow-shaped magnetic closure. Shoppers from around the world have dubbed it the perfect 'city bag' that elevates even the simplest outfit. Similarly, Target's shoulder bag is perfect for those on a budget who are looking for a high quality accessory. When compared side-by-side, the bags look almost identical, with many unable to tell the difference. 'I love this bag, it's beautiful and stylish,' a five-star reviewer said. 'It matches all my clothes.' 'There isn't anyone in my circle who can afford a $650 bag so the Target one is a winner,' another added. The Target shoulder bag ($25) [left] has been flying off the shelves after fashion lovers noticed a keen resemblance to DeMellier's Tokyo bag ($650) [right] Target's clothing ranges have been praised as some of the best value for money pieces on the market with thousands raving about the superior design and quality. Target's recent clothing lines have also been going viral on Australian fashion TikTok with thousands of women sharing their clothing hauls. 'I'm obsessed with the new summer and linen collection at Target,' one said. 'The work wardrobes are just the best,' another added. 'It's always the first place I go nowadays when I need new clothes.' When getting my IUD birth control replaced in my doctor's office, it wasn't the pain that shocked - it was the question I was asked following the procedure. 'Would you like to keep it?' New York-based OB/GYN Dr Yuliya Boruch inquired as she held the device she just removed from my body up for me to see. Assuming she was joking, I awkwardly replied 'no' (I had no desire to carry it home on the New York City subway) and studied her eyes waiting for her to crack a smile - but no, she was deadly serious. Dr Boruch revealed an increasing number of her patients ask to take the T-shaped device - a long-term form of birth control inserted into the uterus - home where they fashion them into wearable pieces of jewelry. 'Several of my patients have also framed them and put them on their walls at home,' she added. Dr Boruch told me she now asks all of her patients if they would like to keep their IUDs as she has noticed the emerging trend. A quick Google search shows 'IUD jewelry' is indeed a thing to 'celebrate femininity' and 'spread awareness about birth control.' 'I'm clearly behind the times,' I thought. An IUD is a T-shaped device that is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy An IUD is inserted into the vagina via a small tube and passes through the cervical opening and into the uterus Your browser does not support iframes. One of the top results that came up was a Reddit post titled 'I made my old IUD into a necklace.' In the post, the Redditor explains how she had an IUD for five years and had a great experience with it: 'No major cramping, less weight and mood fluctuation than being on the pill, and a very sparse/almost nonexistent period.' When she had it removed and replaced she asked her OB/GYN if she could keep it. She continued: 'I took [my IUD] home, soaked it in hot dish soap water and scrubbed it VERY well, then went to a friends house who taught me how to make resin jewelry. 'Made this necklace to celebrate femininity, birth control access, and my own inner strength! Im happy to share this piece to spread more birth control awareness.' A photo of her IUD pendant shows the device encapsulated in resin, with small flowers and butterfly motifs surrounding it. An IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth control, with more than a 99 percent success rate at preventing pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs - copper and hormonal. The first releases a small amount of copper into the uterus, which creates an inflammatory response that is toxic to sperm and eggs. One creative Redditor shows how she made her IUD into a resin pendant with flowers and butterflies framing it Many women reveal on social media how they have been creative with their old IUDs The latter releases a small amount of the hormone progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. It may also stop an egg from being released from the ovaries. According to the 2023 National Health Statistics Reports on contraceptive use - the latest year available - 20 percent of sexually active women between 15 and 49 years old reported ever using an IUD between the years of 2015 and 2019. But there is no information on how many women save their IUDs. Getting an IUD is a minor procedure during which a doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and uses a small tube to pass the IUD through the cervical opening and into the uterus. To remove the device, a doctor will pull on small strings attached to the bottom of the IUD through the vagina. It is after this removal when people apparently request to take their IUD home with them. Further into my search on TikTok, I found dozens of other women who had taken their IUDs home to make jewelry and decor. Content creator @i.love.almondbutter shows how she made an earring with her old IUD, while @claraburke42069 turned hers into a necklace and asked her followers if it was appropriate to wear to work. TikTok user Camille Schim filmed herself going to a craft store for supplies to turn her old IUD into wall art Schim washed her IUD in the kitchen sink and showed off her framed device Kicking creativity up a gear, @adrienneog took her old IUD home in a medical specimen cup and turned it into an accessory for her car. She spray painted it gold, attached it to a chain and hung it from her rearview mirror. Meanwhile, @camilleschim took her followers on a trip to a craft store to buy a shadow frame to make her IUD into a piece of wall art. She filmed herself washing her IUD in the kitchen sink and then showed off her device in a frame surrounded by pink flowers. 'We were besties these last five years,' the TikToker wrote in the caption. While commenters have deemed these repurposed IUDs 'cute' and 'adorable,' others call these projects 'gross,' weird' and added: ' I hope you don't wear it. Kinda weird.' One Reddit user contemplated taking it home, but said her old IUD was 'covered in uterine gunk.' Dr Boruch told me the devices are completely safe to hold on to, but 'they should be cleaned with soap, water and alcohol wipes, as after all, they have been sitting inside the uterus for a good number of years... in some cases a decade.' The gynecologist added: 'Surprisingly they come out fairly clean, but there are always a few drops of blood following the removal. 'The out of pocked cost for an IUD is $1,200 to $1,500 depending on the brand if you don't have insurance, so it certainly makes for an expensive piece of jewelry!' No matter public opinion or doctor recommendations, I'm glad I turned the offer down. RIP to my IUD - it was nice knowing you. Malibu is one of the most expensive, star-studded neighborhoods in the US. But behind the glamor of the ritzy mansions and beach houses, the wealthy enclave is being terrorized by a harmful algae bloom known as 'red tide.' Not only is the natural phenomenon causing 'an absolute stench', locals are falling sick and being forced to wearing face masks to protect against the harmful toxins it produces. The red tides have also caused dead animals to wash up on the beaches and horrified locals have reported seeing dead sea lions, turtles, dolphins and even raccoons and dogs. Speaking to DailyMail.com, British-American actress and Malibu resident Holly Horner says watching the red tides take hold is 'like watching a horror movie', with the entire coastline plagued by blood-red waters. Her film director husband recently had to move to a hotel nearby, as the smell was so nauseating, it caused him to have severe migraines and vomit. Describing the odor, Mrs Horner explained: 'The stench is so revolting. It's like a decaying death, rotten eggs and imagine the worst breath you have ever smelled on someone multiplied by 100,000. Speaking to DailyMail.com, British-American actress and Malibu resident Holly Horner says that the entire coastline is plagued by a bi-annual blood-hued 'red tide' 'No amount of incense, sage and candles can hide it and it blows from the seafront through the apartment. 'I've tried to block all of the holes but it is a very old building so it just keeps coming in.' Red tides occur when colonies of algae - plant-like organisms that live in the sea and freshwater - grow out of control. As the algae die off in huge numbers, they release hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes a strong rotten egg smell. The process also causes the production of a potent neurotoxin that can be suspended in the air near beaches. This toxin can kill fish, while leaving humans and pets with respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing and sneezing. Your browser does not support iframes. In extreme cases, breathing red tide toxins can cause serious respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and worsening of asthma. Last week Mrs Horner, 43, said the stench was so bad, that she had been wearing a facemask and she also bought nose clips designed for swimming in the hope of blocking it out. She said: 'I'm afraid how it might also be affecting our dog and cat who keeps sniffing their little noses up into the air. It is vile! 'When it comes to the smell - there's nothing like it. 'I ordered so many swimmers nose clips overnight on Amazon - they arrived today but they are too tight to use on my nose in an attempt to stop smelling. A bioluminescent red tide seen starting to bloom off San Diego beaches 'I have been wearing a mask on and off and when walking my dog to avoid deeply breathing the air which can cause also respiratory issues.' Red tides can turn deadly when respiratory symptoms become severe, or when a person consumes shellfish such mussels, oysters, clams, crab and lobster as that has been contaminated by these toxins. This consumption can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which is fatal in roughly one in 12 cases. While she has been living in Malibu, Mrs Horner has seen the devastating impact the red tides have had on wildlife. The toxic red tides can produce domoic acid, which attacks the brains and hearts of marine mammals causing seizures and heart failure. Detailing some of the haunting scenes she has witnessed, Mrs Horner says: 'In two years of living here, I think seeing a headless dead dog on the beach was one of the weirdest things I came across. 'Then, two weeks ago there was a huge, dead raccoon. 'In the water, I have also come across carcasses and the other day, I was frolicking in knee-deep waves walking my dog when I nearly walked into a dead bird. 'Last year, I think the algae must have been more potent and it was like a horror movie. 'There were dying seals slowly going crazy on the sand as they were eating contaminated fish and it was affecting their brains. 'Also the poor dolphins were equally impacted. It was haunting and horrific.' In 2023, more than 100 dolphins and over 100 sea lions died in the Santa Barbara area because of domoic acid toxicity from algal blooms. Mrs Horner says animal rescue centers 'do their best to help' but they are often 'overwhelmed' by the high number of casualties. Malibu is one of the most expensive, star-studded neighborhoods in the US, with the average house price topping $5.9 million She claims there were no warnings on the beach about the recent red tide and it was only through talking to neighbors and the landlord that she realized where the foul smell was coming from. A week on, she says the smell has died down a little but the water is 'brown, muddy and frothy.' Experts say that red tides in California are increasing in frequency and potency. Climate change is said to be a contributing factor, with more storms and rainfall, while nitrogen runoff from fertilizers and failing septic tanks can trigger the phenomenon. Mrs Horner says that she has witnessed human waste washing into the ocean right by her home in Malibu. She added: 'I've witnessed firsthand how certain landlords keep the state of their septic tanks here, sometimes with no lid on them whatsoever. 'While this is a illegal, they are very lackadaisical and nonchalant about the situation and they often proceed to cut corners with patchwork jobs. 'The septic tanks here are right by the ocean at sea level. which means human waste washes into the ocean when the tide gets high. This fall, the algae blooms were visible all along the California coast. Above, an aerial shot of Santa Monica pier 'There was no lid properly fixed on the septic tank at the house next to ours when we moved in.' Along with human waste, Mrs Horner says dog owners also need to take responsibility as 'sometimes there is so much dog poop on the beach it's like walking through a landmine.' 'This also can't be good for the health of our ocean,' the thespian adds. After two years of dealing with Malibu's red tides, Mrs Horner and her husband are moving to 'somewhere with less stinky shores.' She concludes, slightly muffled through her facemask: 'I really just love the irony that Malibu is this place that you could never really complain about because it's so desirable and everyone wants to live here. 'Every Lyft and Uber I take, people are so often mesmerized and it's their goal to live here. 'It's almost like a social gaslighting, and you cannot complain about these things because for goodness sake, you're living on the edge of the ocean and you are so lucky. But nature isn't always pretty. 'I have discovered this is a place with a dark and stinky underbelly.' This presidential election has one of the largest gender divides in history. A DailyMail.com poll showed 54 percent of women were backing Kamala Harris, while 59 percent of men were backing Donald Trump. And therapists say the divide is extending beyond the ballot box to the bedroom - with couples arguing more, having sex less and even divorcing. DailyMail.com spoke to four couple's therapists and psychologists, who all say they are handling a growing number of couples coming to blows over the election. California-based clinical psychologist Dr Molly Burrets said one couple that had been together for six years and had two children divorced over their political differences. She said: 'These major cultural events really have an impact on couples who are struggling. 'One of the cases I had was a couple that I was working with, they were a fairly young couple in their 30s, they had been married six years, had two small children, they thought they were quite aligned in their values. '[Before that] they had been dating for two years [and were] engaged for a year before marriage, and so they really thought they had a good idea of who the other was. 'And then, the election came about, and it became clear that they were divided politically. The wife was a strong Democrat, and the husband was a Republican.' J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters. The results showed a stark gender gap Kamala Harris has the support of a majority of women. But is it enough to win? She continued: 'They came to couple's therapy to try to resolve it, and, in the end, after 12 sessions together, they actually decided that their values were so not aligned that they ended their marriage.' Many therapists are reporting a surge in couple's seeking counseling over the election cycle. One even said he was seeing 25 percent more patients now than the last two times Trump was on the presidential ballot. In many cases, these couples are already navigating other issues but the election has aggravated the situation. Dr Gary McClain, a psychotherapist in New York, also revealed he was being visited by couples who were coming to blows over the election. He said: '[One couple I worked with] was in their early 40s, both professionals, kids in their teens, married 14 years. In New York. He is a Republican, she is a Democrat. 'They come to me to work on better communication. Their political differences have led to some big arguments, to the point of yelling, even when their teens are present. 'One of the repercussions was the couple unintentionally enlisted their children to take political positions... the result was that the two children felt like they had to take sides with one parent against the other. 'The other was avoidance of each other's family. They would often stay away from each other's family events because they didn't want to hear the politics and, at times, felt ganged up on and attacked for their beliefs.' Data shows women are generally more likely to vote Democrat than their male peers, who more so lean Republican. In the 2016 election, 54 percent of women voted Democratic, compared to 41 percent of men who did. Some pundits have already warned this divide could be an issue for Donald Trump given that 53 percent of the US electorate is female. And experts say women are more likely to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in part because she has been outspoken about her support of abortion access and has suggested her opponent is a threat to democracy an issue which lands more strongly with women. On the other hand, some say men are more likely to back former president Donald Trump because of a history of males identifying with machismo leaders. In the 1980s, men were more likely to back Ronald Reagan than women which was linked to his image as a former Hollywood cowboy star and strong anti-communist rhetoric. In the 1932 election, men were also more likely to back Franklin Roosevelt, which was thought to be due to his rugged and self-made man image. Women are also generally more likely to say that democracy is at risk in the election compared to men, with 72 percent of Democrats who are more likely to be women voicing this concern. Sixty-five percent of women say they believe this election will have a major impact on abortion access and reproductive health care, according to a KFF poll, while it has become the most important issue for women under 30 years old. For comparison, among men only around 20 percent consider abortion to be a top issue, according to pollsters. Dr Frankie Bashan, a sex therapist and clinical psychologist in California, said couples were withholding affection from each other over political differences. 'In some cases, couples are avoiding each other or even resorting to stonewalling to manage the intense emotions,' she said. 'This can even impact intimacy, with partners withholding affection including sex or ignoring one another to drive home their point for hours, sometimes days.' There is now a trend on TikTok of people posting about voting in a way to count out their spouse's decision Dr Kiran Dintyala, an internal medicine physician and stress management expert in San Diego, also revealed a case he had where the traditional gender divide was reversed where the wife voted Republican but the husband voted Democrat. He said: 'The couple would tell me that whenever they turn on the TV, they start fighting. They would try to avoid those discussions, but these things kept coming at them, something sparked the conversation, you know. 'They told me that before Trump came into politics, they never really fought much. It was once in a while, but they never used to argue like now, like cats and dogs.' Dr Dintyala attempted to defuse the couple by explaining to them that each has a separate perspective based on their life experience. He said that one was brought up a Republican and lived in Texas a red state - affecting their world view, while the other has spent all his life in California a blue state. TikTokers are also sharing the division online, with some sharing videos that have wracked up millions of views saying they know couples that are divorcing over the election. Commenting on the clips, one woman said: 'She doesn't want to be married to a man who doesn't respect her right to make her own decisions about her body and life #notshocked.' The US goes to the polls on Tuesday November 5, with the results expected to be announced in the days afterward A man commenting on a separate video said, 'he's better without her', while a woman commenting on the same clip said: 'Smart women! See's the problem and gets out fast!' For couples who want to keep their separate opinions but still live in harmony, Dr Dintyala said there are key things to keep in mind when you disagree with your partner. First, he said it was important to realize that everyone has their own reality and perspective based on their life experience and this should be respected. He said: 'Like, let's say that your wife likes blue, and you like red, are you going to fight her on that? No, that is fine. 'But when it comes to politics, these kinds of issues become much more emotionally charged.' He also called on people to maintain perspective and realize that what happens in their own home is far more important than what happens in the White House. 'Neither Trump nor Biden nor Obama is going to solve the problems in your home, so you shouldn't fight and disagree,' he said. He also urged people to try to avoid consuming too much media if it was leading to conflict in the home, saying they should consume no more than two hours a day. 'The moment you turn on 24-hour TV, radio, social media, you are bombarded with so much information, often negative, that this makes people stressed,' he said. 'So what I say is you should choose your sources, whichever that you believe will keep a balanced view, I always recommend more than one source actually, and one that is Democrat leaning and another that is Republican leaning. Dr Dintyala also suggested people try meditation and relaxation techniques, like listening to calming music and doing breathing exercises, during the political cycle to help them keen an even-mind. Patients could find it harder to see their GP because of the rise in national insurance - with 5million a month already unable to do so, health leaders warn. Doctors say they will be forced to cut back on staff if they are not exempt from the tax grab, which is expected to cost practices around 40,000. New analysis by the House of Commons Library reveals a quarter of people who contacted their GP surgery in the past month failed to get through on the day they called. The study, based on an Office for National Statistics survey, showed that 22.4 million people tried to contact their GP in the previous 28 days. Of these, 5.2 million were unable to get through to their GP on the day that they called, meaning nearly one in four people who wanted to get through to their GP could not. Dentists, pharmacists, social care providers and charities have also told of their fears that Rachel Reeves' rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent could force them to close The study, based on an Office for National Statistics survey, showed that 22.4 million people tried to contact their GP in the previous 28 days (stock photo) Your browser does not support iframes. According to the Library's research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, a further 1.2 million people were unsuccessful in contacting their GP at all that month. The party is joining GPs in demanding the family doctors be made exempt from the employers' national insurance rise, warning that it is a 'tax on community care'. Dentists, pharmacists, social care providers and charities have also told of their fears that Rachel Reeves' rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent could force them to close. Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat's health and social care spokesperson, said: 'Millions of people across the country are already struggling to get a doctor's appointment, now the government's tax hikes risk making the GP crisis even worse. 'This is a tax on community care that will hit GPs, dentists and care homes, making it even harder for them to employ enough staff and deliver the care that local people desperately need. 'Some risk even being forced to close altogether, leaving local patients to pay the price.' Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, which campaigns for elderly patients, said he is 'extremely concerned' the NI increase could make it more difficult to get an appointment. He added: 'If the government is unable to find the money to reimburse or exempt GPs from these tax rises it could have very serious consequences for patients. New analysis by the House of Commons Library reveals a quarter of people who contacted their GP surgery in the past month failed to get through on the day they called (stock photo) The Liberal Democrats are joining GPs in demanding the family doctors be made exempt from the employers' national insurance rise, warning that it is a 'tax on community care' 'GP surgeries will be hit with large bills and may have to cut staff, which will make an already bad situation even worse.' Dr David Wrigley, deputy chair of British Medical Association's GP Committee, said: 'The number of patients struggling to see their GP is disappointing and not surprising due to a significant shortage of GPs on the frontline. 'Over ten years of cuts to public services has left General Practice on its knees. 'The Chancellor's plan to increase employers' National Insurance will place an enormous added burden on practices already operating on the tightest of margins and seeking to remain financially viable. 'If the Government decides to press on by not covering this increased cost for practices as previous governments have done, then this will lead to difficult decisions for practices forcing us to cut back on the services we provide.' Dr Richard West, whose practice serves 16,000 patients in rural Suffolk, said: 'Our accountants have calculated that the practice will incur additional costs of 140,000 from next April. 'This includes the costs associated with the rise in employers' NICs and the Living Wage. This is equivalent to several senior clinical staff.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said on Friday that many GP surgeries are 'already struggling to keep their doors open and make ends meet'. She added: 'For some, this extra financial burden will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, forcing them to make tough decisions on redundancies or even closing their practice, and ultimately it is our patients who will bear the brunt. A Government spokesperson said: 'We have taken tough decisions to fix the foundations so a 22bn boost for the NHS and social care could be announced at the Budget. 'The employer national insurance rise doesnt kick in until April, and we will set out further details on allocation of funding for next year in due course. 'We will also hire an extra 1,000 GPs into the NHS by the end of this year, having already announced a contract uplift for GPs and practice staff, and we will ensure practices have the resources they need to offer patients the highest quality care.' Stroke patients are dying or suffering life-long disabilities because people typically wait an hour and a half before dialling 999, the NHS has warned. Health bosses say tens of thousands more victims could be saved or make a fuller recovery if the public called for an ambulance at the first sign of symptoms. NHS England is today launching the first major update to its 'Act FAST' stroke awareness campaign since 2009. It encourages people to act immediately if anyone experiences one of the three common symptoms, including struggling to smile, struggling to raise an arm or slurring their words. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said taking quick action could 'help save and protect many more lives'. But the plea comes against a backdrop of slow ambulance response times, with crews routinely failing to arrive within the 18 minute target. The latest NHS figures show the average response time for ambulances dealing with emergency calls, such as heart attacks and strokes, was 36 minutes and 2 seconds in September. Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Stroke symptoms are commonly remembered under this four-letter acronym, FAST. Patients experiencing a stroke can often have their face drop on one side, struggle to lift both arms and have slurred speech, while time is essential, as immediate treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke can substantially slash the risk of a much deadlier major stroke Other - just as common - tell-tale signs of a looming stroke, often fall under the radar. These include sudden numbness on one side of the body, sudden vertigo and difficulty swallowing In September, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May revealed he suffered a stroke that left him unable to use his left arm Without prompt treatment a stroke can result in death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems. The NHS says rapid diagnosis and treatment is 'critical' as stoke victims may lose around 2million brain cells a minute, with delays contributing to greater harm and hampering recovery. The average time between first stroke symptom and a 999 call being made was 88 minutes in 2023/24, according to new analysis of NHS data by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. Its researchers, based at King's College London, examined the medical notes of 41,327 stroke patients where such figures were recorded. Meanwhile, new NHS polling found 57 per cent of adults in England believe you should have two or three symptoms of a stroke before calling 999, despite just one being a sign of a medical emergency. Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of the 2,001 people questioned said they would not call 999 as their first course of action if they noticed someone was suddenly struggling to smile. Sir Stephen said: 'These figures highlight very clearly that we must do more to support people to recognise the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others and take action to call 999 at the earliest opportunity. 'Stroke symptoms can be less obvious or dramatic than you might expect, but even if it doesn't seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency and it's vital you call 999 immediately. Professor Sir Stephen Powis (pictured), national medical director at NHS England, said taking quick action could 'help save and protect many more lives' 'This campaign is so important. Greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke.' NHS England said more people are now surviving a stroke than ever before thanks to advances in care but strokes remain the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 fatalities each year. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: 'Over 88,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life. 'Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children can be stroke survivors, and the impact of stroke on them and their loved ones can be catastrophic. 'This new NHS campaign is so important to help raise awareness that stroke is always a medical emergency. 'If you spot any of the three common signs of a stroke in someone, the first thing you should do is call 999. The quicker many stroke treatments are given, the better. 'As we say, "time is brain", so it's important to recognise any of the signs of a stroke and act immediately. 'Acting FAST is vital for stroke survival and to help improve the journey to recovery.' Partial to a can of fizzy pop? The cautionary tale of 42 year-old Tom Bowey may make you think twice about your sugary drink habit. Dubbed 'Dr Pepper Man' by his friends, the father-of-two spent 30,000 on the drink over the last decade, guzzling nearly five litres (two and a quarter giant bottles) per day. The warehouse manager estimated that his habit set him back around 250 per month and, despite worrying about the impact on his wallet, he failed to give up. However, his increasing waistline, trouble sleeping and terrible oral health eventually proved to be the motivation he needed to change his ways. 'For a while my teeth weren't too bad, but then I went to the dentist and he said the level of acid erosion was similar to what he'd expect in a 70 year-old,' said Mr Bowey, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire. 'I've basically got the teeth of a pensioner. I was also feeling really bloated all the time as well, you gain a lot of weight when you're just drinking sugar.' Determined to make a change, he searched for help online and, in September, came across articles about how hypnotherapist David Kilmurry had helped others. Tom Bowey put away almost five litres of sugary pop every day for almost a decade, and suffered headaches, bloating, rotting teeth and insomnia as a result. Mr Bowey said that just one two-hour Zoom session with Mr Kilmurry was enough to see him quit completely. Today, he sips pints of water and weak squash when he's thirsty instead of reaching for pop. The health benefits have been significant. He's dropped a stone in weight and no longer wears large clothes sizes. He's falling asleep quickly and feels more rested in the mornings, and has kicked the persistent headaches and bloating he's long suffered. Speaking of the beginnings of his habit Mr Bowey said: 'It started with one [drink] with lunch and then me and my work colleagues started buying each other drinks throughout the day. 'They'd bring them over from the cafe near work. There was also a vending machine so I could just pop in and get them whenever I wanted. 'Before I knew it, that's all I was drinking and then I stopped drinking water completely. 'I used to buy the 24 can multipacks so I always had them and had at least five cans in the fridge all the time. Dr Pepper fiend Tom Bowey has lost over a stone since switching from Dr Pepper to water and cordial, and has seen other improvements in his physical and mental health. The father of-two spent 30K on his habit over the course of a decade. 'I'd have my first one as soon as I woke up, and I would always take a can with me for the drive to work as well. 'I'd buy two bottles before I got into work from the shop for the morning, then I'd have another two in the afternoon. 'Then when I went home I would drink more throughout the evening before I went to bed. 'The guy at my local shop called me "Dr Pepper man" because that was all I'd buy.' He says his children were a motivating factor in getting him to give up. His eldest daughter often asked for Coca Cola, but Mr Bowey and his partner did not allow their children to copy their father's unhealthy habits. He said: 'If I'm sitting there drinking it all day long at some point they're going to say "if you can drink them all the time why can't we?"' The father of two didn't want his daughters to copy his unhealthy habits. Pictured: Mr Bowey in 2019 with baby daughter, Sydney. Mr Bowey said his hypnotherapy session has virtually eliminated all cravings for Coca Cola and Dr Pepper. 'I don't look at fizzy drinks, I'm not remotely tempted. 'I've changed to cordial, I put a little in my water bottle. I'm drinking so much water now, I feel so much better. 'The size large clothes are now too big so I have to buy medium. 'As long as you go into the session feeling positive and determined you want it to work, it really does.' Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist Dr Kilmurry said he often sees clients patients experience unpleasant symptoms when they suddenly stop consuming large amounts of caffeine and sugar. 'Withdrawal can lead to mood swings, depression and even fits and seizures,' he said. The number of cases of deadly mouth cancer among Brits have reached a record-high of 10,000 a year, a new analysis shows. The findings, collected by charity The Oral Health Foundation, shows 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer are being diagnosed in the UK every year representing a 133 per cent rise over the last 20 years. The new findings add to previous research that showed head and neck cancers including those affecting the mouth and throat have surged by more than a third in Britain since the early 90s. Experts say the surge is mostly driven by diagnoses of younger people in their 40s and 50s. Smoking, alcohol and human papillomavirus (HPV) a normally harmless virus that is spread sexually and through skin contact are the primary causes. 'While many types of cancer are declining, mouth cancer continues to surge,' warned Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation. 'Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors, but we are seeing a growing number of cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).' HPV is one of the biggest risk factors for mouth cancer, according to the Oral Health Foundation and is thought to be responsible for the lionshare of new head and neck cancers. Mouth ulcers that don't heal, a hoarse voice and unexplained lumps in the mouth are all warning signs of the disease In fact, 70 per cent of cases of mouth and throat cancers are caused by HPV, according to Cancer Research UK. And experts suggest oral sex could be partly to blame for the rise in types of the virus-driven disease that affect the throat and mouth. Dr Hisham Mehanna, from the UK's University of Birmingham, said people with multiple oral sex partners have an up to nine-fold increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the back of the tongue, tonsils and the throat. He wrote in The Conversation that there has been a 'rapid increasing throat cancer in the west' to the extent some have called 'an epidemic'. Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV, the Oral Health Foundation explains. While condoms or dental damns can help protect you against HPV during vaginal, anal and oral sex, they do not cover all the skin around your genitals, where the viral cells can harbour. There is a vaccine for HPV. It is more than 80 percent effective and available in much of the developed world. Around eight in 10 people will carry HPV in their body at some point with around a third of the population infected at any one time, research shows. Just 67.2 per cent of girls were fully vaccinated in 2021/22, down from a high of 86.7 per cent in 2013/14. Some 62.4 per cent of boys, who have been offered the jab on the NHS since 2019, were jabbed in the most recent school year, NHS data shows It is most commonly found on and around the genitals, and usually causes no problems, vanishing on its own. However for reasons that aren't fully understood, the virus can invade body tissues and trigger cells changes that lead to cancer. There are over 150 types of HPV, but only about 12 can cause cancer, strains 16 and 18 being the most high risk for mouth and throat cancers. Oral cancers affect men more than women, however it isn't clear whether or not oral sex performed on a woman is riskier in terms of HPV transmission compared to the kind that's performed on a man. Research suggests the overwhelming majority of men and women some 80 per cent perform oral sex during intimacy. While data does not show that young men and women are having more oral sex than ever before, it is thought that Brits are engaging with increasing numbers of sexual partners, increasing the risk of HPV infection. The data from the Oral Health Foundation revealed that most mouth cancers (66 per cent) in England are diagnosed in men, with those over-50 accounting for more than 90 per cent of cases. Jo Murray, 46, from The Oaks in Sydney's south-west, thought she was suffering from a simple sore throat at the end of 2019. Jo Murray, 46, from The Oaks in Sydney's south-west, thought she was suffering from a simple sore throat at the end of 2019 Ms Murray was diagnosed with cancer in her tonsils, the base of her tongue and her left lymph node, which was caused by HPV But when she noticed a lump, she pushed for tests with her GP. The results revealed she had cancer in her tonsils, the base of her tongue and her left lymph node, which was caused by HPV. 'I read about [HPV] afterwards and I found out that people don't talk about it because it is passed on sexually,' she told the Camden Advertiser. 'Sex is not something we should be ashamed to talk about.' Mouth ulcers broken areas in the lining of the mouth that do not heal within three weeks can be a sign of mouth cancer. Swellings, lumps, red or white patches, as well as loose teeth, a sore throat or trouble swallowing are also tell-tale signs of the cancer. The Oral Health Foundation's report shows an estimated 3,637 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer last year an increase of 61 per cent compared with ten years ago. At the same time, over half (52 per cent) cases are diagnosed at stages III and IV, when the cancer is at its most advanced. This data shows that in the UK cases of throat cancer have been trending upward, just like in the US (source: Cancer Research UK) But an early diagnosis is vital for treating mouth cancer, doctors warn. 'The NHS dental contract and workforce shortages need to be addressed urgently,' urges Dr Carter. 'We dont want more soundbites, its time for government to tell us what exactly they plan to do with NHS dentistry and layout a timescale they can be held accountable to. 'Being able to access a dentist and get a timely referral is not only about healthy teeth and gums, but it could also be lifesaving,' he said. As part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Oral Health Foundation is being supported by PortmanDentex to improve how much people know about mouth cancer by raising awareness of the most common symptoms. The dental group, which operates around 375 dental practices across the UK and Ireland is sharing advice about how to check for signs of mouth cancer at home. Dr Catherine Tannahill, director of clinician engagement at PortmanDentex, stresses the importance of being vigilant. 'Early diagnosis is critical in treating mouth cancer, yet we are still seeing cases being picked up far too late,' she said. 'Its crucial that people know the signs to look out for and regularly check their mouths. Visiting a dentist promptly if something doesnt feel right could make all the difference. 'Try to get into the habit of doing a regular mouth cancer check in-between dental visits. 'Using a magnifying mirror, in a well-lit room, check the skin and lips for any changes in colour and texture. Try to familiarise yourself with your neck and all the lumps and bumps that are normal anatomy and normal for you. Lumps on one side that last more than a week or two should be checked by a professional. 'Also check the back of the throat when saying "aah" and look and feel the tongue - sides, underneath and on top checking for changes in texture. 'Check the floor of mouth, roof of mouth and palate, gums and inside of lips and cheeks, looking for any white patched, red patched, unusual lumps or persistent ulcers, non-healing extraction sockets and any changes like thickening of areas. 'If you have any concerns visit your dentist to get it checked out.' A top US scientist claims to have discovered evidence of an afterlife, thanks to studies involving millions of patients who've had near-death experiences. According to Dr Sam Parnia, an associate professor of medicine at New York Universitys Langone Medical Center, patients who are resuscitated after their heart stops frequently recount re-living 'every single moment of their lives'. Particularly remarkable, he claims, is that they relive memories not only from their own perspective, but as if they're looking through other people's eyes. These phenomena, which have been a source of fascination for medics and the public alike for decades, are believed to occur when people are clinically 'dead', and extremely unlikely to survive. Dr Parnia has undertaken 30 years of research involving millions of people to assess where life ends and death begins. He told Times Radio: 'Many millions of people all over the world have gone through this early phase of death and been brought back to life again. 'We've studied this in many thousands of people using many different scientific methods. According to Dr Sam Parnia, an associate professor of medicine at New York Universitys Langone Medical Center, patients frequently 'start to relive every single moment of their lives' Yet 'what is really remarkable' in this state, he claims, is that they relive them 'not only from their own perspective but from the other person's experience' too 'Incredibly, [patients] consistently report that even though from the outside perspective there looks like there is no consciousness and they're supposed to be dead, internally they go through a new experience. 'They feel that their own consciousness, their selfhood, becomes suddenly vast and it becomes more lucid and more sharp. 'They are able to gather information about what's happening to them as doctors and nurses are trying to revive them. 'They gather this information almost in 360 degrees and they come to recognise that "it looks like I'm dead".' He added: 'What's really remarkable is that in this state, they then start to relive every single moment of their lives, every interaction they've had with others not only from their own perspective but also the other person's experience and perspective. 'For example, if they had done something to hurt someone, they relive the exact same pain the other person has had. 'If they've done something that's caused happiness in other people, they relive the same happiness.' Experiences of seeing and hearing things whilst clinically dead do have some scientific basis. Amber Cavanagh previously told MailOnline she was 43 when she suffered two strokes and entered the 'meeting point' of heaven Mrs Cavanagh, from Canada, said she could see her husband (pictured above) 'weeping over' her body For years studies have shown the human brain still functions normally for a very brief time after the heart stops, although it appears to have ceased activity on regular scans. Research has also revealed that the brain can still experience sporadic bursts of activity even after an hour without oxygen, during resuscitation. Such discoveries have led to some medics calling for an overhaul of the standard practice that rules people should be declared dead after three-to-five minutes of oxygen deprivation to the brain, as these patients could still in theory be resuscitated. Dr Parnia added: 'Nothing about this is what we expected it to be. We weren't supposed to be able to reverse death. 'We weren't supposed to investigate what happens beyond death. 'You and I can't remember more than a fraction of our lives now if they asked us to. But yet, in death, it's as if everything was recorded in life that comes to the fore like an iceberg that emerges. While evidence on something happening in brains after clinical death is still being explored, exactly why so many people have similar experiences remains an issue of contention among experts 'You're suddenly evaluating your entire life based upon a prism of morality and ethics.' He also said: 'Of course, many of these people don't come back. 'But when they do, they're positively transformed because they recognise that there has been a deeper purpose to life and that even the smallest actions and the smallest thoughts as hidden as they may have been were not really hidden.' People have previously told MailOnline of out of body experiences such as seeing bright lights at the end of a tunnel or meeting deceased relatives. Others, meanwhile, have also recalled seeing a heavenly afterlife. While evidence on something happening in brains after clinical death is still being explored, exactly why so many people have similar experiences remains an issue of contention among experts. Some theorise that as the brain is undergoing these changes essentially the 'brakes' come off the system and this opens our perception to incredibly lucid and vivid experiences of stored memories from our lives. However, this is only a theory and other experts dispute this. Clinical death also differs from brain death. Brain death is when a person on an artificial life support machine no longer has any brain function, which means they will not regain consciousness. Such patients have no chance of recovery because their body is unable to survive without artificial life support. In the UK this means a person who has suffered brain death is legally dead. This can be difficult to comprehend for families of the deceased as they can see their loved one's chest rise and fall with every breath from the ventilator as well as their heart continuing to beat. Brain death can be caused by both illness and injury when blood and/or oxygen supplies are cut off to the vital organ. The condition is different from a vegetative state where a patient's brain function remains. Officials are raising the alarm over a highly contagious fungal infection that is increasingly spreading through sex. Doctors wrote in a CDC report last week that ringworm, a common mold-like parasite that lives on the body, is now being found in people after sexual contact. The report detailed four cases in New York City detected between April and July 2024 - an increase from just one case recorded in June. The male patients - who all had sex with multiple men in recent weeks - had itchy rashes on their buttocks, groins, abdomen and, in one case, on the corner of a patient's mouth. Tests showed they had been infected with trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), which infests the skin and is spread via physical contact. The condition can be extremely hard to cure, often taking more than a month to treat and with patients required to take multiple medications and therapies. It's not fatal, but can leave people with permanent scarring or pigmentation on areas of the skin that were infected. The first patient case study in June stated that while ringworm has been observed on the groin before, it was the first instance in which it had been transmitted to the area through sexual contact. Identified as patient A in the case report, this man reported having sex with patient D in the case report, who was a sex worker Patient B (pictured above) reported no contact with someone who knowingly had the condition, but did recently travel to Europe, where cases have been on the rise In last week's report, the doctors called it an 'emerging infection spread through sex.' TMVII can infect the skin, hair, nails and groin or anal area. It can also be spread through contaminated surfaces like shower stalls or shared barber clippers. However, the New York researchers warned the rashes experienced by people infected with this type of ringworm may present differently than the more common ringworm and could be mistaken for eczema, leaving patients without relief for months. The patients, identified by letters A-D, were all gay or bisexual men in their 30s, who had recently had multiple male sexual partners. Patients A and D reported sexual contact with each and patient D was identified as a sex worker. Patients B and C reported no known contact with a partner who had the condition, but patient B had recently traveled to Europe, which has been recording an increase in infections. Those patients also had HIV, while patient D had a history of cancer. One man suffered a rash on his buttocks, while a second had an itchy rash that covered his knee, trunk, arm and penile shaft. A third reported a rash on his knee, buttocks and groin, and a fourth said he had an itchy rash on the side of his mouth. Each was eventually successfully treated with antifungals, although in one case it did take up to eight weeks for the rash to begin to improve. Patient D (pictured above) was identified as a sex worker who had contact with patient A The cases follow June's report of a New York City man diagnosed with TMVII. The patient, also a gay or bisexual man in his 30s, suffered from a rash on his penis, thighs and buttocks after having multiple male sexual partners in the weeks prior. Lead author Dr Avrom Caplan, reporting the infection at the time and a professor at NYU's School of Medicine, said: 'Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States.' The June patient reported recent travel to England and Greece where he said had sex with multiple men. Study senior author Dr John Zampella, also a professor at NYU's school of medicine, said: 'Since patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body.' The man was initially given an antifungal medication for four weeks but did not see improvement and was then put on a six-week course of another antifungal. However, 'due to persistent infection,' he was put on a third antifungal for several more weeks until the rash cleared. Following the case report, the NYU researchers alerted the New York State Department of Health and plan on partnering with leading fungi experts across the globe to expand research efforts on newer fungal conditions and track emerging cases. A mother who was told by doctors to terminate her pregnancy at six months has revealed she has no regrets over the decision to keep her daughter. Tasha Anderson was 26 weeks pregnant when doctors found her baby had a condition where her heart grew on the wrong side of her body. She claims physicians told her it would leave her baby girl with severe mental or physical disabilities and so they recommended an abortion. But Tasha and her husband Sam, who are from Lander, Wyoming, refused and said they would love their daughter regardless. They said it was 'God's intention for her' and were shocked by the fact they were being recommended an abortion despite the fetus' age. Life hasn't been easy for little Jamesyn, who was born at 32 weeks in May 2023 and weighed just 2lbs, after also suffering from reduced blood flow in the womb which stunted her growth. She was diagnosed with another condition where her esophagus did not connect properly to her stomach. Doctors say it is not uncommon for children with the condition to be born with other problems. She has been through 27 surgeries to try and correct the defect and will receive her 28th procedure today. Tasha and Sam Anderson were told at six months to abort their daughter Jamesyn (pictured) because her heart was on the wrong side of her body. The parents refused Ms Anderson told local publication Cowboy State Daily: 'I can't even imagine life without her. 'She's taught me so much about strength and resilience, as she goes into these surgeries. 'She's a favorite [in the hospital] now because she has such a great personality, and they know her to be such a fighter.' Today's surgery aims to close a hole in the tube that has allowed food to spill into her lungs and trigger infections. Jamesyn is now 18 months old and like a little 'spitfire', according to her parents. She is a happy and smiley baby, and despite not being able to crawl or talk, her parents say that cognitively she is 'where she needs to be'. Her heart condition, called dextrocardia, affects about one in 12,000 babies born in the United States, statistics suggest. In many cases, however, the condition itself causes no symptoms. Johns Hopkins Medicine says online that children with dextrocardia but no other conditions 'can lead full, healthy lives'. In some cases, the condition isn't diagnosed until someone is in later life and comes to the hospital for a separate medical issue. The baby was also diagnosed with an esophagus that did not connect to her stomach, leaving her unable to take food. She has been through multiple surgeries since to repair this She was also diagnosed with esophageal atresia, or an esophagus tube that carries food from the mouth that did not connect to the stomach. It was not clear when her esophageal condition was diagnosed, but the CDC says online that the condition is 'rarely' diagnosed during pregnancy. It affects about one in every 4,200 babies. The two conditions are not often reported together, medical reports suggest, with a medical report from 2021 saying it was the first to describe a case of a baby having dextrocardia with esophageal atresia and a complication with the windpipe. But doctors at Johns Hopkins do say that children who have dextrocardia, also often have other complications. They say online: 'Dextrocardia on its own does not usually cause problems, but it tends to occur with other conditions that can have serious effects on the heart, lungs and other vital organs.' Jamesyn's dextrocardia was diagnosed in spring 2023, when her parents were sent for scans in Colorado after Ms Anderson had shown signs of restricted blood flow for seven weeks. Describing the appointment, Mr Anderson told Cowboy State Daily that the parents had to ask the doctor to leave the room when an abortion was recommended. 'Is this going to be an issue for you?', Mr Anderson asked his wife, 'If she does have physical or mental disabilities? Are you going to love the kid any different?' Ms Anderson said no, to which her husband replied, 'Perfect. We're on the same page. The pair then told their doctor: 'No matter how she's created and how she's born, that's God's intention for her.' The birth was complicated, with Ms Anderson suffering from pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure risking damage to organs, and losing more than half her blood. After dilation failed, Jamesyn was born via C-section at which point it also emerged that the placenta had grown through the lining of the uterus. The new parents were only able to hold their daughter a month after the birth, when she weighed three pounds. Jamesyn went for her 28th surgery today, after doctors found that foods were leaking from her esophagus and into her lungs The youngster's esophageal condition also meant that they had to feed her via IVs inserted into her veins, which proved difficult because these were often hard to find. In one case, an IV drip meant to feed her was actually put into her throat, causing it to leak fluid into the lungs that nearly led her to suffocate. Jamesyn was on the neonatal intensive care unit for the first four months of her life, having repeat surgeries to stretch the esophagus to get it to the stomach. At five months old, she nearly lost her left hand after an infection from surgery caused it to turn blue and come within an hour of needing an amputation. On another occasion, doctors had to place her into a two-week coma. At 11 months old, she also had an emergency airlift from Wyoming to a hospital in Denver, Colorado, after she started to struggle to breathe. Her latest surgery was ordered after her recent hospitalization with RSV, norovirus and pneumonia which revealed that food was leaking into her stomach. At the moment, doctors are also feeding her via a tube inserted directly into her stomach with this being needed after she suffered from an extreme bout of vomiting. At 14 months old, they had managed to raise her weight to nine pounds. The parents did not reveal how much the surgeries are costing or whether they have health insurance, but Mr Anderson said he is now working multiple jobs to help cover the bills. Ms Anderson also said she has to wake up multiple times in the night to give her daughgter medications. They are currently seeking donations on GiveSendGo, and have so far reached $18,700 of their $20,000 target. The parents have also set up a prayer channel for her, ranging as far as South Korea, where a group of people pray for their daughter regularly. Nearly two-dozen of the most common pesticides used in America are linked to prostate cancer, a study warns. Stanford University researchers looked at exposure to 295 different kinds of the chemicals across the whole country between 1997 and 2006. Since cancer takes time to develop, the team then looked at cancer rates from 2011-2020 to see if the areas with high pesticide use also had high rates of the cancer. They found men exposed to 22 different pesticides were more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those less exposed to the chemicals, including 19 that had never been linked to cancer before. Four of those pesticides were also linked to an increased risk of dying from cancer. The study authors wrote that: 'these findings suggest that pesticide exposure may contribute to variations in prostate cancer incidence and mortality.' These are commonly used on some of the country's most widespread crops - including soybeans, wheat, corn and oats. These crops are found in everything from cereal to snack bars to plant based milks. More than 95 percent of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes had at least two pesticides on them, the EWG found Your browser does not support iframes. This adds to previous studies by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) which show that roughly 90 percent of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes tested positive for two pesticides. However, much of the corn and grain grown in the US isn't made directly for human consumption, but is instead processed into ethanol or used as feed for livestock. The same EWG analysis actually found that sweet corn grown for human consumption is low in pesticides. In 2023, 288,300 Americans were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 34,700 people died of the disease. It's the second most common cancer in the men in the US. It affects the walnut-sized gland that sits at the base of the male bladder that's important in generating semen. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. For years, prostate cancer has been linked to exposure to a number of different chemicals, including pesticides, according to Johns Hopkins. Brain, kidney, lymph and blood cancers have also been linked to pesticides. The Stanford study, published in the American Cancer Society's journal, Cancer, looked at county-level data about pesticide use estimate the main kinds of chemicals people across the country were exposed to and at what levels. They analyzed 295 of some of the most common pesticides over two different time periods, to check that any patterns they might find weren't just a one time occurrence. First, they compared pesticide exposure from 1997 to 2001 to prostate cancer rates from 2011 to 2015. In this period, there were 953,204 prostate cancer diagnoses and 140,086 deaths over this time period. Second, they compared pesticide exposure from 2002 to 2006 with prostate cancer rates from 2016 to 2020. In this period, there were 1,063,671 diagnoses and 156,687 deaths. They found that 22 of the pesticides they investigated were associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer. Lead author, urologist Dr Simon John Christoph Soerensen, said: 'This research demonstrates the importance of studying environmental exposures, such as pesticide use, to potentially explain some of the geographic variation we observe in prostate cancer incidence and deaths across the United States.' DM.com estimated which of the chemicals from the study were used on different crops. They found Eight of the pesticides in the study are registered for use on almonds, 10 were used on oats and 14 were used on soybeans Studies performed by the EWG found the pesticide glyphosate in cereals in both 2018 and 2023. They note that the Some of these pesticides, including 2,4D, linuron, and carbaryl, had already been linked to cancer by older studies. The International Agency for Research classifies 2,4-D as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' and cautions against breathing in or ingesting the chemical. However, 19 other chemicals, used in controlling weeds, insects, fungus and other pests, had never before been linked to prostate cancer, the authors report. Some of these include cloransulammethyl, a herbicide used on soybeans and Thiamethoxam, an insect killer sprayed on the seeds of corn, cotton, soybean, wheat and potatoes and glyphosate, a weed-killer found in RoundUp. Four pesticides were also linked to an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer- including rifluralin, cloransulam-methyl, diflufenzopyr and thiamethoxam. A DailyMail.com analysis found 14 of the 22 chemicals identified by the Stanford research are used on soybeans, 13 are used on corn, 10 are used on wheat, 10 are used on oat and 8 are used on almonds. However, this doesn't mean that all these products are always consumed by humans. In 2020, less than 2 percent of the corn grown in the US was for human consumption, according to the World Resources Institute- with the majority going towards making ethanol and animal feed. Only about 15 percent of US soybeans are grown for human consumption - the rest feeds poultry or is made into fuel, according to the USDA. Still, some older research has found that sometimes, these pesticides end up in finished food products. DM.com analysis found that 10 of the pesticides identified by the Stanford researchers appear to be used on wheat products A 2018 study from the Environmental Working group found glyphosate in 71 out of 73 oat-based products- including cereal, snack bars and instant oats. A follow up study in 2023 found that it was still present in about 30 percent of oat products tested. The Environmental Protection Agency previously told DM.com that the over 350 pesticides registered for use in the US are strictly regulated. A representative said: 'EPA periodically reviews existing registered pesticides to ensure they can be used without unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. 'The registration review program is intended to make sure that, as the ability to assess risk evolves and as policies and practices change, all registered pesticides continue to meet the statutory standard of no unreasonable adverse effect.' In addition, the research published here doesn't show that pesticides cause cancer, it merely establishes a link, Professor Oliver Jones, professor of chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne, told Cosmos. Professor Jones said: 'The authors dont actually say that pesticides cause prostate cancer, just that they found 22 pesticides that were statistically associated with prostate cancer and that more research is needed.' As research continues and scientists figure out what is and is not contributing to the cancer risk in the US, doctors can be better prepared to prevent and treat the disease. Dr Soerensen said: 'By building on these findings, we can advance our efforts to pinpoint risk factors for prostate cancer and work towards reducing the number of men affected by this disease.' Allowing toddlers to use tablets or watch TV for more than 14 hours per week, puts them at 'significantly' higher risk of autism, controversial research today suggested. Australian scientists found two-year-olds who spend large portions of time looking at screens were more likely to show autism-like symptoms by the age of 12. Experts have long raised the alarm over the influence of screen time on children's development. But the researchers, who tracked more than 5,000 kids, did acknowledge the paper was merely observational and could not prove causality. Other scientists today also urged the public not to panic and said the study proves 'there is no actual evidence' linking screen time with autism. It is not yet known exactly what causes autism, but it is sometimes passed on to children from their parents. And studies suggest it is more common in the children of older parents, as well as mothers who are overweight or suffer pregnancy complications. Around one in 50 youngsters fall on the spectrum. Australian researchers found two-year-olds who spend large portions of time looking at screens were more likely to show autism-like symptoms by the age of 12 Affected children can find it hard to make eye contact, understand how others feel, or have a keen interest in certain topics. Autistic youngsters may also take longer to get their head around information, or repeat things. Recent studies have spotted a link between the duration of screen time and autistic characteristics in youngsters, the team said. In the new study, researchers quizzed the parents of 5,107 children on how long their child spent in front of a screen each week. A follow-up questionnaire when their child was 12, then asked parents whether their child was diagnosed with autism. They found 145 children had received a diagnosis. Writing in the journal, JAMA Pediatrics, researchers said autism risk was 'significantly greater in children with more than 14 hours of weekly screen time compared with children with less than 14 hours of weekly screen time by two years'. They also advised clinicians to inquire about screen time during early childhood as part of a broader assessment of child development. This chart shows the percentage increase in incidence of autism diagnosis from 1998 to 2018. UK researchers found autism diagnoses had risen by an 'exponential' 787 per cent over 20 years Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza (pictured), last month warned that kids forced to wait years for autism diagnoses on the NHS are being 'robbed' of their childhoods They added: 'Screen time can be a useful marker for identifying families needing additional support.' But scientists, who were not involved in the research, questioned the validity of the results. Dr James Findon, a senior lecturer in psychology at King's College London said: 'While this study found an association between screen time before 2 years of age and being diagnosed with autism before 12, it does not suggest a causality. 'This is consistent with our understanding of the development of autism which is predominantly genetic. What is autism? What does being autistic mean? Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with or first appears when you're very young. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a 'cure'. But some people need support to help them with certain things. Autistic people may: find it hard to communicate and interact with other people find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable find it hard to understand how other people think or feel get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events take longer to understand information do or think the same things over and over What causes autism? It's not clear what causes autism. Nobody knows what causes autism, or if it has a cause. It can affect people in the same family. So it may sometimes be passed on to a child by their parents. Autism is not caused by: bad parenting vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine diet an infection you can spread to other people Source: NHS Advertisement 'What the results show us is that autistic children are more likely to have higher screen time than their neurotypical peers. 'Screen time often gets bad press, but for many autistic children screen time can be beneficial. 'This might be because screen time helps them regulate their emotions and calms them during periods of sensory overload.' Dr Rachel Moseley, an expert in psychology at Bournemouth University, also said: 'The findings of this study cannot tell us anything about the direction of the relationship between being autistic and time spent on screens. 'It is more likely that children who are already autistic but not yet diagnosed, and their parents, might be finding particular benefits of screen-time. 'Note that autism is quite rarely diagnosed before 2 years of age, but autistic children are still autistic and developing differently before that point.' It comes as the Children's Commisioner last month warned that kids forced to wait years for autism diagnoses on the NHS are being 'robbed' of their childhoods. Data, accessed by the independent watchdog, shows one in six children seeking an autism diagnosis waited more than four years via the NHS's community services, as of March 2024. Autism is not a disease and people have it from the moment they are born, although it may not be spotted until childhood and sometimes much later. Autism exists on a spectrum. Some people will be able to lead fully functioning lives with no additional help. Others may need full-time assistance. In September, Sweden's Public Health Agency advised parents not to allow kids under two to use smartphones and tablets or watch televisions. Children between the ages of two and five should also be limited to a maximum of one hour of screen time a day, it said in new recommendations. It follows a similar move by Danish officials who issued their own age-related rules in 2023 only allowing youngsters under two in 'very special cases' such as those with learning difficulties, to use the devices. Children's screen time rocketed during the Covid pandemic, when lockdowns and school closures forced them to stay indoors. In the UK, neither the NHS nor the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have any detailed guidance for screen time among babies and toddlers. But they do recommend an upper limit of two hours per day for all children. The UK's Chief Medical Officer also suggests a 'precautionary approach' to using screen devices. Dr Lotte Knudsen began her scientific career researching laundry detergent that would keep red dyes from ruining white clothes. Decades later, she is the scientist behind semaglutide, the active ingredient in the blockbuster drugs that people use to lose weight - Ozempic and Wegovy - and now, she is hoping to harness this class of drug to prevent dementia. The self-professed socialist from a small town outside Copenhagen, who still works for Novo Nordisk but didn't cash in on its massive success like Novo Nordisk executives, spearheaded the development of Ozempic, which was initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes. The Danish scientist, pioneered research into the drugs predecessors, culminating in groundbreaking findings about their ability to reduce cognitive decline in dementia patients. Several studies she co-authored have uncovered compelling evidence that Ozempic-like drugs can prevent hallmark symptoms such as memory loss before causing permanent brain damage. Dr Knudsen believes they can do even more. Of the roughly seven million Americans with Alzheimers today, around 81 percent are estimated to have type 2 diabetes. The metabolic condition is known to raise the risk of developing the memory-robbing disease by up to 77 percent. Dr Lotte Knudsen pioneered research into semaglutide and its older cousins, which gave the world Ozempic and Wegovy, breakthrough drugs have have helped around five million people lose weight The compound she spent years investigating is GLP-1, which mimics a hormone in the brain that regulates appetite and makes people feel full. Dr. Knudsen helped develop liraglutide, a synthetic version of GLP-1. Since natural GLP-1 doesnt last long in the body, Knudsen and her team added a 'spacer' to increase its ability to dissolve in the body and help it attach to a protein called albumin. This allowed it to stay in the body longer. Building on the foundational work done with liraglutide, Dr Knudsen and her team focused on creating a next-generation GLP-1 analog that would offer improvements, including a longer duration of action. Thus, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, was born. Today, semaglutide has been linked to better outcomes for people with heart disease and heart failure, high blood pressure, and dementia. Marketed as Ozempic, it is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is a higher-dose version thats approved for weight loss in people who have a body mass index of at least 30, or in overweight people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who also have a medical condition caused by their weight. The search for a dementia cure has not been going well. Part of this is due to a general lack of understanding of what exactly in the brain causes signature cognitive decline. Most research, including that which has led to controversial, expensive treatments, has focused almost exclusively on a protein called beta-amyloid. This protein creates the sticky buildup that clogs up the spaces around brain cells. But scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that they set their sights on the wrong target. A growing body of evidence posits that twisted fibers that build up inside brain cells called tau tangles could be behind the dementia. A 2015 study published in the journal Journal of Alzheimer's Disease co-authored by Dr Knudsen investigated how mice given a semaglutide-like compound would be better able to stave off cognitive decline. They followed the mice for four months. All of them had a predisposition to Alzheimers. The mice given the drug liraglutide for four months had more neurons in a key area of the brain (the hippocampus) associated with memory, suggesting that the drug might help preserve brain cells and improve memory function. Dr Knudsen later said about the drug's cousin semaglutide: The effectiveness against Alzheimer's has not yet been proven, but it is a hypothesis that we are investigating. Still conducting research into liraglutide's applications, she co-authored a study in 2016 that revealed mice with a genetic tendency to develop tau tangles in their brains and movement issues showed better survival when given liraglutide, semaglutides older cousin. Mice treated with the drug showed a 62 percent reduction in tau tangles compared to the untreated mice. A few years later, in a study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, Dr Knudsen and colleagues sampled nearly 16,000 people and gave one group a drug in the same class as Ozempic while not giving the other group anything. After three and a half years, they found that the risk of developing dementia was 53 percent lower in the experimental group. In studies in both humans and mice, those given the class of drug that includes Ozempic had slower rates of cognitive decline linked to fewer deposits of harmful proteins in the brain Your browser does not support iframes. In that same study, they looked at a national cohort of more than 120,000 people with diabetes. Dr Knudsen and fellow scientists followed them for seven years and four months and found that people using these drugs over a long period of time had a lower risk of developing dementia. In addition to the compelling evidence pointing to diabetes links to Alzheimers, obesity is a known risk factor. Research has shown a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and brain size in people around the age of 60, finding that the higher someones BMI, the smaller their brain is. Research indicates that brain regions that shrink in Alzheimers disease also do so in obese individuals. Obesity can reduce resilience to Alzheimers-related brain damage, worsening symptoms and accelerating disease progression. It can also cause chronic inflammation, negatively affecting the brain by overstimulating immune cells and damaging nerve cells, linking it to dementia. Ozempic and Wegovy, meanwhile, have been shown to reduce a persons body weight by five to twenty percent. At this point, between five and seven million people are taking one of these drugs or similar ones from Eli Lilly, and there are early signs that obesity rates may have decreased in the US for the first time. A CDC report released in September found that 40 percent of US adults were obese from 2021 to 2023, down from 42 percent from 2017 to 2020. When asked by Pharma Times what her goal for the future of these drugs was, Dr Knudsen said: Building new innovation in cognitive impairment (dementia). Getting GLP-1 properly tested in neurodegenerative disease because a lot of science supports its potential utility there. There are purported downsides to semaglutide though. Hundreds of Americans have joined a class-action lawsuit alleging that Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to warn its millions of eager customers about the very real risk of severe gastrointestinal injury, including stomach paralysis, gallbladder issues, colon removal, and more, as well as making misleading statements about the drugs safety. It's also not clear yet, because the drugs haven't been around long enough for researchers to have gathered long-term data, whether people who stop taking one of the blockbuster drugs will quickly regain all of the weight they've lost. Dr Knuden's research focus has changed drastically over the years. Before changing the landscape of obesity treatment, she was studying at the Technical University of Denmark. She began working with Danish pharmaceutical company Novo on a project to uncover enzymes that improve how clothes detergent works to both prevent color bleeding and pilling in clothes. A research mishap during her investigation into the prevention of dye bleeding, which resulted in a stink bomb-like explosion in a lab refrigerator, coincided with Novo's acquisition of Nordisk, an insulin-making giant. NovoNordisk has asked DailyMail.com to stipulate that this fiasco did not affect the merger in anyway. This transition shifted industrial products to a new division, Novozymes, while Knudsens boss became head of a small research group focused on type 2 diabetes. Dr Knudsen was then brought into the fold. She became a diabetes researcher by chance. Repeated efforts to develop compounds that activated GLP-1 receptors failed. But Dr Knudsens determination pushed the project forward, laying the groundwork for later advancements that became a critical breakthroughs. A humid night in summer. Ellie Black wakes at around 3am and her eyes focus on a figure at the end of her bed. Its her father, from whom shes long been estranged. Now fully alert, she watches him as he tips his hat and bows with a flourish. Then hes gone. The following morning she relates the experience to her daughter at the breakfast table. Later that day the phone rings with news that her father died in the early hours. A tall story? Not at all. Telepathy Research in Wales, Japan, Australia and the U.S. shows that between 40 and 53 per cent of the bereaved receive some kind of signal or visitation when someone close to them dies. Usually they sense a presence; sometimes they actually see or hear one. Psychiatrists have labelled these experiences grief hallucinations, though they have not yet been studied neurologically. Do we have a form of consciousness a way of knowing that has yet to be fully explained? Intriguingly, studies of twins separated by distance seem to confirm that something odd is going on In 2012, the psychologist Erlendur Haraldsson published a comprehensive study hed done on 340 cases of extraordinary encounters with the dying. Usually people encountered their fathers or mothers suggesting that the parental impulse to connect and reassure continues past death. About a quarter of his subjects saw or heard the dead person at the hour of death or within the day it occurred. In 86 per cent of these cases, they werent yet aware of the death by ordinary means. Some surveys report that about half of all these telepathic experiences occur in dreams. A musician, Rory McGill, told me that on the night his father died, he had a vivid dream in which he climbed onto his fathers bed and held him in his arms. But in an instant, I was standing alone in the room he was gone, and the bed was empty and neatly made, he recalled. The next day, his mother phoned: his father had died unexpectedly while Rory was dreaming about him. A mere coincidence? Highly unlikely. A review of spontaneous telepathy studies concludes that the odds against chance are 22 billion to one. So, do we have a form of consciousness a way of knowing that has yet to be fully explained? Intriguingly, studies of twins separated by distance seem to confirm that something odd is going on. One of the first of these studies monitored the electrical impulses of the twins brains. The scientists found that when one twin was asked to close his or her eyes, which causes the brains alpha rhythms to increase, the distant twins alpha rhythms also increased. Many later twin studies had similar findings. In 2013, a study of British twins reported that 60 per cent felt theyd had telepathic exchanges. Among identical twins, 11 per cent said they had frequent exchanges with their sibling, including shared dreams. Other studies of telepathy by University of Virginia psychiatrist Ian Stevenson explored how people could know that someone physically distant was dying or in distress. Stevenson started by analysing 165 meticulously researched historical cases. Nearly 90 per cent had occurred, he discovered, when the person was awake, rather than asleep or dozing. Two-thirds involved news of an immediate family member. Eighty-two per cent involved death, a sudden illness or accident. But people did not, apparently, pick up on one anothers good tidings. Is it that the communication of joy has no survival value for us, while the communication of distress does? Stevenson wondered. He then moved on to 35 contemporary cases. And one startling conclusion from these was that a third involved violent death. His findings were replicated in 2006, when Icelandic researchers found a dramatically higher number of abrupt or violent deaths in telepathic cases. In addition, there were many accounts from both World Wars of a soldiers family or loved one suddenly waking in the still of the night. In that instant, they knew the soldier had died and a telegram later arrived to confirm this. Perhaps, Stevenson mused, there was something in the emotional quality of the event a thunderclap of fear or pain that carried like a sound wave across water. In more than half of the cases, the person who received the message was driven to take some kind of action such as making a phone call, embarking on a frantic trip or changing holiday plans. One woman drove 50 miles home in the middle of the night after suddenly gleaning that her teenage daughter was in trouble. It turned out their house had been broken into by armed intruders, with the daughter inside. Patricia Pearson has written a book, Opening Heaven's Door, on what the dying tell us about where they're going But how do you know that the news youve just received telepathically is correct? No one has yet fathomed this mystery. But Stevenson discovered a feeling of conviction was one of the characteristics that separated telepathic communications from ordinary dreams and anxious imaginings. There were two other factors that made people sit up wide-eyed and reach for the phone or take other action. One was if the person in the crisis specifically focused on the other person during the moment of danger. This seemed particularly true of parents responding to children. The second factor was the possibility that the person receiving the distress call had experienced previous psychic communications suggesting that some people just have a gift for this. Janey Acker Hurth, for example, not only sensed her daughters (non-fatal) collision with a car, but also her fathers sudden illness a few years earlier. Back then, when she was newly married, shed awoken to a feeling of deep sadness, an impression that something was wrong. The feeling intensified and she began to sob. Then, when she was making breakfast, she cried: Its my father! Something is terribly wrong with my father! Her dad had gone into a coma during the night and died shortly afterwards. Stevenson was struck by how this type of information sometimes gradually came into focus. People like Mrs Hurth, he concluded, may scan the environment for danger to her loved ones and, when this is detected, tune in and bring more details to the surface of consciousness. In the Eighties and Nineties, a British neuropsychiatrist, Dr Peter Fenwick, of Kings College, London, appealed to the public for cases of what he called death-bed coincidences, and amassed more than 2,000 accounts. Typically, one woman wrote to him about the suicide of her husband, from whom shed recently separated. Shed awoken at 3am in 1989 from an intensely vivid dream in which her ex was sitting on the bed, assuring her that hed found peace. I got up, did some work I needed to do and two clients phoned me around 8am, she continued. I freaked them out completely as I told them Id be taking some time out because my husband had just died. She didnt yet objectively know this to be true. But when she let herself into her former husbands flat, she discovered his body. In her case, the person in distress hadnt sought help instead, hed apparently sent a message of reassurance after his death. In other cases, people may be telepathically sharing the calm and peace they feel as they die. Stevenson concluded: Its altogether probable that important, unrecognised exchanges of feelings through extrasensory processes are occurring all the time. Even if we can only observe it occasionally and usually between persons united by love and during a special crisis this should arouse our curiosity. Shared pain On the evening his father died of lung cancer, sailor Raymond Hunter felt as though his lungs were collapsing and he could scarcely breathe. I remember grabbing my mouth, forcing it open to help me breathe. I was fighting for all I was worth, but the pains were unbearable, he recalled afterwards. Unbearable pain now, thats not something you shake off as a strange dream. Particularly when you later discover that your father died in that very moment. This abrupt and violent experience of another persons dying symptoms has been noted by some researchers, though it remains almost completely unexplored. Psychiatrist Ian Stevenson has suggested it could be a kind of telepathic extension of a phenomenon in which people who live together sympathetically take on one anothers symptoms or moods. But thats only a theory. A particularly vivid instance involves a woman in her late 30s. I was awoken around 2am by the sound of my heart breaking. I know that sounds really odd, but I heard it crack and felt my chest sort of splitting, she recalled. The next morning I got into the car to drive to work. I was sitting at traffic lights when I felt this pressure on the side of my face. I distinctly remember that the pressure was that of a cheek lightly pressed against mine, sort of cuddling me. The feeling I was filled with at this time was one of love and support it felt fine. I then felt a hand holding my hand and felt it had no middle finger. And then it dawned on me. It was my dads hand; hed lost his finger in a building site accident when I was a little girl. I returned home after an hour to be met by my husbands words: Your dads gone. Apparently, hed died from a massive heart attack during the night. I wasnt at all surprised. Why should the dying want to share such agonies with the people they love? No one knows. But one thing at least is clear: no one in their right mind could dismiss these visions as wishful thinking. Return of the dead Two hundred miles above Earth, Jerry Linenger was working on the space station Mir when he suddenly became aware of the presence of his father. It was 1997 and his father had died seven years earlier. A conversation ensued in which the older man spoke of his pride that his son had realised his dream of travelling in space. Linenger was deeply moved. Astronaut Jerry Linenger on Russia's Mir Space Station base block module Later, however, he chose to interpret his fathers presence as nothing more than a projection of his imagination. And yet, at the time, he had derived great consolation from the encounter. Nor was his experience by any means a strange aberration. In fact, its estimated that around half of all bereaved people in all cultures at some point register the presence of their departed loved one. According to a study done in 2006, 84 per cent of the bereaved were in good mental health at the time. And only 5 per cent found the encounter negative or distressing; for the majority, it was profoundly comforting. Visual perception of the presence seems to be the rarest. In another study, only about 5 per cent actually saw the dead person; about 15 per cent heard him or her; and the rest had partial impressions, such as feeling hands on their head or noticing a distinct presence in the room. Unlike our conception of ghosts, these presences can physically react with the material world. The writer Nancy Coggeshall, for instance, felt the presence of her partner twice while lying in bed, five months after he died in 2002. I felt someone lying down beside me, and I felt the impact of [his] weight on the mattress. The second time, the pressure was so great, I rolled over and asked: Whos there? she told me. Karen Simons, who works in advertising, recalled a similar experience in 1994, after her father, a farmer, died of a heart attack. After Dads death, I began driving his big, old Ford Taurus, she told me. It was comforting, in the way you hang on to peoples shirts. But thats all it was. Until about six weeks after he died. It was a very cold night in January. Im driving on the highway and into the passenger seat comes Dad. I could feel him settle in. He had a very distinctive lean to the left, because of the way his back was. Also, you know how you know the sound of peoples breathing? How you can tell whether its your son or your daughter in the room? It was Dad. He rode with me for about ten miles. It was incredibly real and completely transforming. I was almost giddy. I was hoping hed stay. Karen never sensed his presence again. Her father, she believed, had been saying a final goodbye. Yet some loved ones can linger for years. This continues to be the case with her aunts son, who drowned 35 years ago in a fast-flowing river. On a very regular basis, Allan comes and sits on the end of her bed, and they have a conversation, Karen said. And dont tell me Im crazy! my aunt always says. Back in 1917, Sigmund Freud labelled all such visions and sensations as hallucinatory wishful psychosis and his view remains popular in the medical profession. Since then, however, a great deal more has become known about hallucinations. People held in solitary confinement for a long time, for example, are known to hallucinate. This takes the form of random, often paranoid imagery, and its accompanied by agitation, panic attacks and general mental disintegration. Patricia Pearson's book, Opening Heaven's Door But widows and widowers are clearly not in this state when they see or sense their loved ones. Nor are they likely to be alone for days on end in tiny windowless cells. What about the theory that sheer longing for someone could cause a hallucination? Unfortunately for the sceptics, this falls at the first hurdle. Think of all those long-term lovers who leave people heartbroken when they run off with someone else. No one reports having visions of them. In any case, the vision may not even be of someone close to you. That was certainly the case when a lawyer interviewed by psychologist Erlendur Haraldsson in 2006 had an unexpected encounter. One day, as dawn was breaking, he was coming home from a dance at which he hadnt drunk any alcohol. While he was walking over a hill, a woman came towards me, kind of stooping, with a shawl over her head. I didnt pay any attention to her, but as she passed I said Good morning or something like that. She didnt say anything. Then I noticed she was following me. When I stopped, she also stopped. I started saying my prayers in my mind to calm myself. When I came close to home, she disappeared. But had she? The lawyers brother, who was awake, greeted him with the words: What is this old woman doing here? Why is this old woman with you? The brothers lived with their father, who worked at the local psychiatric hospital. A few hours later, they were told by him that a patient at the hospital had just died. When the brothers investigated further, they found out that she exactly fitted their description of the old woman. Clearly, whatever had caused the woman to materialise after her death had nothing to do with the lawyer suffering from isolation. Nor had he been longing to see her. Yet, bizarre as it was, his experience would not have amazed our ancestors. Throughout most of our history, everyone has known that those who die can return as anything, from a sigh to a physical presence. Our ancestors simply assumed the dead continued to watch, console, guide and even meddle in their affairs. Collective delusion? Mass hallucinations? Or perhaps our ancestors have something important to teach us. Adapted by Corinna Honan from Opening Heavens Door by Patricia Pearson, published by Simon & Schuster. Patricia Pearson 2014. MBABANE- Rice is better cooked inside the pot. This was said by the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Deputy President Wandile Dludlu, when asked about the organisations absence at the event hosted by Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) on Saturday. Among the parties which did not show up on stage was PUDEMO, which hardly misses such events. Prior to his statement, Dludlu said the organisation had nothing against SWALIMOs event. As a result, Dludlu said none of their members were banned from attending the event, despite the ongoing talks and accusations against the organisation. He said he personally did not attend the event, because he normally had busy schedules on weekends. He made an example about a PUDEMOs event, which was held at the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Centre on a Saturday, stating that he did not attend because of his busy schedule. When asked to clarify the rice is better cooked inside the pot statement, Dludlu said the struggle is in Eswatini. He said PUDEMO believes strongly that any activity meant to take the struggle forward should take place in Eswatini. Borders He said politically, any activity held outside the borders of Eswatini by emaSwati, was only meant to sensitise and mobilise the world to hear the predicament faced by the people and provide financial support. I am not saying it is wrong to host an event in democratic South Africa, where no one will be chasing after you. As PUDEMO, we have done it, but when it comes to pushing the struggle, it has to happen on Eswatini soil, where the combat experience should come to the test. If we talk about a struggle, we mean coming face-to-face with the enemy. It means one has to be ready for shooting, arrest and death in Eswatini. There was no way the enemy could have interfered with the event held in a democratic South Africa, he said. He said they were hoping that SWALIMO will come out rejuvenated after the event. Dludlu said they also believed that SWALIMO would show more strength in the struggle going forward. He said PUDEMO respected and gave SWALIMO space at the event. He stated that they never felt threatened, because they were never in any fight with SWALIMO. According to Dludlu, Gawuzela could do anything, but he would always know that he was raised by PUDEMO as he always alluded to in his statements. Gawuzela was raised by PUDEMO, but that does not mean he does not have a right to criticise us politically. He has a right to do so, politically, he said. Difference Dludlu said the only difference they had with SWALIMO was the national elections ideology. He said the organisation believed that politically, there was no way a party could take part in a Parliament operated by the current regime. We will have a problem with people who are clad in their T-shirt in a gathering, but keep quiet when we face the enemy on the ground. Our focus is more on groundwork, because it is clear that many political parties are losing strength, he said. Dludlu said the party is planning to push education and health campaigns as there are many people affected in the two sectors. 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'. Unhappy: Mike Ashley has described fast fashion group Boohoo as 'desperate' Mike Ashley has described fast fashion group Boohoo as 'desperate' after it appointed an insider as chief executive instead of him. Ashley, whose retail empire Frasers is Boohoo's biggest shareholder, with a 27 per cent stake, wanted to succeed John Lyttle as boss. But Boohoo on Friday named Dan Finley head of its subsidiary Debenhams as its next chief executive, in a snub to the tycoon. It defended the decision unanimously agreed by the board saying Finley was 'the obvious internal candidate' for the role. But in an email to The Sunday Times, Ashley said: 'Independent shareholders be warned, desperate people do desperate things.' Shares in London-listed Chemring rose on Monday after the defence group revealed new orders to supply the German and US militaries worth 278million. Chemring told shareholders its Norwegian subsidiary had signed an agreement for the supply of 'energetic material' used in 155mm munitions to be used by the German Armed Forces and its allies. The initial purchase order, valued at 231million (194million), will see Chemring Nobel supply Diehl Defence with deliveries over a five-year period from late 2026 as part of a collaboration with Norwegian-Finnish defence group Nammo AS. Chemring boasts a broad defence offering, from air engineering, reconnaissance technology to cyber threat security products. Separately, Chemring said its US subsidiary has received an order valued at $106million (82million) for the delivery of critical components for use in an 'undisclosed US missile programme'. The five-year deal will commence in 2026. Chemring shares were up 1.7 per cent to 362p in early trading. They have added more than 80 per cent over the last five years amid booming demand. Chemring boasts a broad defence offering, from air engineering, reconnaissance technology to cyber threat security products. The group told shareholders last month that full-year profits are set to be in-line with expectations of 70.8million to 73.6million, having received 'a number of significant orders' in the most recent quarter. Chemring is targeting 1billion in annual revenues as governments around the world boost defence spending, amid a growing number of geopolitical crises. It has been investing heavily to boost capacity to meet demand. Chemring boss Michael Ord said: 'These significant contract wins illustrate the deep long-term relationships that we have built with our customers. 'It is further evidence of the sustained and growing demand for our products and supports our investment decisions to increase the capacity of our three energetics businesses, and reinforces Chemring's position as a key supplier to NATO.' Small-cap oil and gas exploration in the North Sea isn't as straightforward a business as it used to be. A glance across London's AIM market also tells us that among speculators it isn't as popular as it used to be either. Indeed, at another time or if their assets were located in another country, the team at Deltic Energy would currently be sitting on a much more substantial valuation. At around 6p per share, or 5.8million, the firm's meagre valuation is 5 times less than the value ascribed by Charlie Sharp, an oil and gas analyst at broker Canaccord. The fact is Deltic's team of geologists are on a roll with a 100 per cent success rate and two of the Southern North Sea's largest discoveries in more than a decade albeit the projects are quite different from one another. Oil and gas: Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday further increased the Energy Levy and removed some (but not all) reliefs on capital investments The Deltic team originated the Pensacola discovery which was announced in in February 2023. The Shell-operated well discovered nearly 100mmboe in the emerging Zechstein exploration play which is yet to produce material volumes of hydrocarbons in the UK. AIM-quoted Deltic held 30 per cent of Pensacola before it was forced to drop out of the project earlier this year after being unable to attract further funding from industry or the equity markets to continue with the planned appraisal programme. Deltic's withdrawal came after investors in the sector were put off by the potential for further fiscal and regulatory turmoil in the run-up to the general election in July of this year. Given this context, it is uncanny that Deltic's second major discovery in the North Sea came within twenty-four hours of the UK's government's decision to make the fiscal environment even less attractive for oil and gas businesses. No favours from UK government Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday further increased the Energy Levy (which when oil and gas prices were higher was more commonly referred to as the 'windfall' tax) and removed some (but not all) reliefs on capital investments. 'The budget last week did not do the industry any favours and it has reinforced the UK's reputation as an unattractive destination for new investment into the UK's homegrown oil and gas industry,' Deltic Energy chief executive Andrew Nunn told Proactive. 'Our experience with Pensacola has demonstrated that even decent projects with an element of complexity or development risk are very difficult for investors to support due to the regulatory and fiscal environment. 'The best we can hope for is a period of stability which will at least allow operators and investors to make decisions on high quality projects like Selene with a degree of confidence.' New gas discovery at Selene The morning after the budget Deltic announced a successful outcome on the Selene exploration well which unearthed recoverable resources in a range between 95 and 176 billion cubic feet (BCF). Deltic acknowledged the discovery was at the lower end of the pre-drill estimates, but Nunn put the result into context by saying 'although 131 BCF recoverable was at the lower end of pre-drill estimates we understand it is still the second or third largest discovery, with Pensacola being the largest, in the UK Southern North Sea since Tolmount was discovered in 2011'. Deltic also noted that reservoir quality encountered was significantly higher than that predicted prior to drilling which should lead to better production rates and may go part way to offsetting the impact of lower gas volumes. Nunn added: 'The Leman Sandstone is a well understood reservoir, which has produced for more than 60 years in the SNS, and this long production history means final investment decision on a Selene development could be taken without further dedicated appraisal drilling and there is abundant production infrastructure in close proximity. 'This all reduces the investment hurdle required to get to FID and ultimately into production which in turn gives Deltic more options with respect to a potential sale or farm-down of the asset or retaining the option to take it through to development.' The upshot is that this time around Selene should be an easier proposition for industry and investors to get behind and Deltic could be in-line to be properly rewarded for the team's endeavours. It remains to be seen quite how Deltic extracts that value but having made a material discovery clearly gives the company options it didn't have before last week. It could partially or fully monetise the asset in the short term, further farm-down an element of its 25 per cent equity stake or potentially participate in the project through the development phase and monetise via production. In the meantime, Deltic will work with project partners Shell (until Viaro takes control of Selene from Shell in H1 2025) and Dana Petroleum to progress the project through to a final investment decision. Time will tell. What next for Deltic? If divestment is preferred, it is perhaps likely that the Selene pay-off may come sooner rather than later, as FID could come relatively quickly. The question, then, is what will be Deltic's longer-term proposition? According to Andrew Nunn, the answer is quite simple. And more pertinently, it indeed appears to be his remit. 'Our key investors recognise the technical achievements of the Deltic team but they want those proven hydrocarbon finding skills to be deployed in other jurisdictions where investors can be more confident in seeing a return on their investment. 'As a team we have global experience and we will be focussing on those areas with the right balance of subsurface opportunity and a supportive political and fiscal regime where we can leverage our 100% exploration success rate to secure access to opportunities.' When asked about the kind of projects are being targeted, Nunn added: 'Deltic will first and foremost always be an exploration company and the majority of our investors are looking for the significant upside that can result from achieving exploration success. 'At the same time we recognise that we can't continue to rely on the equity markets to provide funding while we incubate those high impact, longer term opportunities so we will initially focus on those smaller opportunities which will result in near term access to cashflow.' Looking ahead, evidently much of the investor communication will focus on the progression of Selene towards that key FID trigger and the potential extraction of value from the asset. Investors will, in the meantime, await deal news to inspire further value catalysts as Deltic pivots and reinvents itself abroad. 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.' A pet owner claimed Amazon told him to file a false police report if he wanted to get a refund on a lost box of cat food. Kyle Anderson said he ordered three large bags of cat food for his seven pets, totaling $126.82, to his home in northeast Ohio, but it never arrived. Instead, he was sent a photo by the courier of the box after it was delivered to a different house, and had received someone else's order 45 minutes earlier. Photos of the two boxes showed they were delivered to different houses, and he and his fiancee couldn't find the package when they looked outside. Kyle Anderson and his fiancee Vidhi said they ordered three large bags of cat food for their seven pets, totaling $126.82, to their home in northeast Ohio, but it never arrived Photos of the two boxes showed they were delivered to different houses, and he and his fiancee couldn't find the package when they looked outside. On the left is another customer's package wrongly delivered to Anderson and the right is his actual package somewhere else After sending the package he received in error to its intended address, Anderson contacted Amazon to ask for a refund. 'Three separate representatives all told me that, despite it being their error, I would have to file a police report and provide it to them if I were to receive a refund,' he said. 'Here's the problem, though: No crime was committed. My package wasn't 'stolen or tampered with', It was simply delivered to the wrong address.' Anderson was concerned that not only would this be a waste of time for both him and the police, it was arguably a crime as filing a false police report is illegal. 'So you're asking me to commit a crime, then. Just to be clear?' he said he told the third Amazon rep, whom he believed was a manager. He claimed they replied: 'I am not asking you to commit a crime, no, but we will need you to file a police report to refund your item.' 'Delivering a package to the wrong address isn't a crime, so they're fundamentally asking me to report a crime that did not happen - committing a crime in the process,' he said. Anderson's fiancee, Vidhi, with one of their seven cats, named Beelzebub Another of the seven cats, this one a ginger feline Anderson said his fiancee, Vidhi, tried calling Amazon and was told the same thing, and decided she would file the police report to recover their money. 'They came to the house, she explained the situation and apologized for wasting his time. He made a report and gave us a reference number,' he said. However, Amazon refused to accept the reference number and demanded they submit a copy of the police report in PDF format. 'They could easily have just geolocated that delivery and told me where the package was dropped. They could also have just bit the bullet and given me a refund,' Anderson said. 'Instead, they insist that I waste my time and commit a crime in an effort to make me give up.' Beelzebub with Anderson and Vidhi. The rest of their cats are named Mr M, Coco, Mint, Nimbus, Chai, and Hazel Vidhi with two more of the couple's cats Anderson argued Amazon's insistence on a police report for a wrongly delivered package was a huge waste of public resources, especially as police had to take their statement in person. 'A police officer taking the time to come to our house, sit with my fiancee, take the report, go all the way back to the station, and file it,' he said. 'An investment of over an hour of time during which this officer could have, and should have, been using to investigate actual crimes. 'Amazon is partaking in a practice designed to predate on the uninformed in order to protect their bottom line, all while wasting public resources, people's time.' Anderson said Amazon eventually relented and started a new support ticket out of the blue, but only offered credit instead of a refund. Patrick McCall, president of McCall Risk Group private investigators, said Amazon was frequently demanding police reports, and agreed filing a reporting for a missing but not stolen item would be a crime. 'We have seen a lot of online merchants requiring a buyer to file a report and send that report to them in order to receive a refund lately,' he said. Anderson said Amazon eventually relented and started a new support ticket out of the blue, but only offered credit instead of a refund 'Amazon and other online retailers have been seeing a lot of fraud related to people claiming they did not receive when in fact they did receive the package or have purposely had it sent to a neighbor or a family members house.' McCall said Amazon in particular was going so far as to require customers to submit a copy of their drivers licenses and other documents to get a refund. If the customer refused, he said the company would deny credit card disputes 'stating the customer did not comply with its return policies when clearly the customer had no control over the packages being delivered to the wrong address'. McCall claimed the demands were so out of control that the New York City and Suffolk County, Long Island, police departments were refusing to issue reports in such circumstances. 'Police know the filing of such reports are fraudulent and that Amazon is directing people to complete in order to receive a refund,' he said. The Suffolk County Police Department denied it was refusing to issue them. 'If someone isn't sure if an item is lost or stolen, an officer would take a report indicating the item could be lost or stolen,' it said. The NYPD and the Cleveland Division of Police did not respond to requests for comment. Amazon said: 'We've confirmed the customer received a credit to their form of payment and apologized for this misunderstanding and delivery experience. 'We manage each customer concern on a case-by-case basis and in limited instances may ask for additional information.' TikToker Diane Smith claimed in February that Amazon made the same demand of her over four folding chairs that didn't show up. TikToker Diane Smith claimed in February that Amazon made the same demand of her over four folding chairs that didn't show up Smith said she ordered 12 chairs for an event, but only eight arrived despite the company claiming all three boxes were delivered. She said the chairs couldn't have been stolen because the building was secure, but Amazon told her she needed to file a police report. 'First of all, no one's stealing my four wooden chairs that are literally super cheap,' she said. 'I mean, $200 I'd be losing if these go, but like, I don't think anyone who looked at that box was like, 'Yep, there's chairs in there. I'm gonna steal them.' So I just made a police report. And I'm like, they're gonna laugh at me and be like, 'Is this girl serious?' 'But at the moment I have to make a police report to find these chairs and why they're missing, and Amazon will not help me until the police helped me like something's up. This is super weird.' Another Amazon customer in the UK last year reported the same issue to The Guardian over a 71.97 ($93.44) package Amazon's tracker said was handed to reception, when their building didn't have a reception. The order was suddenly refunded after the newspaper inquired about it. The Home Office are failing to accurately record the number of fires that have been caused by air fryers, despite several indicators that the hidden figure is higher than ever. Firefighters must document the cause of a blaze on their Incident Recording System (IRS) which collects the data that can then be used to help fire services know the latest dangers they face and how best to deal with them. To document the cause of a fire on the IRS they must choose from a list of options but air fryer is not on that list. Data released by the Home Office shows a six fold increase in the number of times the word 'air fryer' was mentioned in the additional free text box on the IRS in the last two years. In that time, the trendy gadgets became the third most used appliance in UK kitchens. But the additional text mentions are not an accurate way to track air fryer fires as some could be merely incidental. For example, additional text recorded by a crew might state: 'Fortunately, the fire didn't reach the air fryer.' Has YOUR air fryer caught alight? Email freya.barnes@mailonline.co.uk Your browser does not support iframes. The Home Office are failing to accurately record the number of fires that have been caused by air fryers, despite several indicators that the hidden figure is higher than ever (stock image) The air fryer boom can be compared to the chip pan boom in the 1970s and 80s which gave rise to chip pans fires. They became so common that an amnesty was created and chip pan was added as an option on the IRS so firefighters could accurately record and track them. AIR FRYER SAFETY TIPS Keep your air fryer unplugged when it is not in use. Clean it thoroughly after each use as left over grease in hard-to-reach areas can ignite a fire. Never place an air fryer on top of a tea towel or other soft, flammable surfaces. Do not use an air fryer in an area with poor ventilation or under over-counter cupboards. Don't let the air fryer hot air ventilation openings blow into electrical outlets. You need to leave space around the air fryer for the vent to circulate. Use the 'hand-span rule' when using your air-fryer ensuring there is at least 5 inches or the average hand length, around the device for ventilation. Some air fryers use what are known as 'soft touch single sided membrane switches' to control the device. These can perish over time and cause the machine to switch on without the user's knowledge. Any switches or buttons on the device that appear sunken or damaged should indicate that the device should not be used Advertisement However, data shows that chip pans have fallen out of fashion in UK homes and have been replaced with air fryers so it is important that air fires caused by them are also documented and tracked properly. Last year, the Home Office said they would review the IRS and how it records data on fires to bring it up to date with emerging technologies like air fryers but they have failed to do so. Stuart Wiggans, Chief Compliance Officer at Shield Safety, a leading provider of fire and food safety services, told MailOnline: 'Evidence strongly suggests that fires caused by air fryers are on the rise and the Home Office should undoubtedly add air fryers as a specific category for the cause of fire on the IRS. 'Accurate tracking and categorisation of air fryer-related fires would enable the development of targeted fire safety campaigns and regulatory measures, ultimately helping to mitigate the risks and prevent future incidents. 'Additionally, more accurate data could highlight particular makes and models that pose more risk.' Mr Wiggans explained that the Home Office's failure to record air fryer fires could pose several risks. 'Failing to record air fryer fires poses several dangers. Firstly, it obscures the true scale of the problem, making it difficult for policymakers and safety regulators to address the issue effectively. Without accurate data, efforts to improve air fryer safety standards and educate the public on safe usage practices may be insufficient. 'Additionally, the lack of precise recording hinders the ability to identify common causes and factors contributing to these fires, which is crucial for developing preventive measures.' A Home Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We regularly review the data that we receive from Fire and Rescue Services to ensure emerging risks are accurately captured.' There has been a string of terrifying stories in recent years of the kitchen must-have, which can be bought for as little as 25, suddenly bursting into flames. Rebecca Sim, 52, from Manchester, last year revealed how her one-year-old Tower fryer 'could have burnt down the kitchen'. Rebecca Sim, 52, from Manchester, last year revealed how her one-year-old Tower fryer 'could have burnt down the kitchen' Ms Sim threw it out of the back door as soon as she saw smoke and what looked like flames in the base. It then quickly 'turned into an inferno', she said Ms Sim's Tower air fryer was destroyed by the fire but the melted remains were sent to the company so they could investigate A Florida family's home is pictured ruined after being burned in a blaze firefighters believe was started by an air fryer The homeowner said she was in her yard at the time of the fire and managed to save her dog from the flames - but her property had been 'completely destroyed' It began to emit a plastic smell, prompting her to turn the device off and smother it with a tea towel. Ms Sim threw it out of the back door as soon as she saw smoke and what looked like flames in the base. It then quickly 'turned into an inferno', she said. Meanwhile, in Florida in March, fire officials believe an air fryer used to heat up pizza sparked a fire that obliterated a home. The homeowner said she was in her yard at the time of the fire and managed to save her dog from the flames - but her property had been 'completely destroyed' Air fryers cook by rapidly circulating hot air, mimicking the effect of deep-fried food with far fewer calories and a fraction of the fat. Just last month, an air fryer sold on Amazon was urgently recalled over fears it could catch on fire. Health and safety bosses warned the Pro Breeze 2L Air Fryer 1000W posed a threat because 'the internal components may overheat and ignite'. Owners were told stop using the product immediately and unplug it from the main power supply. A wealthy tech boss is under fire over his unusual side-hustle peddling puppies that animal welfare groups say are bred in cruel, factory-like conditions. Boston-based biotech maven Praveen Tipirneni has a track record in sealing multibillion dollar deals. Yet in May 2023, he opened a franchise of Puppy Palace in New Hampshire. His spiffy store features some 20 glass-covered display cases with puppies for sale some for more than $3,000. An investigation by the Boston Globe has alleged the business sources dogs from 'puppy mills,' which are deemed cruel and unsanitary by animal rights groups, and has passed on sick pets to unsuspecting customers. Biotech boss Praveen Tipirneni, 55, has an unusual side hustle: a puppy store in New Hampshire. Animal welfare activists carry banners of Gus, a puppy they say died at the store due to poor conditions. The New Hampshire Animal Rights League has protested at the store, in a strip mall in Manchester, and outside Tipirneni's home in Lexington, Massachusetts, the group's president Joan O'Brien told the DailyMail.com. 'We remain baffled as to why a man with a medical degree and an MBA from Wharton, living in a wealthy town that bans puppy stores, would choose to lower himself by purchasing a puppy store franchise,' said O'Brien. Unlike Manchester - where the store is located - Lexington banned the sale of animals from puppy mills in July. Statewide legislation to ban prohibits the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet stores was introduced in January 2024, but has since stalled in the State sSenate. Protestors wave signs saying 'R.I.P. Gus' with a photo of a pup they say died at the store due to poor care, after a woman customer put a down payment on the animal. 'Since our New Hampshire lawmakers failed to pass common-sense legislation to protect puppies like Gus, who tragically died at the store, the responsibility falls on groups like ours to continue fighting for these dogs,' added O'Brien. Tipirneni and his store did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's requests for comment. An investigation by the Boston Globe has alleged the business sources dogs from 'puppy mills,' which are deemed cruel and unsanitary by animal rights groups, and has passed on sick pets to unsuspecting customers Tipirneni and his store did not immediately respond to the DailyMail.com's requests for comment He told The Boston Globe he's an 'investor' in what he called 'the Apple of pet stores with the highest standards.' A LinkedIn profile that's been taken down suggested he was its owner. The 55-year-old has a medical degree from McGill University and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He's now the CEO of Morphic Therapeutic, a drug research firm that was bought by Eli Lilly for $3.2 billion in June. Customers give his store a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating on Google, from 624 reviews. Many say they bought a much-loved pet there; but critics say it's 'sketchy' and its canines are not cared for there. Online photos show adorable English springer spaniels, West Highland terriers, dachshunds, beagles and other breeds. Derek DuBois, a medical administrative assistant in North Andover, says his Puppy Palace purchase turned into a nightmare. Tipirneni's Puppy Palace franchise opened in Manchester, New Hampshire, in May 2023. The spiffy store features some 20 glass-covered display cases with puppies for sale some for more than $3,000. He bought a four-month-old Siberian husky called Chili there for $2,000 in August 2023. Within two days, DuBois said Chili collapsed, had trouble breathing, struggled to stand, had gray gums, diarrhea and was vomiting. 'I absolutely believe The Puppy Palace sold me a sick dog,' wrote DuBois, who says he paid a $4,300 vet bill to keep Chili alive. Fears about canine welfare saw a former employee give damning testimony about the store to two New Hampshire legislative committees in January. Ellie Stariknok, who quit working as a kennel attendant in disgust after less than two weeks last year, told senators that dogs with hookworm and other parasites were sold to customers. 'They really didn't see the dogs as animals or living beings,' Stariknok, now 19, told lawmakers. Many say they bought a much-loved pet at The Puppy Palace; but critics say it's 'sketchy' and its canines are not cared for there 'They saw them as, "How much money can we make off each dog and how fast can we get them out the door so we can get another dog in here?"' The committee weighed whether to back a bill to ban the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores. Members voted to study the document further; a House committee killed it. Eight states have adopted such bans since 2017, including New York, Maine and Vermont, says the Humane Society of the United States. Nearly 500 towns and cities nationwide have also barred sales. Advocates of bans say the commercial kennels where puppies are bred for stores are often inhumane, resembling factory farms. Puppies frequently catch diseases when they're transported in crowded trucks from kennels, many of which are located in the Midwest, critics say. Animal welfare groups warn against so-called puppy mills, because of their poor conditions. Pictured: A man sitting in a van filled with puppies Dog lovers are advised to adopt dogs or visit responsible breeders rather than buy puppies sourced from commercial breeding operations. Protests have been held at has at the store, in a strip mall in Manchester, New Hampshire, and outside Tipirneni's home in Lexington, Massachusetts. O'Brien calls them 'commercial breeding operations that put profit before animal welfare, confining mother dogs to cages for continuous breeding.' Pet stores then 'hand them over to anyone willing to pay their exorbitant prices,' she added. The Puppy Palace website says dogs come from breeders licensed by the US Department of Agriculture and are registered with the American Kennel Club or other trusted groups. But Globe investigators found that at least five dogs there came from large commercial breeders in the Midwest. Two dachshunds at the store, for example, were traced to S&R Sawmill Holler Kennel in Vanzant, Missouri, where dogs have allegedly been found languishing in feces and huddled together trying to keep warm. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says stores that sell puppies typically rely on 'cruel breeding operations.' These puppy mills 'typically house hundreds of dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary cages for their entire breeding lives,' says the New York-based group. The pups often languish without 'veterinary care, food, water and socialization,' it adds. Animal rights groups say people should adopt dogs or visit responsible breeders rather than buy puppies from stores. Have YOU had a similar experience? Devastated pet owners have claimed a dog sitter set a customer's house on fire, lost their animals and even wore their clothes. Jessica Fletcher, who runs Fetch with Fletch, claims to be an experienced dog trainer and walker based in Havant, Hampshire. But several dog owners have made horrifying claims against the businesswoman - with one claiming their mother's dog was found dead after escaping onto a main road while on a walk with Ms Fletcher. The pet owners took to social media to share their complaints and warn future customers against using the trainer, who they claim refused to acknowledge their texts and calls. Customer Ollie Byrne claimed the woman started a house fire with his dog inside, sharing shocking footage of his charred carpets. He wrote on Facebook: 'Avoid this woman at all costs I'm telling you now. 'She nearly burnt my house down with my dog inside and all my things, was lucky I got back from work when I did otherwise would have had nothing left no dog nothing.' Have YOU had a similar experience? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk Dixie (pictured) allegedly died while in the care of Ms Fletcher, after escaping and being hit by a car Ollie Byrne claimed Ms Fletcher started a house fire with his dog inside, sharing shocking footage of his charred carpets (pictured) Mr Byrne posted horrifying footage of the damage done to his carpets and floorboards Footage posted by Mr Byrne shows a huge burnt hole in his carpet and ashy floorboards. 'I've got damaged carpets and floor boards and she won't even own up to what she done and pulling every excuse under the sun to get it resolved absolutely full of s*** this woman,' he said. 'I've had neighbours complaining about her attitude towards them. Call herself a dog walker she needs to give up now.' Meanwhile, one heartbroken Facebook user claimed their mother's dog ended up dead after being in the care of Ms Fletcher, after she was let loose on a nighttime walk and ran off. The small dog, named Dixie, was allegedly seen running up and down the A3 before her body was found 24 hours later. A friend of Dixie's distraught owners wrote: 'I have just spent the saddest of evenings with the distraught owners of Dixie. 'They trusted Jess Fletcher to walk their dog and she neglected to cater for her needs. A friend of Dixie's distraught owners wrote on Facebook: 'I have just spent the saddest of evenings with the distraught owners of Dixie' A woman outlined the accusations against the dog sitter in a post on Facebook 'Dixie was found passed away 24 hours after going missing. Jess Fletcher did not search for her, cut the owners off when they called her and showed no remorse or compassion. 'Dixie was hit by a car and passed away soon after despite the community coming out in force to find her. Her family are devastated.' The friend claimed the heartbroken owners spent the night sleeping with the dead body of their dog as they could not bear to part with her. Another concerned customer claimed the businesswoman bizarrely wore her clothes while dog sitting, while one person claimed Ms Fletcher changed the furniture around without permission. The dog sitter's website, which has now been disabled, advertised Ms Fletcher as 'an experienced bull breed passionate doggy lover. With over 15 years experience'. The description added: 'I currently offer mainly 1:1 walks with larger breeds. Due to complete my dog trainer certificate.' MailOnline has contacted Fetch with Fletch for comment. A couple who took an unauthorised term time holiday with their daughter and severely autistic son are refusing to pay the hefty school fine they received on their return, claiming they have been 'unfairly penalised' for their situation. Paul Phipps and his wife Tara, from Teynham, Kent, flew off to Turkey with Jack, 14 and Poppy, nine, for 11 days at the end of September. They believed the off-peak holiday, with fewer crowded places, would better suit the needs of their son who can experience sensory overload if an environment becomes too noisy. According to Mr Phipps, Jack can even become a danger to himself. 'He then starts stimming and will jump up and down or hit himself in the head,' he explained to KentOnline. Paul Phipps, pictured with son Jack, is refusing to pay the hefty fine he received from his daughter's school after the family went on holiday to Turkey during term time Paul Phipps, pictured with his wife Tara, daughter Poppy and son Jack, believes the family have been 'unfairly penalised' for their situation Having informed their children's schools last December of their intentions, Jack received permission from Meadowfield School to go on holiday - but Poppy, who attends Lynsted and Norton Primary did not. Despite asking the school three times to review their situation, Poppy was still refused permission. Mr Phipps explained: 'We're not going to take one child away and leave the other.' The family decided to go ahead with the trip, and two days after they returned they received an 80 fine. According to a notice on Lynsted and Norton Primary School's website, the couple will have 21 days to pay the fine, otherwise it will rise to 160, payable within 28 days. Failure to pay the fine at the end of the 28-day period 'may result in prosecution by the Kent PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) and Attendance Service.' Mr Phipps said he feels frustrated by the situation and believes they have been 'unfairly penalised'. He added: 'You have parents that don't even bother asking they just say their child is ill. We wanted to do everything by the book.' The family has now launched a petition asking for special needs families to be given more flexibility and 'understanding' when it comes to taking holidays during term time. It states: 'As the parent of a severely autistic child, I understand first-hand the difficulty my son experiences in crowded places. 'He prefers a quieter, more controlled environment for his respite, a break from his daily routine. 'Unfortunately, due to scheduling constraints, we are normally placed in a position of having to take this restful holiday during school term. The family believed the off-peak holiday, with fewer crowded places, would better suit the needs of Jack who has autism and can experience sensory overload The couple say they are facing fines because of 'a lack of understanding and awareness' 'As a result, my daughter, who goes to a different school, is unfairly penalised. 'We face fines due to lack of understanding and awareness that our situation affects not just one child, but the entire family.' It adds: 'We are appealing to the school authorities to understand that caring for a child with special needs is a 24/7 commitment, and occasional respite is crucial for the well-being of everyone in the family.' A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson said: 'Headteachers must decide whether to authorise a parent's request for term time leave of absence for their child based on the circumstances at the time. 'The DfE is clear that term time leave for leisure and recreational purposes would not generally be deemed as exceptional circumstances; a view endorsed by KCC. 'While KCC recognises that any form of legal intervention in any circumstances should always be a last resort when all supportive options and alternatives have been fully considered, we will support school leaders who take a robust line on the risk to children's education arising from missing regular school attendance. 'We will therefore issue Penalty Notices in line with our Code of Conduct when justifiable requests are made to do so by school leaders.' A spokesperson for Lynsted & Norton Primary School said it was 'completely committed to working with families to maximise attendance at school'. They said: 'Almost all families work with us positively so that children achieve their potential. Attendance is vital if pupils are to be safe, secure and achieving. 'We also have to intervene in the case of unauthorised absence because attendance to school is so important for children's prospects and lives, alongside most other schools, the school will work with the LA to fine for unauthorised leave taken during term time. Lynsted and Norton Primary School in Kent refused to give Poppy, nine, permission to go on the term time holiday 'We appreciate the importance of family time and understand that every family's 'circumstances are unique. We are supportive of family time and work with our families to ensure that the 165 days that pupils are not at school are as useful as possible. 'The DFE guidelines support the school in expecting us to uphold the importance of regular school attendance for all students. It is our responsibility to maintain these standards to ensure that every child receives the educational opportunities they deserve. We take this responsibility very seriously, and so our approach involves evaluating each situation on a case-by-case basis while adhering to established policies. 'While we won't comment on individual circumstances, families are informed if a holiday is unauthorised, and their risk of a penalty notice before proceeding. 'Our goal is to work collaboratively with parents to find solutions that best support our students while complying with legal obligations. We will be looking at our term dates in the future, to offer families an opportunity for a quieter time period, to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion.' MBABANE At least 270 married couples ended their marriages in a space of six months, from April to September 2024. In its second quarter report, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported to Parliament that 167 marriages ended in divorce, while 103 were nullified. A marriage is nullified if its foundation was initially wrong for several reasons, such as bigamy and adultery, among others. The ministry said in the first quarter, 74 divorce proceedings were finalised, while 63 were nullified. In the second quarter, there were 93 divorces and 40 nullification of marriages. Divorce and nullification of marriage are legal processes handled by the High Court and magistrates courts in Eswatini. Once a marriage has been legally dissolved through a divorce or declared void through nullification, individuals may need to apply for expunging of their marriage certificate from the records held by the Civil Registration Department. This ensures that the marital status of the individuals is accurately updated in the National Population Register (NPR) and that the marriage is no longer legally recognised, the ministry said. Early this year, this newspaper reported that in just one year, registered divorce cases increased by 70 per cent, quoting the Annual Vital Statistics Report 2023. It was reported that among both sexes, divorces occurred between the age groups of 30 and 34, and 40 and 44 years. According to the report, most brides got divorced between the ages of 35 and 39, while grooms retired from their matrimonial unions between 40 and 44 years. Regional Civil Registrar Andile Dlamini, under the CSO, said 117 married women between the ages of 35 and 39 divorced in 2023. She said the figure was high compared to men, where 98 of them did the same. She then wondered why most married women of this age category were divorcing. The report also presented a section presenting the lifespan of marriages that were registered for divorce and nullification. On average, most civil rite marriages lasted between five and nine years, whereas Eswatini Law and Custom marriages lasted 10 to 14 years. According to the report, the longest marriage lasted between 45 and 50 years and it was in terms of Eswatini Law and Custom. For civil rites marriages, it was between 35 and 40 years. There were no nullifications of Eswatini Law and Custom marriages with less than one year. A mysterious clicking sound detected thousands of feet below the surface of the Pacific ocean has revealed fascinating insights into the elusive sperm whale population in California. The endangered giant sperm whale, which is the loudest animal on the planet, is rarely spotted in Monterey Bay, Central California, and is difficult to study due to their lengthy, deep-dive capabilities. But a hydrophone (underwater microphone) embedded in the seafloor and linked to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Moss Landing made an incredible discovery after recording audio from as far as 100 miles away over seven years. During this time they captured a series of strange staccato-like sounds that began slowly and then accelerated into a continuous creak, resembling the hum of television static. 'It almost sounded like a human machine,' Will Oestreich, a U.S. National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at MBARI, told SFGATE. But after wading through a mountain of data Oestreich realized these sounds were in fact the echolocation clicks of not one but several sperm whales hunting together in the area. A mysterious clicking sound detected thousands of feet below the ocean surface off the coast of Central California has revealed valuable insights into the elusive sperm whale population in Monterey Bay A hydrophone (pictured), or underwater microphone, embedded in the seafloor and linked to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in Moss Landing, picked up a series of clicks that captured the curiosity of Will Oestreich, a U.S. National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at MBARI Sperm whales are known to produce the loudest biological sound on Earth - reaching up to 200 decibels - and use these powerful clicks to hunt in the pitch-dark depths of the ocean. 'Each click is a fraction of a second. It's really a needle in a haystack, even though it's the loudest known biological sound on Earth,' Oestreich said. 'It's a really cool tool for us researchers, because they're telling us things about their own lives. They're a top apex predator tigers of the deep sea and their behavior reflects a food web that's difficult for us to study.' The groundbreaking study published in Movement Ecology documented how these whales frequent Monterey Bay far more regularly than previously thought, particularly in late fall and winter. This timing contrasts with earlier findings from Alaska, where summer vocalizations were more common, suggesting potential seasonal migrations that align with changing ocean conditions in the North Pacific Transition Zone where prey is abundant. Oestreich's analysis extended beyond simply detecting presence. Using advanced algorithms, he tracked individual whales by analyzing the timing between clicks, which corresponds to body size, revealing the presence of adult males, females with calves, and younger whales, all indicative of Monterey Bay's significance to the population. Researchers also detected codas, unique sound patterns that may act as 'cultural identifiers' for different social groups. Oestreich noted that these findings have conservation implications. Sperm whale populations are still recovering from commercial whaling, and understanding their presence in protected areas like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary could help inform protections against risks such as noise pollution and ship strikes. 'These are the largest-toothed predators on the planet,' Oestreich said. 'They've been here all this time, and we just didn't realize it.' Sperm whales, known to produce the loudest biological sound on Earth -reaching up to 200 decibels - use these powerful clicks to hunt in the pitch-dark depths of the ocean On July 14, Monterey Bay Whale Watch documented its first sperm whale sighting in nearly eight years - with its distinctively small dorsal fin and enormous head seen just above the water's surface. 'We hit the whale-watching jackpot!' the organization told the Sacramento Bee, emphasizing how rare it was for the sperm whale to swim up to the boat. In a video posted by Monterey Bay Whale Watch, the gray predator could be seen gliding at the surface and exhaling through a blowhole located on the left side of its iconic, curved head. Moments later, its massive tail lifted from the water before it dove once more. Growing up to 52 feet in length and reaching 90,000 pounds, sperm whales are Earth's largest toothed predator. Known for their extraordinary deep-diving abilities, sperm whales can hold their breath for over an hour and plunge between 2,000 and 10,000 feet in search of prey, feeding on fish, sharks, and squid. For nearly 180 years, up to 1980, these whales were heavily targeted by commercial whalers, and this legacy has left the species endangered, according to NOAA. Fascination with sperm whales increased earlier this year when their signature 'click' sounds made headlines. MIT scientists analyzed clicks from over 8,000 sperm whales, revealing a system akin to an alphabet, suggesting these animals may hold conversations. We hear them clicking often on the @mbari_news soundscape listening room Hydrophone that is in the bay, but just never see them, MBWW said. 'Now it really seems the end is near'. Those were the words of just one desperate German soldier in a letter to his family amidst impending defeat in the Battle of Stalingrad in early 1943. His letter is one of dozens that have been translated by German historian Robin Schaefer for a documentary that reveals the full extent of the horrors during the Nazis' failed invasion of the Soviet Union. Stalingrad: The Last Letters was released recently on Youtube by popular streaming platform History Hit. The letters provide unprecedented insight into the thoughts and emotions of German soldiers during the horrifying battle in the face of inevitable defeat. More than 100,000 German and Axis troops ended up encircled by Soviet soldiers in the frozen city of Stalingrad in early 1943. Aware that their time was short, many soldiers penned their final goodbyes to loved ones - but they remained defiantly loyal to Hitler's Nazi Germany and their cause. More than 100,000 German and Axis troops ended up encircled by Soviet soldiers in the frozen city of Stalingrad in early 1943 Dozens of letters have been translated by German historian Robin Schaefer. They feature in a new documentary about the horrors of the Battle of Stalingrad One batch of letters are dated January 13, 1943 and have been shared exclusively with MailOnline. The soldier who spoke of impending doom was just one among many. He went on: 'To be frank, I am quite relieved that the mental strain and anxiety of the previous days has now come to an end. 'I still can't quite get my head around the fact that we really failed to hold out, but the Russians are too strong and our men are weakened by the cold and hunger.' Another soldier said to his wife: 'When you receive these lines, fate has decreed that I had to give my life for our mutual and much loved Fatherland. 'How fervently would I have wished to be with you and our dear little Monika - be proud in your grief as you have been allowed to make a sacrifice for Germany.' A third addressed both his wife and son. He wrote: 'Please don't be frightened, but this might be the last letter for a long time. I hope it won't be, but currently the situation is very serious. German soldiers running with their rifles during the Battle of Stalingrad More than 100,000 German troops were taken prisoner and there were 1.5million casualties among Axis forces in the battle German soldiers during the Battle of Stalingrad, which ended in total defeat for Hitler's forces 'We are prepared, but we are not in control of our fate anymore. 'When the hour comes, then we both need to be prepared for it. Have trust and try bearing it all with composure. 'I have loved you both more than anything else in this world. Should I not return, please don't forget me. 'My beloved son, do learn a trade which you have chosen yourself and always strive to be honourable and loyal. 'I should say so much more to you, and I have already written to mum how she has to manage things from now. 'Help and assist her with all the strength you can muster. Let us ask our creator to protect us, so that maybe he might allow me to return to you. 'If that shouldn't be the case then bear your grief with honour.' The collection begins in the spring of 1942, when Nazi Germany had been engaged in the invasion of the Soviet Union for nearly a year. In the first few months of what was known as Operation Barbarossa - which was launched in June 1941 - Hitler's troops made it to within 15 miles of Moscow. One letter, written after the cold months of 1942 had come to an end, contrasts starkly with what is to come. The soldier says: 'Thank goodness we are through with winter now. 'It is still cold at night but otherwise it is nice and the snow has almost completely disappeared. 'If you don't get another period of rain, the earth will soon be dry, and I think the offensive will start soon.' 'All the signs point to that. Replacements are on the way and weapons and everything is rolling forwards. Wow, the Russians will be in for a surprise!' 'Until then, we will hold out for a few more weeks.' A German soldier lies amid piles of debris during the Battle of Stalingrad German forces fighting amidst bombed buildings during the Battle of Stalingrad Soldiers run with their rifles amidst shells of buildings during the Battle of Stalingrad A wounded soldier is bandaged up during a street battle in Stalingrad Hitler had wanted to strike the industrial city of Stalingrad in south-west Russia but was warned that the Wehrmacht's 6th Army would not be able to pull off the attack on its own. Even as the brutal winter approached once again in September 1942, the Nazi dictator refused to stop the attack. Soviet defenders in Stalingrad turned the destruction of much of the city's building by the Luftwaffe to their advantage With the element of surprise and the benefit of bombed-out buildings as cover, the Russians had the upper hand in fierce close quarters combat. One German soldier described how a comrade was hit in the shoulder with a spade. It was 'so hard that it lodged in the bone and he was unable to remove it,' Gefreiter Reinhard Wisselmann wrote. Although Hitler's troops did gain control of 90 per cent of the city, the weather turned before they could claim victory. In November, Soviet commanders ordered their forces to surround what was left of the city. German commander Friedrich Paulus asked for permission to change tactics, but Hitler refused. He ultimately decided to leave the men trapped in Stalingrad to die. More than 100,000 German troops were taken prisoner and there were 1.5million casualties among Axis forces in the battle, which ended in February 1943. Stabswachtmeister Lindeman, of the Wehrmacht's 6th Army, told his parents: 'This is the last letter I will be able to send to you. Seems we have run out of luck this time. 'When you receive it your son will be gone, I mean he won't be in this world anymore. 'We are all very serious about that and will continue the fight. For our beloved Heimat, my beautiful hometown, for my family and the Fuhrer.' Another soldier, Sanitatsunteroffizier Werner Eisenhauer, remained resolute despite the impending doom. He wrote: 'The merciless fight continues and our good lord is helping the brave! 'Whatever God's providence will decide, we only ask him for one thing - the power to persevere! 'One day people shall say of us, that the German Army has fought in Stalingrad like no soldiers of the world have fought before.' The letters come from Mr Schaefer's personal collection and from other German archives. Mr Schaefer said: 'This really is a unique filmnothing else gets us this close to these men and this battle. A German plane seen in the air during the Battle of Stalingrad The ruined remains of aircraft seen after Nazi Germany's defeat at Stalingrad Some of the letters that have been translated by historian Robin Schaefer 'Telling their stories in their own words helps us improve our understanding of the mindset of the men who fought for Hitler and the Reichand as time passes and we lose the last of our veterans, these accounts and how we tell them become even more important.' Historian Dan Snow, the founder of History Hit, said when the documentary was initially released on his platform in September: 'These incredible letters provide unique insights into the experiences of these men. 'Written on the front line throughout the battle, they record the thoughts and feelings of the men fighting at the time of the conflictundiluted by the passage of time. 'History Hit is dedicated to unearthing new stories to help tell history in new and engaging waysthese letters, along with radio recordings, video, and photos, bring the battle to life like never before and provide a valuable snapshot of a nation's radicalisation and the horrors of war.' The vibrant postcard, with the image of a peacock on the front, arrived in the mail from Florida on October 7, 1974. Its message was endearing and personal. 'My favorite family, I hope you are well, and I hope that my dog is not preggers. Feed her as well as you please. I forgot to give you some money for her keep. Take her to Dr. Miller if she needs attention. Be home soon. J' These light-hearted handwritten words were the last time James Norris' parents and five siblings ever heard from the handsome 24-year-old 'romantic'. Norris vanished into thin air shortly after they received the postcard, which had been sent on October 4 from the town of Inglis located north of Tampa. Suddenly his final message was an 'essential clue' in a mystifying missing person's case. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, his sister Rosemary Norris-Southward, 63, said: 'It was really a big surprise when we got the postcard. He wasn't the type to send a postcard when he was on vacation. I think he was starting to get nervous. I think he thought "nobody knows where I am so I'd better let them know."' James Norris, 24, disappeared in 1974 after traveling from California to Florida. This is the last known photograph taken of Norris shortly before his death His family received a postcard from him on October 7 1974 (pictured), which was the last time they heard from him Post college, the easy-going and beguiling 'hippie' had cast himself into the carefree, drug-friendly culture that was San Francisco in the Seventies. He was renting an apartment with a roommate that he also shared with his Afghan dog, Casaelya. Unbeknownst to his family, Norris - fun-loving, adventurous but flawed - had flown from northern California to Miami on October 3 with $12,000 cash he'd pooled from friends to take part in what he'd hoped would be a profitable, small-time drug deal. The plan had been to purchase high-quality marijuana sourced from Columbia and to sell it at a profit back in the Bay Area. But the deal went south and within hours Norris was dead, authorities say. His skeletal remains were eventually found by workmen in April 1976. They had been buried among the Florida undergrowth near a remote neighborhood called Tennille in Taylor County, just off Highway 98 which runs north-south along the Gulf coast. But it wasn't until 2010 with advanced DNA testing that a positive match was made and a murder investigation was launched. Police have never revealed a cause of death. Today, 50 years on from Norris' disappearance, his death is still a daily source of anguish for his family. Here they speak with DailyMail.com about what they think happened amid their ongoing hopes that someone will be arrested for his murder - which remains one of the oldest cold cases in the Sunshine State. Rosemary Norris-Southward was 13 at the time Norris disappeared. 'I think they robbed and murdered my brother and took the money,' she told DailyMail.com. 'Early on the investigators identified members of this drug organization in Citrus County. From what I've seen some of these people are still alive. 'They have reached out to law enforcement in other states. They've done a very thorough investigation. They have persons of interest but they can't prove it was them.' The postcard was mailed from Inglis, an oceanside town in Levy County, located 75 miles south of Tennille. Rosemary strongly suspects her brother sent the postcard to be a clue to his location when he realized he was out of his depth with the drug deal. She said: 'We had never heard of Inglis and had no idea why Jimmy was in Florida. 'Even though it wasn't at the location where the homicide occurred he was dropping a pin so people could find him. It was definitely a smart thing for him to do otherwise we would have been completely at a loss. 'The fact that he sent this postcard from such a remote area really was an essential clue. Even if we'd found out he was in Miami there would have been no way for us to know he'd crossed over to another part of the state.' The postcard reads: 'My favorite family, I hope you are well, and I hope that my dog is not preggers. Feed her as well as you please. I forgot to give you some money for her keep. Take her to Dr. Miller if she needs attention. Be home soon. J' Police believe Norris was murdered after getting involved in a small-time drug deal that went wrong Norris' murder remains one of the oldest cold cases in the Sunshine State. Pictured as a child Today Rosemary, a graphic designer, uses her personal experience to help law enforcement with missing person's cases. The family, living in the town of Fairfield 50 miles north east of San Francisco, hired a private investigator shortly after Norris' disappearance who - wrongly - concluded he had fled the country with the money and changed his name. Speaking for the first time about her former love, his girlfriend at the time revealed that Norris told her he was planning a drug deal in Florida so he could make enough money to start a new life with her in Hawaii. 'He was a romantic and artistic person,' Catherine Seekot told DailyMail.com. She and Norris dated on and off for two years. 'He enjoyed life. He was very handsome. He had luminescent green eyes set off by his dark hair and tanned skin.' Catherine, now 75, was living on the island of Maui at the time and revealed Norris had planned to move there to be with her. 'He said he was going to Florida but he didn't give me any specifics. We wanted to sell some weed so he could have money when he moved to Hawaii,' she said. 'We spoke by phone before he left - I never thought I wouldn't see him again. I hadn't realized it had been 50 years.' With no electricity or phone at the time of Norris' disappearance, it took Seekot two months to discover he was missing. She had held onto the letters he sent to her and they were eventually turned over to police as they contained details of his movements before the doomed trip to Florida. Investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Norris traveled with an associate from Miami five hours north to Citrus County on the Gulf coast. At the time, the area was the wild west for smuggling marijuana into America due the remoteness of the sparsely populated coastline. Police believe Norris went to meet members from a local drug organization based in Citrus County who had connections in Miami, San Francisco and San Diego in southern California. Despite the passage of time, investigators are still convinced that there are people alive today who have information about the murder and last year released three names connected to the case. They say a man, Willis Gillett, known as Will, may have had inside knowledge of what happened to Norris. He lived in Citrus County and also San Diego but died about 30 years ago. Norris' roommate, Mitchell Lazor, may have also had information but he disappeared in the San Francisco area in 1994 - although FDLE does not believe the disappearance is related to Norris' murder. Another man, Dan Bever, lived in the City of Hialeah near Miami, may have had useful information but he died in Palm Beach County about 25 years ago. Dogged investigators are still convinced there are people alive today who have knowledge of Norris' killing. They also followed a lead to Aspen, Colorado where they say a man previously related to the Citrus County drug organization lived. Norris' remains were found in 1976 but were not identified until 2010 using DNA testing Norris' remains were buried along with his mother Esperanza who died aged 86 in 2007. His sister Rosemary Norris-Southward is pictured at their grave In 2021, the FDLE told The Aspen Times that the unnamed man, now in late 60s or 70s, moved to the mountain resort town in the 1980s and has discussed the case over the decades. 'Over the years that we've investigated this we've gotten a lot of the pieces of the puzzle. Someone could be holding a piece of the puzzle that they may not realize fits into the big picture,' said FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Mike Kennedy. 'We're working for the family of Mr. Norris so they can find out what happened to their loved one. We do have persons of interest and they should be held accountable for their actions even if it is 50 years later.' Norris' cousin, Yvonne McAllister, 75, shared a house with Norris before he headed to Florida. 'Jimmy was tall and handsome. He was the whole package and an all round nice guy,' she told DailyMail.com. Another sister, Theresa Huzel, 66, who was 16 at the time Norris disappeared, said: 'He had a certain charisma and would light up a room. He was a bit of a hippie and wore interesting clothes. As a big brother I looked up to him.' She praised law enforcement which is keeping up the hunt for Norris' killer after half a century. 'It's nice to know that there is someone who is interested in this cold case,' she said. 'There's still some dedicated public servants who care enough to do this difficult work. That's been a comfort. 'Whether or not it gets solved in my lifetime I don't know.' Norris' remains were buried along with his mother Esperanza who died aged 86 in 2007. His father, also called James Norris, was British and died in 2000 aged 76. Casaelya, Norris' beloved dog, lived with the family until she died of old age. Catherine, the former girlfriend, said: 'I knew James would never leave his mother and siblings and his dog. He was very loyal to his family. He loved his mother unconditionally.' She added: I fell in love a couple of times after James but didn't marry.' Of his early demise, she lamented: 'He was a little too naive about the ways of the world.' The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the case and believes people alive today have information about the murder If you have information about the murder of James Norris, please contact FDLE in Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820 If you have information about the murder of James Norris, please contact FDLE in Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820. The Norris family has established a Facebook page and a website sharing information about the search for Norris. A stunning coastal enclave in California that is battling a homelessness crisis and soaring rents has been named the worst small city in America. Isla Vista is located less than 15 miles outside of Santa Barbara and is home to UC Santa Barbara, which has nearly 25,000 students. Despite the draw of the college, the small town with a population of just 14,000 people was ranked dead last out of 1,318 cities in a recent survey by WalletHub. The California city scored extremely low in affordability and economic health, with high reported rates of poverty. Despite the fact that 47.4 percent of Isla Vista residents rent their home, the community has seen monthly rents skyrocket in recent years, with many locals feeling priced out, according to stats provided by Best Neighborhood. Isla Vista is located less than 15 miles outside of Santa Barbara and is home to UC Santa Barbara, which educates nearly 25,000 students The California city ranks low in affordability, economic health, and has high rates of poverty The average rent for an apartment - including one, two and three-bedroom units - was $3,384 in July 2024, according to Rent Cafe. This is more than twice the national average, and even higher than in notoriously expensive San Francisco where the typical rent is $3,323. In 2022, the median rent for a two-bedroom unit was a staggering $5,750 - which is $300 more expensive than in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's hometown of Montecito and the highest among all the communities surrounding Isla Vista. Those looking to buy in the area face even more daunting prices. As of September 2024, the median listing home price in Isla Vista was $3.1 million, according to Realtor.com. The high costs are particularly impacting cash-strapped students who are struggling to find affordable accommodation - with a limited number of units available on campus and an intense housing market in the main town, according to Daily Nexus. 'Theres just not enough housing, and the timeline is really difficult,' SBCC Relations Chair of the Isla Vista Tenants Union, Matthew Mucha, told Daily Nexus. Another strain on the city is its homeless population, which the county has thrown millions of dollars at in an attempt to fix. In June 2021, Santa Barbara County shelled out $6.3 million to buy a former sorority house right on the border of Isla Vista and neighboring Goleta with the aim of turning it into a homeless shelter. In fall of 2023, a Super 8 motel was also converted into a permanent homeless shelter for 60 people. 'Historically, the county uses I.V. as a dumping ground for projects nobody else wants,' wrote local UC Santa Barbara professor Peter Neushal in an op-ed for The Santa Barbara Independent about the area being overdeveloped. 'There are limits to using Isla Vista to assuage the countys social shortcomings,' he added in his piece. Your browser does not support iframes. In fall of 2023, a Super 8 motel was converted into a permanent homeless shelter for 60 people Isla Vista, California, just north of Santa Barbara, was ranked the worst small town in America In June 2021, Santa Barbara County shelled out $6.3 million to buy a former sorority house right on the border of Isla Vista and neighboring Goleta and turn it into a homeless shelter In addition to costly shelters, a previous effort to provide the homeless population with tiny homes raised concerns about the safety of residents. After being built in December 2020, the tiny homes, which provide shelter for up to 20 people, attracted even more homeless to the area. 'Some people who close at night are afraid to close at night,' local Luis Mejia Ojeda, who worked at Amazon across the street from the tiny homes, told The Channels in March 2021. His coworker Emily Stegeil, who also attended UC Santa Barbara, echoed Ojeda's concerns and said that overall, safety in the area 'got substantially worse'. While crime overall in Isla Vista went down from 2022 to 2023, violent crime incidents went from 35 in 2022 to 37 in 2023, an increase of about 5.7 percent, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. On top of that, aggravated assaults went from 20 in 2022 to 26 in 2023. 'Historically, the county uses I.V. as a dumping ground for projects nobody else wants,' wrote local UC Santa Barbara professor Peter Neushal Other efforts to curb homelessness have been met with local resistance. An initiative in 2021 to shut down a homeless camp set up in the middle of Isla Vista's People's Park brought protestors instead of support. Those living in the park were given 10-days notice to vacate, which angered some locals. There are also growing concerns about parking in the town. Developers in Isla Vista have proposed building eight and three-story buildings in the downtown area in recent years, but none will have parking areas. The city's parking, which is already at 6 percent over capacity, is also expected to get even worse when the metro is forced to implement the state's new red curb requirement for crosswalks, according to the outlet. The new law prohibits drivers from parking within 20 feet of crosswalk, further limiting the number of places to park in the city. Isla Vista had some of the worst affordability and economic health scores, with a high percentage of the population in poverty, and has some of the lowest homeownership rates After being built in December 2020, Isla Vista's tiny homes, which provide shelter for up to 20 people, attracted even more homeless to the area Isla Vista was not the only California city to earn a top spot on the worst city list; Wasco, northeast of Bakersfield, was dubbed third worst in the country, The metro was listed as being more affordable than Isla Vista, but faired worse in safety and quality of life. A woman who was kicked out of her Pilates class for turning up late has lost her bid to sue Fitness First for more than $16,000 over the row. Sydney woman Sophia McGinn had been running late when she tried to enter the class on July 17, 2023. The gym asked her to leave as it had a duty of care to reduce physical injury among members - which includes turning them away from a class if they miss the warm-up exercises held at the beginning. Ms McGinn had only joined the popular gym franchise less than a month earlier on June 30 with the relationship quickly spiralling after the incident at the Pilates class. Fitness First provided Ms McGinn with free Pilates classes but then decided to freeze her account following discussions as she wasn't using the services. Ms McGinn then terminated her contract with the gym on March 17 this year. The next day, the disgruntled gym-goer lodged a complaint with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal seeking damages of $16,600. She argued that would've been the difference between the cost of her Fitness First membership and a comparable Virgin Active Membership over the span of 20 years. A woman unsuccessfully tried to sue Fitness First after a dispute with the gym that kicked off when she was late to Pilates (pictured is a Fitness First gym in Sydney) Ms McGinn claimed Fitness First had breached the contract and failed to comply with its consumer guarantee obligations. Fitness First denied it had breached the contract or its consumer guarantee obligations. The Tribunal found the contract stated that 'entry after the class has started may be refused by the instructor'. Ms McGinn had not shown that there had been a breach of contract by Fitness First, the Tribunal concluded. 'The Applicant has not incurred any loss or damage but rather has speculated about a future potential loss or damage,' the Tribunal found. Fitness First denied it had breached the contract or its consumer guarantee obligations (stock image) Ms McGinn's case was dismissed on June 28, 2024. She launched an appeal before it was dismissed on October 21. Fitness First has more than 50 branches across Australia, with the cheapest membership started at $20.99 per week. Members are able to 'freeze' their accounts with the gym for a cost of $5 per week for a maximum of four weeks. A British woman and her Pakistani uncle who she married and had a child with in a suspected illegal immigration plot could be sentenced to death by stoning. The couple have been accused of adultery which carries the severe punishment under Shariah law - by Pakistani prosecutors and clerics after the former company director in her thirties wed her mother's brother during a visit to the country. She is now believed to be back in the UK, but her uncle was arrested by local police this week and is behind bars as the investigation continues. A Pakistani police report alleges the British woman willingly married him and later conceived his child to try to help him get into Britain. But in a now deleted video posted online, the woman said she was 'pressured' into travelling to Pakistan to marry him so he could try to secure 'documentation' that would allow him to move to the UK. A British woman and her Pakistani uncle who she married and had a child with in a suspected illegal immigration plot could be sentenced to death by stoning A Pakistani police report alleges the British woman willingly married him and later conceived his child to try to help him get into Britain After the wedding in April 2021 she moved into his home in a village in Pakistan for around a month. She says he 'started having sex with me' and she fell pregnant. The woman, who later returned to the UK alone to have the child, says he has now abandoned her despite promising to help her financially. She said: 'He told me that I would help him in his travel to England and in return he will get a car, home and lot of money and our life would be settled. 'Now he is not bothering about his baby and me. He has tarnished my life and I need help.' After the villagers in Pakistan raised the alarm with the religious authorities, the uncle admitted to marrying his niece in front of local elders and Islamic clerics, according to a police report released to the Mail. The report said the elders alleged 'The matter behind the whole episode was just to get the entry in United Kingdom through the British Pakistani [bride].' A legal opinion was obtained from the Department of Prosecution which described the woman and her uncle as 'the real culprits,' the report said. A Pakistani security official. After the wedding in April 2021 she moved into his home in a village in Pakistan for around a month. She says he 'started having sex with me' and she fell pregnant It added: 'The relationship between maternal uncle and real niece has been revealed, the marriage between them is not permissible in Shariah. 'Establishing marital relations on the basis of such a marriage is forbidden and falls under the category of adultery.' Under Shariah law, convicted adulterers face being stone to death or lashed. The report adds: 'A case against the accused is being registered for the crimes.' The uncle went into hiding after being reported and never made it to the UK, but this week he was arrested in Pakistan along with one of the witnesses to the marriage. Speaking from the family's semi-detached home in Britain, the woman's father said: 'We have heard what is happening in Pakistan, but we have not heard from her. 'We did not want her to marry him. We did not approve the marriage and we tried to talk her out of it. 'We don't have anything to do with her anymore and I don't know where she lives now.' Voters in 21 states are banned from wearing MAGA hats, Kamala Harris buttons, and any other political gear when they cast their ballots. Every state in the US bans campaigning near poling booths, and all but a handful of states have stronger restrictions on more passive advertising. These little-known rules have led to at least two high-profile clashes in South Carolina and Texas over the past week during earlier voting. A poll worker in Bexar County, Texas, was even punched in the face several times by a Donald Trump supporter who refused to take off his hat. This early voter in Chicago, Illinois, had no problem voting based on her clothing choices Trump clothing has caused the most drama so far, but the rules don't discriminate between voters of each party. Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, Washington, and West Virginia are the only states that don't explicitly ban either election materials like signs and leaflets, or apparel like hats, buttons, and shirts. Another 22 states and the District of Columbia only ban election materials, placards, signs, banners, and literature. Both apparel and election materials are banned in 22 states including Texas, New York, Michigan, California, and South Carolina. Some states have exceptions in their election laws, such as Maine that bans campaign apparel but allows buttons smaller than three inches. The National Conference of State Legislatures maintains a comprehensive list of all items and activities banned at polling places, and how far the bans extend. Every state in the US bans campaigning near poling booths, but all but a handful of states have stronger restrictions on more passive advertising Some voters were forced to take off clothing supporting a candidate and cast their ballots in underwear, like this woman in Other rules include 29 states prohibit influencing or persuading voters, 18 states and DC ban petitions, and 10 states disallow sounds referring to candidates. Another nine states ban loitering, and six prohibit exit polls. Voters who show up with prohibited items are asked to leave them outside, or be refused entrance to the voting booth. Some voters were forced to take off clothing supporting a candidate and cast their ballots in underwear, or at least turn it inside-out. One woman in an unnamed state was photographed in just a bra after she was forced to take off her Trump shirt. A South Carolina voter lashed out at polling staff last week after he refused to remove his Trump hat while casting his vote 'Woman comes to vote wearing Trump gear. They tell her she can't. She calls the poll worker a d**khead and rips her shirt off,' the voter who took the photo wrote online. A South Carolina voter lashed out at polling staff last week after he refused to remove his Trump hat while casting his vote. The unnamed man, wearing a 'Let's Go Brandon' cap, was asked by workers inside Orangeburg County Library to take his hat outside due to state law. Video captured of the altercation shows him erupting over the request. Enraged, he then removes the cap in front of another woman and waves it in her face, telling her: 'This is my motherf**king right'. In a similar incident, a Texas man is facing a felony charge after he punched an elderly poll worker who asked him to remove his MAGA hat. Jesse Lutzenberger allegedly lashed out at the 69-year-old man who had to be treated at the scene on October 25. He eventually took off the hat and voted, but put it back on again as he was leaving, and a poll worker again told him to take it off until he was outside. As the clerk escorted him out, Lutzenberger allegedly threw an elbow or arm back toward him and then turned to punch him in the face multiple times, according to local police. EXCLUSIVE Police are actively investigating accusations of serious sexual misconduct against former shock jock Alan Jones and have already interviewed his alleged victims. Daily Mail Australia can reveal NSW detectives have been quietly probing claims Jones abused his powerful position as Sydney's reigning talkback radio king. Jones is alleged to have preyed on a string of young men, and has been accused of indecently assaulting, groping or inappropriately touching them without consent. Nine newspapers first reported the allegations almost a year ago, including claims Jones inappropriately kissed and groped a 17-year-old schoolboy who visited his sprawling Southern Highlands estate in 2017. The allegations relate almost exclusively to his time at Sydney's leading talkback station, 2GB, but predate its current ownership by Nine Radio. Jones has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers have described the allegations against him as demonstrably false and defamatory. He has not been charged with any offences. Police are investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against broadcaster Alan Jones Sources familiar with the current police investigation said detectives had already spoken with a number of the 83-year-old's alleged victims. They are now in contact with past and present Macquarie Media and Nine Radio colleagues who may have witnessed or had knowledge of the alleged abuse. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Jones is guilty of any offence, only that allegations have been made and police are investigating the veracity of those claims. Nine took a controlling 54.5 per cent stake in the Macquarie Media radio network in 2018 before buying the remaining shares the following year. Jones parted ways with the network six months later, citing his ailing health as the reason for his exit. Even though the accusations relate to incidents that occurred before Nine's ownership, it is understood they may have still been raised during the independent investigation into the media empire's 'toxic' workplace culture. The review, conducted by workplace specialists Intersection and released publicly last month, found Nine had 'a systemic issue with abuse of power and authority; bullying, discrimination and harassment; and sexual harassment'. The report said the company's noxious culture had been created by 'a lack of leadership accountability; power imbalances; gender inequality and a lack of diversity; and significant distrust in leaders at all levels of the business'. It was Nine's own newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald, that broke the scandal last December, with investigative reporter Kate McClymont revealing six men had come forward claiming they had been preyed upon by the company's former breakfast radio star. Jones has maintained his ensuing year-long absence from his latest media home at online news streaming channel ADH TV is a result of medical advice warning him he is at risk of suffering 'a cardiac episode'. Breaking his silence about the accusation in a five-minute clip in March, he also said he 'refuted' the allegations against him 'entirely and the inferences associated with them'. Jones said he had 'every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually', but sources close to the broadcaster said he had no intention of returning to the spotlight in the immediate future and remained on 'indefinite' leave. A year after his exit from 2GB, Jones was dumped as a columnist by The Daily Telegraph before Sky News also dropped him from his eponymous prime-time weeknight news program in November 2022. The following month, on December 10, Jones announced he would be joining conservative news streaming start-up ADH TV, with his show Alan Jones: Direct to the People quickly amassing a large following on Facebook after it debuted just three days later. Jones has not appeared on the channel since the allegations of sexual misconduct were reported last December. He left Australia just before Christmas in the wake of the scandal for an extended stay in London but, in his online clip addressing the accusations in March, he said the trip had been a longstanding commitment for his godson's 21st birthday. 'I have wanted to make contact with viewers, listeners, friends and supporters, given that I did indicate I'd be back on air in mid-February, my absence is not what has been suggested by some in the media,' he said. 'Health issues have disrupted my plans since my arrival some weeks ago, back into Australia. 'But the "Get Jones" campaign is nothing new in my life. As the king of Sydney talkback radio, Jones was one the country's most powerful personalities 'Let me explain why I've been away, except for the fact that I shouldn't have to explain my travel arrangements to anybody. 'I had promised my acting student, godson, that I'd take him for his 21st birthday to see the best of London's West End theatres. 'I couldn't let him down, so we did, including the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford.' While Jones has not yet returned to the digital venture, he vowed he would be back on-air as soon as he received the all-clear from his physicians. 'However, I won't be returning just now because of my latest medical assessments conducted in the last week,' he said in the clip. 'Many of you have seen photos of me in the past 18 months with a walking stick. 'I've been putting off necessary surgery for some time because of broadcasting commitments, and to my physical detriment. 'My doctors are now urging that I address these issues now that I have no upcoming commitments. Jones says he has been unable to return to work as he struggles with health issues 'Contrary to what has been written about me, I have been home for some time consulting with doctors, but last weekend to address traumatic pain, amongst other things, urgent medical attention was sought from my specialist physician.' Jones said he had been advised that because of his 'current poor mobility, resulting from the severe pain of his condition, and further compounded by his age, the risk of a cardiovascular event, is of considerable concern'. Jones made a rare public appearance in July when was a guest speaker at a dinner to celebrate Matt Canavan's 10th anniversary in the Senate at The Paddock restaurant in the coastal town of Yeppoon, just outside Rockhampton, in Queensland. He appeared in good spirits as he smiled while posing for photographs with other attendees, including Liberal National Party representatives Donna Kirkland and Glen Kelly and former Labor Party powerbroker Graham Richardson. The broadcaster posed while smiling widely for photographs with the likes of former Labor Party powerbroker Graham Richardson during a rare public appearance in July He posed with attendees, including Liberal National Party representatives Donna Kirkland and Glen Kelly, at a dinner to celebrate Matt Canavan's 10th anniversary in the Senate Although Jones insisted he was still mentally agile, he said his immediate priority was his physical wellbeing. 'I must now take the medical advice and do everything within my power to preserve my existence in the most comfortable way possible,' he said in his video in March. 'I have every intention of returning to broadcasting, but for now, I'll be focusing on myself, which at my age, I ought to do. 'If others want to continue to throw stones at me. That is their choice.' They'd all been expecting a certain amount of pain. What none had envisaged, ahead of last week's Labour Budget, however, was a systematic assault on their entire way of life. For that is how the farmers of Britain regard a single, catastrophic clause in Rachel Reeves' masterplan for the British economy: a 20 per cent inheritance tax bill on 'business and agricultural assets over 1 million' kicking in from April 2026. 'The best thing a lot of people like us can do for the family is hurry up and pop our clogs,' reflects Olive Harrison, 76, over a cup of tea. No one sitting in this kitchen full of farming folk is laughing. With social media channels spreading (unconfirmed) reports of at least two West Country farming suicides linked to tax worries, this is a very serious point. And it is very hard to quarrel with the analysis of Mrs Harrison. Jonathan Waring, 59, with daughter Rebecca, son-in-law Richard, left, and their daughters Poppy, 5, and Lily, 3 For the fact is that the average family farm is worth far more than 1 million on paper even if Ms Reeves insists not and is almost certainly struggling to stay afloat. Even if a family can make full use of a spouse's allowance thus getting 2 million over the intergenerational line the new rule is still crippling. 'Let's say the farmhouse is worth 500,000, just look outside at the machinery in the yard,' says Olive's son, Olly Harrison. He points to his own 506,000 combine harvester parked within sight of the kitchen table, plus two huge tractors. 'So you've easily hit a million before you even start adding on the land. Since the average farm in this country is 217 acres and farmland is 10,000 an acre, just do the maths.' It means that the first thing any son or daughter inheriting that farm will have to do is flog off at least 20 per cent of it. 'Show me any other business where you have to sell a fifth of the shop floor before you get started,' says Olly, who hopes to hand all this 350 acres plus 1,000 rented acres on to his three young children. He says the only thing keeping his farm afloat is diversification into areas from office space to drying wood chips. He has become a powerful voice amid the hay bales, having started a daily YouTube blog, which now clocks up big audiences, from the family farm near Widnes on Merseyside. His phone, he says, has not stopped ringing since Budget day. This weekend I have been talking to farmers all over the country and have also come to an impromptu gathering in the Harrisons' kitchen. I can truly say that I have not known the countryside this angry since those epic marches against the Blairite hunting ban except this goes deeper. Farmers had been expecting a certain amount of pain. What none had envisaged, ahead of last week's Labour Budget, however, was a systematic assault on their entire way of life Lancashire farmers Olive, Tom and Oliver Harrison spoke to Robert Hardman of their anguish Worse still, I have not witnessed a sense of despair like this since those ghastly pyres lit the night sky during the foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001. Mr Harrison points out that incidents of depression and suicide are prevalent in a solitary profession which can suddenly fall apart on the whim of weather or disease. This summer, he drove that combine harvester on a sponsored drive from John o' Groats to Land's End it took four and a half days in memory of two farmer friends, David and Andrew, who had taken their own lives. There are other factors which have both enraged and alarmed farming families, quite apart from the fact that Steve Reed, now Environment Secretary, declared ten months back that Labour had 'no intention' of removing agricultural property relief. As MP for inner city Streatham, he recently staged a farmyard photo opportunity wearing a 420 pair of designer wellies given to him by Labour fixer Lord Alli. No wonder Mr Reed now sits somewhere between swine fever and potato blight in the country charts. And the timing could not be worse. Olly Harrison takes me round to the huge shed where he stores crops for the local farming co-operative. Usually, it should be piled to the rafters. He opens the shutters to reveal an expanse of concrete floor with a pitiful heap at the back. Oliver says the only thing keeping his own farm afloat is diversification into other areas, from office space to drying wood chips Oliver has become a powerful voice amid the hay bales having started a daily YouTube blog, which now clocks up big audiences, from the family farm near Widnes on Merseyside Hardman meets farmers in Lancashire following last week's Budget 'We should have had 600 tons of beans this year but we got 94,' he says. 'This has been the worst harvest since 1983. Except, back then, the country had 50 million people to feed. Now, it's nearer 70 million. This country has a major food security problem anyway.' Back in his kitchen, I meet a cross-section of farmers from Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire. All are dismayed by the inference that a farm over 1 million makes them 'wealthy' when it will barely wash its face. They also point out that 1 million equates to the state-subsidised pension pot of a middle-ranking public- sector worker, when their own meagre pensions are all tied up in their land anyway. James Almond, 59, is the fifth generation of the family at Cronton Farm and wants to hand it on to his son. 'We're small 150 acres but my accountant has told me we'll be hit by this tax,' he says. 'If each generation has to pay 20 per cent, it's soon gone. You can only take so many bites of the cherry before you hit the stone.' Brothers Alec and Geoffrey Patten have spent their entire lives working on Higher Shaw Farm but say that it up can no longer support both of them so Geoff has a second job off the farm. John Shaw grows potatoes on 1,900 acres near Tarporley in Cheshire and wants to hand on to at least one of his teenage sons. 'We all accept that some cash-rich City types have been buying up farmland as a tax-avoidance scheme but don't confuse them with real farmers who put every penny they earn back into the farm,' he says. Andrew Sewell, 60, is the third generation of farmers in his family and says he would feel a huge amount of guilt if he was the one to let the farm go Resistance among farmers is now stirring with the NFU planning a march in London on November 19 He'd have no problem if Rachel Reeves slapped a hefty tax on any land sales especially land sold for development. 'This is different. After 2026, you can't afford to die.' Danny Humphries is the future or, at least he was. Aged 27, he grew up on the family's 300 arable acres and rents another 200, with a view to handing on to his children. 'That ain't happening now,' he says firmly. We are joined by solicitor Andrew Holden, an expert on rural law, who says several clients are making fast-track plans to put land in trust, 'though you do have to die in the right order'. Over in Ellerton, East Yorkshire, it is the same message at a gathering of farming families at South Ross Farm, home of Andrew Sewell, 60. The NFU chairman for his part of the county, Mr Sewell works the cattle, poultry and arable farm with his mother, Jean, 82, father Tom, 82, wife Diane, 60 and son Patrick, 30. His brother Mark, 58, also farms with wife Fiona, 57, and their son Harvey, 19. 'In the 1960s, this farm sustained six families,' says Andrew. 'Not any more. It barely sustains two because of the squeeze on returns. There is a huge stigma if you are the one to sell off the family firm. I am the third generation of farmers in our family and I'd feel a huge amount of guilt if I was the one to let this go.' Diane warns of the toll on entire families. 'This has a real knock-on effect mentally. Mums are supposed to make everything better,' she says. 'And there's nothing I can do to make this better.' Jonathan Waring, 59, runs Park Farm, in Everingham, near York, with his son, Tom, 31. 'I expect the sleepless nights will happen when it really sinks in,' he says. Son-in-law Richard Harris, 37, works the farm part-time, while daughter, Rebecca, 33, also works in agriculture and the couple have daughters Poppy, five, and Lily, three. 'I keep thinking that this isn't happening to us, but the reality is that it is and it's going to hit us hard,' says Rebecca. Stuart Craven, 75, and his wife Di, 73, farm sheep at Thornton Lodge Farm with daughter Jenny Smith, 47, her husband Matt, 51, and their daughters Lilia, 17, and Hettie, 15. 'It's depressing. I think this will affect a lot of people mentally. The longer you think about it the worse it gets,' says Stuart. 'It is not so bad for me but I worry about the next generation because there's going to be nothing for them.' Lilia and Hettie have been involved in every aspect of farm life, especially in the lambing season. 'You are brought up thinking your whole future will be in farming, even sacrificing schooling, to focus all your energy on the family firm and then you could be left with nothing because it is diminishing,' says Lilia. Resistance is now stirring. The NFU has a march planned in London for November 19. Recent history shows that the countryside counts for little with a metropolitan Labour government sitting on a fat majority. But if you no longer have a farm worth farming, what might you do with that redundant muck-spreader? The migrant maid who was allegedly murdered by her British businessman lover in Hong Kong toiled away to send a pittance to her family in Indonesia, who she was due to see shortly before her death. Married entrepreneur Jamie Chapman, 34, is in custody in Hong Kong accused of killing his alleged lover Mevi Novitasari, 25, after a night-time assignation at a waterfall beauty spot. It has been claimed the pair entered the small coastal park together - but Chapman, who is from Surrey and has a wife and young son in Hong Kong, left alone. Miss Novitasari's body was found on the beach at the foot of the waterfall the next morning with serious head injuries last Monday. The Muslim single-mother had been working as a maidservant in the former British colony and sending a few hundred pounds a month home to her five-year-old daughter and parents in Cilacap, on Java, Indonesia. Tragically she had been due to return to their arms while awaiting the renewal of her two-year Hong Kong visa. Last night grieving Miss Novitasari's mother Manisem said: 'We were eagerly expecting her home, but instead we received the news of her passing. Mevi Novitasari (pictured) was found dead at a famed beauty spot in Hong Kong last week Jamie Chapman (pictured being escorted to Hong Kong's Eastern Court on Friday) stands accused of killing his lover The British businessman is originally from Surrey 'We are shocked by her untimely death.' After only first hearing rumours of her demise on social media, the family then received a brief call from the Indonesian consulate in Hong Kong, before a visit from the Association of Former Migrant Workers Union of Indonesia yesterday. At the same time in Hong Kong, the Daily Mail witnessed a demonstration by the Indonesian Migrant Workers of Hong Kong in the now China-controlled island's Victoria park. Women in headscarves called for 'Justice for Waterfall Bay victim', while fundraising for Miss Novitasari's family, and demanding compensation for them. Some among tens of thousands of Indonesian servants on the island, almost all women, they complain of harsh working conditions, mainly in Chinese homes, with little government protection. They are currently modestly campaigning for a guaranteed 11 rest hours per 24-hour day - eight to sleep, three to relax, and a limit of 13 hours' daily labour. Mevi Novitasari was due to visit her family (pictured) before her tragic passing Chapman (pictured, centre) is believed to have studied at Loughborough University Migrant Workers Union chairwoman Sring - who said she had only one name - said: 'Of course the law in the Chinese court must be fair for Mr Chapman. 'But it must find justice for Mevi too, and remember she was not only a woman, and a domestic worker, but a human being who was brutally killed.' The Indonesian campaigner also noted that Miss Novitasari is not her first vulnerable countrywoman to meet a grim end in Hong Kong. Ten years ago two Indonesian women aged 26 and 23, one from the same region as Miss Novitasari, were tortured and murdered there by British serial killer Rurik Jutting - like Chapman, from Surrey - who is now serving life in jail on the island. And Chapman, who was remanded on Friday in custody at Hong Kong eastern court until a next hearing in the New Year, could find himself alongside Jutting in jail. After allegedly leaving Waterfall Park last week, he seems to have returned to the home he shared with his wife, a Hong Kong national, 36, and their young son, in a high-rise block of flats on the islet of Ap Lei Chau. A coffee shop owned by accused murderer Jamie Chapman in Hong Kong Collect picture of Mevi Novitasari, who allegedly died at the hands of British Hong Kong businessman Jamie Chapman They are then said to have departed Hong Kong for the mainland - but were both arrested at a a high-speed railway station in West Kowloon there on Tuesday, apparently on their way back home. Mrs Chapman has been freed on bail after being arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender. She must report to a police station in December. When the Daily Mail called at the Chapmans' 19th floor flat, their son's scooter and trike were outside. Mrs Chapman declined to speak, saying she felt 'unwell'. Local media has speculated Chapman had met Miss Novitasari to end their alleged affair - and that she then died. She had been working with another family, and according to local law should have been living with them. Housemaids here only have Sunday off. It is not clear if she was dead before she hit the shallow pool on the beach 40 feet below the precarious top of the waterfall, which can only be reached by climbing over barriers. It is not clear if she was dead before she hit the shallow pool on the beach 40 feet below the precarious top of the waterfall, which can only be reached by climbing over barriers A demonstration and vigil in Victoria Park, Hong Kong by Indonesian domestic maid workers in support Mevi Novitasari The prosecution on Friday successfully sought an adjournment so police investigation can continue. There was neither any objection from Chapman's lawyer, nor any request for bail, nor a plea. Superintendent Sin Kwok-Ming said Chapman had done 'many unreasonable things, including not contacting police'. Chapman, believed to be a Loughborough university graduate, launched an upmarket Italian ice cream 'gelateria' called Givres in one of central Hong Kong's smartest areas eight years ago. He had more recently relocated the shop to the high-rise city's equivalent of London's trendy Soho, and renamed it Barista, with more of an emphasis on coffee. Online he boasts his ice cream concept 'was born in London', and that his ice creams sculpted into the form of roses are 'topped off with Great British service'. He was also involved in promoting a stylish portable coffee grinder-cum-coffee-maker, Brewbuddy, launched in Britain by his father Kevin, 63, and sister Sophie, 31. When a reporter called at the family's smart 1m detached home in Virginia Water, Surrey, the curtains were drawn and there was no answer at the door. New Zealand shows strong presence at 7th China International Import Expo Xinhua) 10:35, November 04, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Srinagar, Nov 4 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed ruckus on the very first day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Member Legislative Assembly Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra proposed the house to pass a resolution against the abrogation of Article 370 on Monday. The PDP legislator Parra speaking in the House after the election of Speaker was conducted, requested the Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370 to Jammu and Kashmir. "I request the Assembly to pass a resolution for the restoration of Article 370," Waheed said while also handing over PDP's resolution to the Speaker. As the PDP MLA Para was speaking, the BJP legislators stood up and urged the Speaker to expunge Waheeds words as it was against the rules. However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised the BJP leaders to leave it to him, saying, "You can't dictate terms to the Speaker." The members exchanged words and created rucks in the house despite the speaker trying to restore the proceedings of the house. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's speaking on the issue said that he knew that some members would move a resolution adding they were not expecting it to happen on the day one of the session. "A single honourable member can't decide. What happens in this session would be decided by the treasury benches, " Omar said, adding that some people wanted to create a news t before the cameras. The speaker adjourned the house later for 10 minutes. UNI MJR/QAB GNK The number of diabetic Scots needing medication to help manage their condition has increased by 15 per cent in just four years, new Public Health Scotland data has revealed. Scottish prescription rates for diabetes are at an all-time high, with 4 million pills handed out over the last year at a cost of 127.5 million. This marks an increase of more than 236,000 prescriptions alone from the year before. The significant data comes amid growing concerns regarding the number of Scottish individuals diagnosed with the condition, with John Kinnear, national director at Diabetes Scotland, telling the Mail in 2023 that the country was in the grip of an escalating diabetes crisis. The charity estimated that 1.1 million Scots are currently at a high risk of developing type two diabetes, citing age, genetics, weight and lifestyle as possible reasons for this figure. Insulin is one of the medicines used by people with diabetes in Scotland Their annual survey in 2023 also found there to be approximately 340,000 people living with diabetes in Scotland, an increase by nearly 23,000 since 2020/21. Diabetes is a condition in which ones blood sugar levels become too high. Type one diabetes occurs when the bodys immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, whilst type two diabetes is when the body cannot produce enough insulin, or insulin is not adequately recognised by the bodys cells. Several medication options are currently available on the NHS to help treat the condition, including Insulin, Metformin, Sukphonylureas and a multitude of weight loss medications. However, recent concerns have been raised about the availability of drugs used to treat type-2 diabetes in particular, with a global shortage in supply caused, at least in part, by a surge in off-label prescriptions of weight loss drug Semaglutide, alongside Ozempic. Amidst fears voiced by medical professionals that Scottish diabetics are at risk without treatment, those living with type 2 diabetes can be offered Mounjaro if they are unable to access Ozempic, Tulicity or other GLP-1 medications. It is hoped the prescription scarcity will ease by the end of 2024 and going into 2025. In response to the rising numbers of Scottish diabetic prescription rates, Kinnear said: The number of people living with diabetes has been rising over recent years, so we would expect to see this increase in spending on prescriptions for diabetes medication in Scotland. Medications for diabetes are vital, as some people require insulin to live, and other medications can help reduce the risk of longer-term complications, such as heart, foot and eye disease. 'This also includes access to diabetes technology like glucose monitors and insulin pumps. Whilst some medications are expensive, more than half of NHS Scotlands current spending on diabetes is on the treatment of complications. 'This is, therefore, an important investment, not only for the wellbeing of people living with diabetes, but also to help prevent future serious health issues. Getting the right care for people living with diabetes can save limbs, sight and lives and, over time, reduce costs to the NHS. Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said: Its hugely worrying that so many more Scots require medication for diabetes. Many of these will be living with diabetes through no fault of their own. But its well-known that the overall rate of diabetes can be indicative of other health and lifestyle issues. This will be placing an immense strain on the NHS, and limits life quality and expectancy for people across the country. The Scottish Government needs to ensure more effort goes into encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, and that adequate funding is in place for those who need treatment. Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said the figures are 'worrying' A spokesperson from the Scottish Government said: We are focused on prevention and early intervention to reduce peoples risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are working closely with NHS boards to deliver effective services for those at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prescribing decisions are made by taking into account guidance and the individuals medical history. 'We recommend all medications be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain the best option for the individual. Sunrise host Nat Barr surprised an American by highlighting the major differences between the Australian and US voting systems. As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump make their final pitches to voters ahead of the election on Wednesday, Barr, who is in Washington to cover it, revealed that many Americans have not yet cast their votes. 'They're saying about 74 million people have already voted, which is nearly half of the total who voted last time,' Barr said. 'It sounds impressive, but considering that 160 million people voted in the last election and there are about 245 million eligible voters, we're still about 80 million short. 'It shows how crucial it is to get people out to vote. Voting in the US isn't compulsory like it is in Australia. 'I mentioned this to one woman, saying, "Oh, we have to vote", and she asked, "What do you mean?" I explained that voting is compulsory. 'She then asked, "What happens if you don't vote?" and I told her there's a fine. 'She couldn't believe it. That's why you'll see celebrities like Beyonce, LeBron James, and Taylor Swift probably performing tomorrow night in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the swing state with the most electoral college votes. It's why all these stars are turning out to encourage people to vote.' Later in the show, Barr suggested Trump could be benefiting from the 'bro vote' - young, straight Christian men who feel outcast politically, during an interview with former Obama administration official Peter Loge. Nat Barr is in Washington as part of the network's coverage of the US presidential election Barr suggested Republican candidate Donald Trump was benefiting from the 'bro vote', young straight Christian men who feel rejected by other candidates 'What about the 'bro vote'?' she asked. 'A lot has been made of Trump attracting men. 'One theory is that straight, white, Christian males who want to be part of a movement that doesn't reject them are voting for him.' Lodge explained that Trump is encouraging many young men to vote. 'There are two voter groups here - one that would never vote for a woman or a Democrat, and another of younger men who might not have voted before but whom Trump is motivating to turn out as he has in past elections,' he said. A neo-Nazi group have defied a ban to climb a mountain and unfurl a banner claiming it for the 'white man' after it was closed off due to its significance to Aboriginal Australians. Members of far-right group the National Socialist Network were seen masked with balaclavas on Mount Warning in NSW, holding up a banner proclaiming 'Mt Warning for white man' from a summit lookout and later fixing it to a fence. One of the uniformly black-clad men holds an Australian flag while two others display the neo-Nazi flag. Mt Warning, now known as Wollumbin, was closed to climbers along its trail four years ago amid the Covid pandemic, but has since remained shut due to its cultural significance to Indigenous Australians, particularly the Bundjalung nation. 'The National Socialist Network in Queensland travelled to climb Mt Warning last weekend,' the group said. 'White Australians established and maintained the trail for nearly a century, and White Australians will decide who climbs it.' In August, a hiking activist and a NSW state MP also defied the ban on climbing the mountain near Murwillumbah in northern NSW. Members of far right group the National Socialist Network in Queensland stage a protest on Mount Warning, which has been closed to non-Indigenous peeople NSW Upper House MP John Ruddick and Marc Hendrickx, of the Right to Climb advocacy group, were photographed posing arms around each other's shoulders at the summit lookout wearing Libertarian Party branded clothing. 'Access to these wonderful natural places is part of what really underlies and builds our Australian character; and if we were unable to access these places, then really it's like an attack on being Australian,' Mr Hendrickx said. 'Mount Warning genuinely is a charismatic mountain and so I understand why some Aboriginal groups say it's a sacred mountain, but I agree with other Aboriginal groups that say, "look, it is sacred, but it's so sacred everybody should be able to climb it",' Mr Ruddick said. A member of the black-clad and masked group was seen tying the the sign to the lookout's fence Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in August, both men slammed the current rules around Mount Warning, the disrepair of its walking tracks and the state government for continually extending its closure. NSW National Parks has defended the ban 'Wollumbin is highly significant to Aboriginal people, particularly the Bundjalung nation,' it said. 'Visitors are asked to respect their wishes and not climb the summit track.' 'Decisions about the future of the summit track will be made by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in accordance with the wishes of Aboriginal custodians.' The traditional custodians have been represented by the Wollumbin Consultative Group, which represents a range of Aboriginal groups and families with connections to Wollumbin according to its website. NSW Upper House MP John Ruddick (left) and Marc Hendrickx, a member of the Right to Climb advocacy group, (right) climbed the Wollumbin-Mount Warning summit trail on Saturday despite the track being closed to the public since 2020 The group previously caused an uproar when they claimed allowing females - including those of Indigenous heritage - on the site would ruin its cultural significance. It has also been criticised for its 'secrecy' and being difficult to get a response from. 'I don't have confidence in them,' Mr Ruddick said. 'They're a very secretive group. I've asked a number of times through national parks to have meetings with them, but I've been denied access,' Mr Hendrickx said. 'I haven't been able to get in touch, or get phone numbers, or make contact with them. I'd love to be able to sit down at a table and discuss the issue face to face.' Mr Ruddick tabled a petition to NSW parliament in August calling for the immediate reopening of the Wollumbin Mount Warning summit trail earlier this year. Mount Warning is famous as it is the highest peak at Australia's most easterly point, thereby being the first part of Australia each day to get sunlight The MP said its closure is costing the region millions in lost tourist revenue and labelled the move to close it as a 'power grab'. 'This closure is hurting this town, there used to be hundreds of thousands of people who would come and climb this incredible, very unique mountain who don't come anymore,' Mr Ruddick said. 'I spent about seven hours here yesterday with the local community at the pub, which is the main sort of meeting place for the town, and not one person I met said that they'd ever heard that it was a sacred Aboriginal site until Covid.' Mount Warning is famous as it is the highest peak at Australia's most easterly point, thereby being the first part of Australia each day to get sunlight. The peak attracted more than 127,000 visitors every year before the picturesque trail in the Tweed shire was shut down in March 2020. Russian spies have been accused of trying to derail Moldova's election with a failed 'bomb threat' plot at British polling stations for Moldovan ex-pats. Moldova went to the polls yesterday in a knife-edge election, which the pro-Western president Maia Sandu appears to have narrowly won. However, the campaign was marred by alleged election meddling by the Kremlin in an apparent attempt to skew the vote towards Ms Sandu's more Putin-friendly opponent, intelligence experts last night feared. That interference has not taken place exclusively within Moldova, with the nation's foreign ministry claiming polling stations for ex-pats in the UK and Germany had been targeted by bomb threats that were 'intended only to stop the voting process.' In the UK, election centres in Liverpool and Northampton were reportedly impacted, with the Liverpool location being forced to move to Manchester over security fears. Now a former British spymaster has claimed Kremlin operatives working as part of the secretive GRU agency in Russia may well have been behind the hoax threats. Yesterday, Moldova went to the polls in a knife-edge election which the pro-Western president Maia Sandu appears to have narrowly won. However the campaign was marred by election interference from the Kremlin Ms Sandu has obtained 52 per cent of the vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission, or CEC, compared with 48 per cent for Alexandr Stoianoglo (pictured), a former prosecutor general who is backed by the pro-Russia Party of Socialists Moldovans living in Russia stand in line at a polling station in the Moldova embassy building. Moldova's foreign ministry claimied that polling stations for ex-pats in the UK and Germany had been targeted by bomb threats which are 'intended only to stop the voting process.' Russian spies have been accused of trying to derail Moldova's election with a failed 'bomb threat' plots at British polling stations for Moldovan ex-pats Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Colonel Phillip Ingram - a former officer in British military intelligence - said it was 'highly likely' Russia was behind the false bomb threats on Sunday with Moscow aware that 'every vote counts' in the tight presidential election. He said: 'Russia has been involved in trying to create disruption and influence elections across the world to try and make sure the results are favourable to Russia. 'First and foremost they want to disrupt the elections, create distrust and put pressure on the international community to deal with these political issues and take focus away from Ukraine.' Colonel Ingram - who worked for the intelligence agency for 26 years - said that Russia's motive for interfering in other countries' affairs was to inflict 'death by a thousand cuts.' He said: 'No one incident of meddling is catastrophic but if they keep attacking both directly and through interference they will force countries to spend more and more money to prevent it.' While Col Ingram said it was 'highly likely' Russia was behind the bomb threats, he added that Moscow always makes sure it has plausible deniability for its actions. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Phillip Ingram (pictured) - a former military intelligence colonel - said it was 'highly likely' Russia was behind the false bomb threats on Sunday with Moscow aware that 'every vote counts' in the tight presidential election CCTV footage of the suspect in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings. Colonel Ingram that Moscow always makes sure it has plausible deniability for its actions. For example, the two Russian suspects in Salisbury claimed they were simply tourists visiting the Wiltshire city A Moldovan woman residing in Romania casts her ballot at a polling station. Sergei Turcan, a spokesperson for the Northamptonshire Moldovan Association who was at the polling station, said that he found out about the bomb threat after Northamptonshire Police rushed to the scene Moldovan voters in Bucharest. A spokesperson from Northamptonshire Police confirmed that they had received 'an unsubstantiated threat to a building, which is being used as a polling station today' He cited the case of the Salisbury poisonings in 2018 which injured Russian nationals Sergei and Yulia Skripal and later killed British woman Dawn Sturgess. Two Russian suspects appeared on Russian state media at the time and claimed they were simply tourists visiting the Wiltshire city. Yesterday's false bomb threats appear to have severely disrupted voting in Liverpool. A post on Facebook from the Embassy of Moldova in the UK said that voting had to be moved from Liverpool to Manchester, 35 miles away. However, in Northampton voters were able to go with little disruption. Sergei Turcan, a spokesperson for the Northamptonshire Moldovan Association who was at the polling station, said he found out about the bomb threat after Northamptonshire Police rushed to the scene. Mr Turcan said: 'No one rang us to threaten a bomb it was the police who came to us. They reached us very fast and they went around to check everything. 'We were really grateful for their reaction.' A spokesperson from Northamptonshire Police confirmed they had received 'an unsubstantiated threat to a building, which is being used as a polling station today' and that officers were at the polling station to ensure 'the security and safety of the community.' Early results suggest that Ms Sandu has narrowly secured a second term with her narrow victory likely to rely on the diaspora vote Former state prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo has been dubbed a 'Russian Trojan horse' Mr Tucan was very aware of who was likely behind the attack. He said: 'I have no idea what happened but it is likely the one who doesn't want Moldova to join Europe and wants to go against the best president to lead our country.' Early results suggest that Ms Sandu has narrowly secured a second term with her narrow victory likely to rely on the diaspora vote. With nearly 95 per cent of votes counted in the second round of the presidential election held on Sunday, Ms Sandu had obtained 52 per cent of the vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission, or CEC, compared with 48 per cent for Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general who is backed by the pro-Russia Party of Socialists. Government officials have accused the Kremlin of trying to fix the vote in favour of Stoigangolo. 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. There are only two polling stations in Russia where half a million Moldovans live and both are in Moscow. Moldova is a small 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. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021. The country 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. 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. A pro-Western government led by Ms Sandu has been in power in Moldova since 2021 This was a vote similarly marred by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. 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. With parliamentary elections set to take place in 2025 some observers have warned that Russian interference in Moldovan democracy could be far from over. A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: 'We have received an unsubstantiated threat to a building, which is being used as a polling station today. 'There is nothing to suggest that this threat is genuine however officers from the Force are at the polling station to not only engage with those present but also to ensure the security and safety of the community. 'With all public events we would remind everybody to remain vigilant. If you spot something that doesn't feel right, trust your gut, and report it to us straight away. We'd rather it be nothing than you have not told us at all.' MailOnline have approached Merseyside Police, the Home Office, the Moldovan embassy and the Russian embassy for a comment. Vice President Kamala Harris fired up a crowd of young voters on the Michigan State University Campus Sunday night after a shock poll out of Iowa gave her hopes she could find a path to victory fueled by women voters. The Democratic candidate made a bold claim about the state of the presidential race with polls on a knife-edge less than 48 hours until the polls close. 'We have momentum on our side can you feel it?' she told thousands of screaming student voters inside the Jenison Field House on campus in East Lansing. The showdown between Harris and Trump is shaping up to be one of the closest in 50 years. The candidates are frantically jetting between swing states that will decide the election as time runs out in one of the most unprecedented presidential election campaigns in generations. Vice President Kamala Harris got loud applause when she spoke about abortion rights and praised Generation Z She gave a nod to a campus hero when she called it 'the house of my dear friend Magic Johnson Go Green!' And in an acknowledgement of a challenge that has dogged her candidacy as it did President Biden's, she spoke at some length about the Middle East at the top of her remarks. That allowed her to get a jump on potential protesters and disruptions. She gave a shout out to leaders of the Arab American community 'which has deep and proud roots here in Michigan,' then added: 'This year has been difficult given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza.' She said as president she would do 'everything in my power to end the war in Gaza' getting cheered loudly inside the venue as well as to 'bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure' and ensure 'the Palestinians people can realize their right to dignity, freedom and security and self determination.' Harris managed to get through the speech without suffering major protests although a man yelled 'Cease fire!' just after she heralded 'Gen Z' and told student leaders, 'I see you and I see your power.' Democrats traditionally hold the edge among young voters, but the Harris camp has had to stare down troubling surveys showing erosion in the group in battleground Michigan a state that is key to her most plausible path to victory. At the same time, she must contend with worries about a shift of some Arab American and Muslim voters toward Donald Trump amid fury over Israel's war in Gaza. The late polling shows a big gender gap, with Harris running up the score among women, and Trump holding a big edge among men. One of her biggest lines in East Lansing came when she spoke about abortion and the 'fundamental freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body.' Harris already banked the vote of Daphne Ruby, a 21-year-old fourth year student. 'Honestly, it was just very calming ... I feel like we all just agree on one thing and that's just like we want something better for our country,' she said. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Harris talked up the importance of young voters on the last day of early voting in Michigan Supporters react as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Jenison Field House 'You all are rightly impatient for change,' Harris told Gen Z voters, in one of her stock lines. 'I see you and I see your power,' she said Brooke Racine, 19, a first-time voter from Lake Orion, liked how Harris handled the Gaza issue. 'She hasn't really said much about it, so I'm happy that she said first thing' about the issue, and noted that a lot of college students are concerned about the issue. 'I think her saying it here, and saying it so clear, that was really important,' she said. With just two days before Election Day, it was a day of demographic strategy for the Harris campaign. The campaign said there were 7,000 people packed into the arena, with more outside in an overflow area. Harris's optimism came on a day when some encouraging polls came in for her. But she holds the narrowest of an edge in battleground Michigan and Wisconsin, with Trump holding a tiny margin in Pennsylvania in the RealClearPolitics average. Harris started her day in Detroit, where she visited a black church just hours after her surprise trip to appear on 'Saturday Night Live' in a bid to get before as many eyeballs on TV as possible. Later, she visited a barbershop in Pontiac, in Oakland County Michigan, a critical battleground where Joe Biden won with 56 percent of the vote in 2020. Vice President Kamala Harris traveled around the state of Michigan Sunday Harris spoke at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit to start the day Harris rallied students at Michigan State University, days after rallying students at the University of Michigan. They packed into the Jenison Field House, where Magic Johnson once powered the Spartans She also popped into Kuzzos Chicken and Waffles in Detroits Livernois district in the final hours of a campaign that began with a play by Trump to question her racial identity. Those stops were meant to underline the importance of African American voters turning out to vote, in a race where Trump has eaten away at a traditional edge among Black and Hispanic men. 'As a nation, we face real challenges, we carry real burdens. We feel real pain, and we must remember that faith, combined with our actions, gives us power, the power to move past division and fear and chaos, the power to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God,' Harris said, speaking at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit. 'And the power to fulfil The promise of America, the promise of freedom and opportunity, not just for some, but for all,' she said, in a city with a long history of labor and civil rights direct action. 'So church, we have two days, two days until we decide the fate of our nation,' she said. She didn't mention Trump by name on her fourth consecutive Sunday in a Black church, although she did say 'there are those who seek to deepen division, sow hate, spread fear and cause chaos.' It came on a day Trump went on what he calls 'the weave' at his afternoon rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He called Democrats 'demonic,' complained about the bulletproof glass surrounding him, said 'somebody would have to shoot through the fake news' to get him, and said he 'shouldnt have left' the White House in 2020 when he lost to Joe Biden. The shock Des Moines Register / Mediacom poll had Harris leading Trump 47-44 in Iowa, a state that hasn't been competitive in a presidential race in November for years. The Trump campaign dismissed it as an outlier, although it drew sudden attention by showing Harris beating Trump by 20 points, 56 to 36, among women, greater than his 52-38 margin among men. She was nominated for her 'unparalleled bravery' The hero cop who shot dead the Westfield Bondi Junction knifeman after he killed six people and wounded others has been nominated for NSW's Australian of the Year. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, 39, chased after and shot dead Joel Cauchi after he went on a murderous rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13. The senior officer, who is attached to the eastern suburbs police command, was near the busy shopping centre as the horrific attack unfolded. Inspector Scott entered the Westfield by herself, sprinting through the top level of the complex before coming face-to-face with Cauchi, who was brandishing a 30cm knife. Witnesses said Inspector Scott yelled at Cauchi 'put it down' before he lunged at her, and she fired, shooting him in the chest. Inspector Scott's bravery has put her in the running for the top honour, making her one of four candidates for NSW's Australian of the Year. 'Inspector Scott displayed unparalleled bravery and dedication to service during a mass casualty event at a Sydney shopping centre,' the nomination read. 'Without hesitation or regard for her own safety, Inspector Scott responded with exceptional courage, not waiting for backup and choosing to face the threat head-on and alone, a decision that would define her heroism.' Police Inspector Amy Scott has been nominated for NSW's Australian of the Year Inspector Scott was nominated for her 'unparalleled bravery' after she chased and shot dead Joel Cauchi following his murderous rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13 (pictured) 'Her actions saved countless lives and showcased her unwavering leadership in the face of extreme danger. 'Inspector Scott's fearless and decisive actions are an inspiration to all Australians.' Inspector Scott was awarded the Commissioner's Valour Award following her bravery at the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. She was also met King Charles and Queen Camila during their six-day tour of Australia last month. On their final day, the royal couple attended a traditional Australian barbecue at Parramatta which was hosted by NSW Premier Chris Minns and his wife Anna. Inspector Scott was one of the 'inspiring Australians' introduced to the King and Queen during the picnic event. The King had a sombre meeting with Inspector Scott who briefly told him about the terrifying ordeal. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Web, who also attended the event, said it was 'fitting' for Inspector Scott to meet the King and Queen. 'It's a privilege to be invited today among a very privileged group of people, and I look forward to meeting the King Queen,' she said. 'Obviously the events of April earlier this year were played out across the world. I think it's fitting that the King and Queen have an opportunity to meet her.' Inspector Scott was awarded the Commissioner's Valour Award following her bravery at the Bondi Junction stabbing attack (pictured, Inspector Scott receiving the award from Commissioner Karen Webb) Martha Jabour OAM, who established the Homicide Victims Support Group in 1993 to fare for families and friends of homicide victims in NSW, has also been nominated as NSW's Local Hero. Ms Jabour was nominated for her work in supporting the overseas families of the Bondi Junction attack victims. The victims included new mum Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, mother-of-two Jade Young, local artist Pikria Darchia, 55, Westfield security guard and Pakistani refugee Faraz Tahi, 30, and Chinese national and student Yixuan Cheng. Inspector Scott was nominated for NSW's Australia of the Year alongside journalist and author Jess Hill, Youth advocate and educator Daniel Principe and Kindness Factory founder Kath Koschel. Thousands of Australians have signed a petition calling for 'predatory sex worker' Bonnie Blue to be banned from Australia after she revealed her Schoolies plans. The adult content creator, who is from the UK but lives in Queensland, recently bedded hordes of young men at Nottingham Trent University and filmed it for her OnlyFans account. Now Blue, 25, and fellow OnlyFans model Annie Knight - aka 'Australia's most sexually active woman' - have invited 'barely legal 18-year-olds' attending high school graduation celebrations on the Gold Coast to film adult content with them and say those against them are 'just jealous'. A change.org petition has called for Blue's visa for Australia to be cancelled, with petition starter Bambi C writing that 'Bonnie finds (Schoolies) the perfect opportunity to find young boys to prey on and record sexual content to sell'. 'This is her sole working job whilst living in Australia from the UK. How is she contributing to our society,' Bambi asked. Child safety expert Kristi McVee is also vehemently opposed to Blue and Knight's plans, saying 'if this was a male (OnlyFans) creator targeting "barely legal" young women, we would be up in arms, they would be called paedophiles'. But Blue is unrepentant, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'They're just jealous, like the hate is coming from middle-aged women that don't understand. 'They're trying to bring shame on it. And I'm not saying you have to agree with my work.' Thousands of Australians have signed a petition calling for 'predatory sex worker' Bonnie Blue (pictured) to be banned from Australia after she revealed her Schoolies plans Bonnie Blue and fellow OnlyFans model Annie Knight (pictured) have invited 'barely legal 18-year-olds' attending Schoolies on the Gold Coast to film adult content with them Ms McVee told her TikTok followers the OnlyFans pair is 'exploiting young men. They are going to make lots of money off of this ... that exploitation is not OK, that's what's the problem. 'It's disgusting, it shouldn't be happening like this and we should get rid of them.' Blue responded by saying 'I'm not a predator and I'm not doing anything wrong. It's their bodies and it's their choice ... 'You can't be controlled by your mum your whole life. Just because they might not agree with your actions does not mean I'm a predator.' Meanwhile, child abuse activist and survivor Harrison James called Meriton Suites to complain about Blue and Knight's plans to use its Surfers Paradise premises to film OnlyFans videos with school leavers. He filmed the phone call, in which he said the pair plan to 'create adult content with underage boys, or they've used the term "barely legal" boys, who are attending the Schoolies event'. Mr Harrison said that 'while these creators emphasise that all encounters are consensual and involved proof of age verification, there are significant concerns surrounding the vetting process of that'. He added that 'given the nature of Schoolies and the prevalence of alcohol among the attendees, there's a real risk that an underage boy under the influence could slip through the cracks. 'And if an incident were to occur involving a minor or someone unable to give true consent due to intoxication ... it would be a devastating incidence of sexual abuse and exploitation. 'So I'm deeply worried about the potential concerns if proper precautions aren't taken,' he said. Blue responded to Mr Harrison's video saying 'You can't be phoning up putting in a complaint about something that hasn't happened and implying that these men are underage and they're going to be intoxicated which they're not'. She said the Schoolies taking part in their videos would have to fill in consent forms, bring a passport and will also be breathalysed. Bonnie Blue is pictured holding a sign saying 'Bonk me for free let me film it' in Nottingham Bonnie Blue (pictured) said Schoolies taking part in their videos would have to fill in consent forms, bring a passport and will also be breathalysed 'So when they're trying to say there's a blurred line, they couldn't be further from the truth, and in terms of them being under age, they're not because we couldn't even sell the content if they are under 18,' Blue said. The model said she gets 'about 300 death threats a day, and I have to employ two full-time security guards for when I am on the Gold Coast. 'They're gonna be living with me 24 hours a day.' Knight added: 'These men are of legal age, they're 18 years old, which means they're old enough to drink, drive and vote. 'So they're adults - but they're not old enough to decide who they do or do not want to have sex with?' Keir Starmer will today set out his 'personal mission' to smash people-trafficking gangs using new counter terrorism-style tactics. The Prime Minister - who scrapped the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum deal as one of his first acts in office - will vow to tackle the 'vile trade' in Channel migrants. Amid criticism from the Tories over his 'weak' record on illegal migrants - and soaring numbers of arrivals across the Channel - Sir Keir is set to pledge a series of new measures. Labour's new Border Security Command (BSC) will get enhanced powers to stop and search suspected human traffickers, including seizing their phones and other devices, the Daily Mail understands. Officials will be able to obtain search warrants to seize items from premises before an offence has even taken place - powers currently reserved only for anti-terror cases. The Prime Minister is set to unveil his 'personal mission' to smash people-trafficking gangs using counter-terrorism style tactics Labour's new Border Security Command (BSC) will get enhanced powers to stop and search suspected human traffickers. Pictured: A migrant reacts after boarding a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel on Ecault beach in northern France on October 30 Suspected people traffickers will face invasive financial searches, as the law is changed to allow courts to grant permission for scrutiny of accounts, property and other assets, government sources said. Serious Crime Prevention Orders will be expanded to suspected gang members before they are even convicted to restrict their access to the internet, banking and travel. Some of the measures will see the Terrorism Act 2000 expanded to cover immigration gangs, it is understood, including allowing investigators to copy the contents of suspected smugglers' electronic devices. Last night the Conservatives said the proposals would 'mean absolutely nothing' without a wider plan - like Rwanda - to deter small boat crossings. Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has previously said that people are dying in the Channel as a direct result of Labour 'incompetence' and 'appalling decision-making'. He added that abandoning the Rwanda plan had sent a 'massive signal' to trafficking gangs that Britain was 'softening' its border defences, fuelling a surge in small boat crossings. In a bid to counter the criticism, the PM will today urge world leaders to 'wake up' to the scale of the challenge, and attempt to polish his credentials on the borders crisis. In remarks apparently directed at Left-wing campaigners who repeatedly attempted to block Tory immigration policies, the PM will say there is 'nothing progressive about turning a blind eye' as migrants perish in the Channel. Speaking in Glasgow at the annual conference of Interpol, the international policing organisation, Sir Keir will also announce he is doubling funding for the BSC to 150million. A government spokesman described the smuggling gangs as a 'national security threat'. Some of the measures will see the Terrorism Act 2000 expanded to cover immigration gangs, it is understood. Pictured: A view of small boats and outboard motors used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent 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) Officials will be able to obtain search warrants to seize items from premises before an offence has even taken place, in powers usually reserved for anti-terror cases (stock image) 'Keir Starmer will today open the assembly in Glasgow by setting out his personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs by resetting the UK's whole approach to this challenge and intensifying international collaboration to meet the global scale of the threat,' the spokesman added. Since Labour ripped up the Rwanda deal - which was designed to save lives by deterring crossings - Channel arrivals have increased month-by-month. More than 17,500 migrants have reached Britain since the election. The running tally for the year is up 16 per cent to almost 32,000 compared with the same point last year. A series of tragic deaths in the Channel in the last three weeks have brought 2024's death toll to 59, making this the deadliest year since the crisis began at the end of 2018. The PM is expected to say: 'The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. 'I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. 'But security doesn't stop at our borders. 'There's nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel. 'This is a vile trade that must be stamped out - wherever it thrives. 'So we're taking our approach to counter-terrorism - which we know works - and applying it to the gangs with our new Border Security Command. 'We're ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies.' The counter terrorism-style powers are due to be set out in a forthcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Criminal smuggler gangs... have been getting away with it for far too long. 'Our new Border Security Command, with the investment set out today, will mean a huge step change in the way we target these criminal gangs.' A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'Keir Starmer's announcement on tackling gangs will mean absolutely nothing without a deterrent to stop migrants wishing to make the dangerous journey across the Channel. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'It is a shame that Starmer has not recognised the extent of the crisis in the Channel sooner, as he and the Labour Party voted against numerous measures to stop the gangs while they were in opposition. 'If Starmer continues to ignore the need for a deterrent to stop migrants crossing the Channel, there will be more deaths as more and more migrants continue to cross. 'He needs to get a grip.' Part of the Government's extra 75million for the BSC will set up a new organised immigration crime intelligence unit, to identify key developments contained in alerts from police forces. The PM will also announce another 24million for the Home Office next year to combat international serious organised crime including drugs and firearms, trafficking, fraud and exploitation. Some of the cash will fund special prosecutors and operations in the Western Balkans, a key trafficking hub. Ministers have previously announced the BSC will have 300 officers, while the National Crime Agency (NCA) is to get 100 investigators and intelligence officers to concentrate on human trafficking. NCA director general Graeme Biggar said: 'We are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle these networks, wherever they operate.' Interpol's general assembly, being held in the UK for the first time in more than 50 years, is its governing body and features top law enforcement officers from 196 member states. Dr. Dairon Garcia, 44, a University of Miami medical professor, has been arrested on charges he trafficked a date-rape drug A judge has slammed a University of Miami medical professor who has been arrested on charges he trafficked a date-rape drug. 'He should be so embarrassed being here,' Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer said as she lectured 44-year-old Dr. Dairon Garcia, who is being held on $15,000 bail after being hit with drug-related charges following his arrest at his apartment on Friday. 'He's a medical doctor, going through all those years of education and committing his life to helping people and to get arrested for this - that's between you, your lawyer and the criminal justice system. Good luck to you, sir,' Judge Glazer said. Authorities say they can allegedly link Garcia to a package that was intercepted at Miami International Airport that contained about 15 pounds of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, otherwise known as the date-rape drug, 'liquid ecstasy' or 'coma in a bottle.' 'He should be so embarrassed being here,' Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer said as she lectured Dr. Dairon Garcia The drug is completely colorless meaning people are often completely unaware they've taken it until they are put to sleep hence its disturbing nicknames. Garcia, who graduated from Duke University, worked as an assistant professor of clinical radiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine since 2022. Police arrested him on Friday at his downtown Miami condo following the discovery of several packages addressed to him. Investigators had tracked a package from Paris, France that was addressed to a duplex owned by Garcia. Customs officers intercepted the parcel at the airport on August 29 and then tipped off Miami police who lay in wait at the address on September 12 when it was due to be delivered. A woman collected the package at which point the address was raided. She explained to police that Garcia was her landlord and had told her to expect the package and for her to be at home to 'receive' it. Garcia has nothing to say, left, when confronted by local news crews last week Doctor Dairon Garcia's page on the University of Miami's home page has been removed Garcia had worked as an assistant professor of clinical radiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine since 2022 Authorities said the woman had text messages to prove it. The resident said they 'opened it and observed that it contained plastic bags with liquid inside the package.' Miami police were tipped off by the US Department of Homeland Security, and staked out the address when the package was delivered on Sept. 12 and picked up from the doorstep by a woman. While officers were on scene they discovered two other packages had also arrived for Garcia from France at the complex on both September 7 and 25, but to two different apartments within the building. Police are hunting for missing British artist Sarah Cunningham after she disappeared in London in the early hours of Saturday morning. Cunningham, 31, was last seen on Jamestown Road, Camden, at around 3am on the morning of November 2 and hasn't been heard from since. The 5ft 3in-tall artist was last seen wearing a black top, black skirt and black Converse trainers, according to the Met Police, which is investigating her disappearance. The Met said in a post to X: 'Anyone who sees her or has any information is asked to call 101 and give ref: CAD 2349/02Nov.' The force added that she has links to Camden and Wandsworth. Her boyfriend, Jack Brown, pleaded on social media for any information on her whereabouts to be passed on to the Met. Police are hunting for missing British artist Sarah Cunningham (pictured) after she disappeared from London's Camden district Cunningham, 31, (pictured, left) was last seen on Jamestown Road, Camden, at around 3am on the morning of November 2 The 5ft 3in-tall artist was last seen wearing a black top, black skirt and black Converse trainers, according to the Met Police He wrote on Facebook: 'My girlfriend Sarah Cunningham has been missing in Camden since 2:30 am this morning, she was last seen leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road. 'Police have been notified and she has been reported as officially missing. If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or has seen or heard anything then please let myself or the police know.' The painter had an exhibition at the Lisson Gallery between June and July. The gallery also appealed for information, writing in an Instagram post: 'We ask anyone who might have seen or heard anything, or might have any information on Sarahs whereabouts, to please urgently contact us or the Metropolitan Police on 101. We are in touch with her family and the police (crime ref: 5483).' The gallery, which hosted her in Los Angeles, said of her work: 'Throughout this exhibition, Cunningham explores aerial and bodily movements, flipping directions and orientations until reaching that moment when verticality and horizontality shift or tilt beyond recognition when up becomes down, or left suddenly turns right.' Sir James Dyson has blasted Rachel Reeves's 'spiteful' budget and warned that raising inheritance tax would 'kill off' farms and family businesses. The hoover entrepreneur, who is one of Britain's leading businessmen, made the accusations in The Times after Labour announced last week that it was raising taxes on school fees and multimillion-pound estates. The chancellor's proposals will see family firms charged 20 per cent when handing down assets of over 1million from April 2026 - below the standard 40 per cent rate - and a 20 per cent levy on farms worth more than 1million. Sir James, 77, says the changes are an 'ignorant swipe at aspiration' and added that he had 'huge empathy for the small businesses and start-ups that will suffer'. He said: ''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. Sir James Dyson (pictured) said the changes are an 'ignorant swipe at aspiration' and added that he had 'huge empathy for the small businesses and start-ups that will suffer' Rachel Reeves 's proposals will see family firms charged 20 per cent when handing down assets of over 1million from April 2026 - below the standard 40 per cent rate - and a 20 per cent levy on farms worth more than 1million 'Every business expects to pay tax, but for Labour to kill off homegrown 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.' The Office for Budget Responsibility calculates that Reeves's two measures will raise 520million by 2029-30. But other British entrepreneurs have joined Sir James in criticising the changes. Peter White, the founder of Nova Laboratories, said that his son will 'need to personally generate approximately 26million of liquid cash on my death' to continue to own and manage the Leicester-based pharmaceutical company. 'This is 40 times his personal wealth, including the value of his family's home and all possessions,' he said. According to Family Business UK, a lobbying group that represents more than 4.8 million companies, the effective tax rate would be 40 per cent rather than 20 per cent because those standing to inherit a business would need to take out a dividend to afford the tax bill. Neil Davy, the group's chief executive, said: 'Tens of thousands of family run businesses and farms will be ruined by this change. For the sake of raising a theoretical 500 million a year, it is completely disproportionate and must be reversed. 'Well-run, profitable companies will be left with no alternative but to hoist the 'for sale' sign rather than be taken on by the next generation of the family creating a bonanza for investors looking to pick up assets on the cheap.' Minette Batters accused Ms Reeves of doing 'her level best to pull the rug from under our struggling farmers Industry leaders accused the Government of breaking clear promises not to tamper with exemptions for agricultural property (file image) 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 it's for farm use' and save the genuine farmers from her plans to limit inheritance tax relief for farms to 1million. She wrote in today's 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.' 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 Clarkson's Farm writes of Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in today's Sunday Times: 'If the word on the rural grapevine about a farmer's suicide is accurate, their policy, born of bitterness and envy, may already have tipped one man over the edge.' The BBC's future is being threatened by US streaming services and could become part of the 'halcyon past' if not protected, its chairman is to warn. In his first major speech since taking on the role, Dr Samir Shah will say the 'fight is on' to protect homegrown programming. He is set to warn that unless action is taken the 'British success story' of public service broadcasting will be 'part of our halcyon past'. In a speech to be delivered on Tuesday in Leeds, he will say action is needed now to 'future-proof' broadcasters like the BBC. Speaking to an audience of industry figures, he is expected to say: 'No other country has anything like this. Dr Samir Shah (pictured) will say the 'fight is on' to protect homegrown programming in his first major speech since becoming BBC chairman Dr Shah is set to warn that unless action is taken the 'British success story' of public service broadcasting will be 'part of our halcyon past' (Pictured, a stock photo of BBC Broadcasting House) 'Public service broadcasters lie at the heart of our social and cultural life, and they are worth fighting for. 'And, to be frank, the fight is on.' His comments are understood to apply to Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 as well, who all produce significant amounts of homegrown content. He will add: 'Action is needed now to future-proof public service broadcasters, otherwise our very British success story will be part of our halcyon past.' The 72-year-old, who took on the role in March, will put forward three key steps to protect public service broadcasters (PSBs). This will include an overhaul of the regulatory regime to allow 'greater agility, flexibility, and pace' to allow PSBs to reinvent themselves for the future. There will also be a call for wealthy international streaming companies such as Netflix to invest in the UK's creative industries. He will talk of the need for long-term prominence to be retained for public service broadcasters, calling on Government and Ofcom to enforce the Media Act. His comments are understood to apply to Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 as well, who all produce significant amounts of homegrown content (stock photo) There will also be a call for wealthy international streaming companies such as Netflix to invest in the UK's creative industries (stock photo) Since becoming BBC chair Dr Shah has had to deal with the fall-out from the Huw Edwards crisis. The BBC chair previously described Edwards, who earlier this year pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, as a 'villain' who 'behaved in bad faith'. In a letter to staff in the summer Dr Shah wrote a letter to BBC staff saying the former News at Ten host had 'betrayed the trust of staff and our audiences'. The Indian-born TV and radio executive, who has worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years, will mount a passionate defence of the industry in his speech. He is also expected to say in the speech: 'British public service broadcasters have, over the years, created something quite wonderful. 'We should work together as a sector to future-proof this precious asset and put it at the heart of the growth strategy that is key to the future prosperity of this country. 'So I will work with my fellow public service broadcasters to press our legislators and regulators to take action on these fronts. To invert the cliche, let us act fast, so that we don't repent at leisure.' The heartbreaking death of Peanut, the beloved Instagram-famous squirrel, has called into question the legality of squirrel ownership in New York. Peanut and his racoon friend Fred were both euthanized by the state on Friday after several complaints about the animals drove Department of Environmental Conservation officials to raid their owner's Pine City home. Even though Mark Longo, 34, is the founder of PNuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, he did not have the proper licensing to legally keep Peanut or Fred. In New York, people licensed as wildlife rehabilitators can care for squirrels or other wild animals as long as they intend to set them back out into the wild. To keep any domesticated wild animal, it must be registered as an educational animal. Mark Longo showed his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, New York 'For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. Hes been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I dont know how to process this, emotionally,' Mark wrote online The only exception is if someone owned a wild animal before the 2005 law went into effect. Longo said he was aware that it was against New York state law to own a wild animal without a license. He claimed he was in the process of filing paperwork to get Peanut, who he has owned for seven years, certified as an educational animal. 'If we're not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?' Longo said. 'Let us know what we need to do to have Peanut in the house and not have to worry about him getting taken.' As for Fred, Longo said he only had the raccoon for a few months and was hoping to rehabilitate the injured creature and release him back to the woods. Fred the raccoon was also euthanized by officials from New York State on Friday Peanut would leap on to Longo's shoulder and delight thousands in doing so 'It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon,' he wrote on Instagram. Longo said: 'The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel! 'I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns.' Two days after the Wednesday raid, the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health confirmed both animals' fate. The squirrel could perform tricks including jumping through hoops 'On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. 'In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,' the agencies said in a statement. 'The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.' Peanut had more than half a million followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms during the seven years since Longo took him in after seeing his mother get hit by a car in New York City. Longo brought Peanut home and cared for him for eight months before trying to release the squirrel into the great outdoors. 'A day and a half later I found him sitting on my porch missing half of his tail with his bone sticking out,' Longo said. Peanut the squirrel had over 540,000 followers online and appeared to have spread joy He quickly determined that Peanut lacked the survival skills to live in the wild and would remain an indoor squirrel. Soon after Longo posted videos of Peanut playing with his cat, internet fame followed. A scroll through Peanut's Instagram account confirms he was no ordinary squirrel. Peanut would leap on to Longo's shoulder, wear a miniature cowboy hat, and eat a waffle while wearing crocheted bunny ears. PNuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary opened in April 2023 and now houses about 300 animals including horses, goats and alpacas, said Longo, who runs the sanctuary with his wife, Daniela, and other family members. A scroll through Peanut's Instagram account confirms he was no ordinary squirrel Longo penned a sorrowful message to his followers on Friday: 'Well internet, you WON,' he posted. 'For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. Hes been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I dont know how to process this, emotionally. 'You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there's a special place in hell for you.' Prince Andrew's mansion has fallen into disrepair, with cracks and mould appearing on the outside walls. Crumbling paintwork, cracks, and black mould can be seen on the outside walls where inside his beloved mother once roamed with her sister Margaret as a young Princess Elizabeth. The state of the Duke of York's 30-room Windsor Royal Lodge comes just days after it emerged King Charles had severed his beleaguered younger brother's annual personal allowance, believed to be 1 million. Andrew, 64, who now lives in the 30 million property with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved in, making a 1million initial payment. The agreement included a notional rent of 260,000 a year. Prince Andrew's mansion has fallen into disrepair, with cracks and mould appearing on the outside walls Crumbling paintwork, cracks, and black mould can be seen on the outside walls where inside his beloved mother once roamed with her sister Margaret as a young Princess Elizabeth Prince Andrew and Charles attend a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in June 2012 Andrew, who remains an outcast from public life amid the fallout from his relationship with peadophile Jeffrey Epstein, has spent nearly 7million carrying out extensive renovations and repairs to the property. He has refused all requests by his brother to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage. An updated biography by acclaimed royal writer Robert Hardman, serialised by the Mail, revealed this week that despite the Duke of York's attempts to call the monarch's bluff, Charles has acted decisively. In recent weeks he has instructed his Keeper of the Privy Purse, the monarchy's finance director, to sever his beleaguered younger brother's annual personal allowance - believed to be in the region of 1 million a year - and no longer pays for his seven-figure private security detail. 'The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King,' confirms a source. The King, who has also long made clear his wish to see Andrew move out of his vast mansion at Windsor, Royal Lodge, has now placed the ball firmly back in his brothers court. In doing so, he has, Hardman also reveals for the first time, made good on his late mothers determination to solve the Andrew issue once and for all. The Express reported last month that the repair costs for Royal Lodge have surpassed 2 million. A source told the paper that the Duke had been given a deadline until the end of the year to prove he had the necessary funds to carry out the work. 'It's the closest Andrew has come to being evicted since he was asked to step down as a working royal two years ago,' the source said. The lease he signed in 2003 states he has a responsibility to 'repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and where necessary rebuild' the home. This includes repainting its external walls every five years with 'two coats of paint' from 2008 and redecorating inside every seven years from 2010. Prince Andrew heads for a morning ride at Windsor Castle on October 30. He has reportedly been given a deadline to prove he has the necessary funds to pay for the upkeep of Royal Lodge The shocking state of the Duke of York's 30-room Windsor Royal Lodge comes just days after it emerged King Charles had severed his younger brother's annual personal allowance, believed to be 1 million Andrew, 64, who now lives in the 30 million property with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson , signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved in, making a 1million initial payment The lease Andrew signed in 2003 states he has a responsibility to 'repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and where necessary rebuild' the home This includes repainting its external walls every five years with 'two coats of paint' from 2008 and redecorating inside every seven years from 2010 The document - which was seen by The Times - dictated that he must 'paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat' the building's interior walls Andrew pictured with Charles at the first day of Royal Ascot in 2006. Andrew has refused all requests by his brother to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage This means that the exterior decorating was due to have been completed last year, while the interior work is set to be done this year. The document - which was seen by The Times - dictated that he must 'paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat' the building's interior walls. Andrew signed the lease, paying 250 a week and agreeing to maintain the vast property. Claims emerged last year that Andrew could not meet the 400,000-a-year upkeep of Royal Lodge. Situated in 98 acres in Windsor Great Park, the property was once known as King's Lodge but its name was changed by the Duke of Cumberland when he became King George IV in 1820. In 1931, King George V gave permission for his son, Prince Albert, the Duke of York, and his wife to take over the property and they moved in the following year. They used the 30-room Royal Lodge as a private country house, even after they became Duke and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1936. After George VI's death in 1952, the Queen Mother continued to live at Royal Lodge at weekends until her death in 2002. Her grandson Prince Andrew, the present Duke of York, has lived there since 2004. A 'polite' and 'sweet' ten-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her own XL bully dog had a 'close' and 'loving' relationship with the pet. Traumatic scenes - which saw the girl's mother running outside screaming 'my baby's dead' - unfolded in the sleepy Yorkshire village after the girl had reportedly boasted to her pals: 'I have got a new pet - an XL bully'. Witnesses spoke out today on the tragic incident that sparked a huge emergency response on Friday afternoon. The schoolgirl - known locally as 'Savannah' and described as 'beautiful and intelligent' - died after being bitten by her family's dog inside their home. The family, who have not been named, live in a static caravan in a compound behind a shop premises in East Heslerton, North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire Police said the girl had a 'close, loving relationship' with the dog that went on to kill her. The force said the mutt would be put down. People at a nearby caravan site were alerted by the screams of the girl's traumatised mother at around 4.15pm on Friday. One local farmer, who asked not to be named, said: 'The dog is an XL bully. It has been certified and is well looked after. It's a very big dog. I've seen it around the pub a few times, it doesn't bother anyone or other dogs and is well-behaved.' Describing the incident, the farmer said: 'The mother ran out from the static caravan screaming 'my baby's dead.' Some people from the caravan site went over to help. She was obviously really distraught. 'The police got here very fast, there were two helicopters, ambulances turned up and an armed response unit. 'Someone put the dog in a car apparently.' 'They are really nice people. The girl is a really polite girl who always says please and thank you. She was a lovely little lass who you would see riding her bike around.' A man who was in one of the nearby caravans was in a pub on the site when there was a massive emergency response. 'The mother came out screaming about her 'baby.' It's terrible. I have a son aged 11 of about the same age who knew her. I've not told him yet. She was a really beautiful little girl and very intelligent for her age.' Commenting on the dog, he said: 'It is a massive dog and looks like an XL bully but I don't know the breed.' Another villager who knows the family also confirmed the dog was an XL bully. The family live in a static caravan in a compound behind a shop premises in East Heslerton Mourners leave tributes and flowers to the 10-year-old girl who tragically died People leave floral tributes to the child after she was killed by an 'XL Bully' dog A ten-year-old girl was mauled to death by her family's 'XL bully ' dog (Stock photo) North Yorkshire Police said the girl died at the scene after suffering serious injuries. The dog has been taken to secure kennels and is 'being assessed as part of the investigation.' An inquest will be held at a later date. Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Since the start of this year it has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully. Since 1 February it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate. When this ban was introduced a government press release stated there had been 23 fatal dog attacks since the start of 2021 with the XL bully 'being involved in many of these tragic attacks.' The Office for National Statistics does not break down attack according to breed. Caravan site manager Samantha Robinson said: 'The static caravan moved here about four months ago. 'This little girl said she had a new pet, an American XL bully. 'She was a lovely little girl, she asked permission to play on the swings in the park and we gave it.' Some residents saw the child coming and going to her caravan. One said: 'It is just a horrible tragedy. She was such a sweet thing. I only know her because she would come in the park to play. 'Everybody is totally shocked and upset about it. The family have not lived here long. I have only met her. I have never met her mum and dad. 'She would come on the park and play on the swings and I would pass the time of day with her. She was a lovely little girl - really chatty. It is just so sad.' Residents of the holiday caravan park had no idea anything was wrong until the girl's mother emerged from the caravan screaming: 'My baby is dead. My baby is dead.' The child was seen happily playing on the swings in the play area of the adjoining caravan park near Malton, North Yorkshire, just the afternoon before tragedy struck. She had moved there over the summer with her parents and were living in static caravan on a private yard behind a neighbouring warehouse. A site official said: 'We knew they had an XL bully dog. We only knew [the girl] because her mum had asked if she could play in the park and we said 'Of course she can'. '[The girl] told us she had a new dog. It was not that long ago. 'We used to come onto the park and play with the other children. 'I have never seen or heard the dog and I am here every day. '[The girl] had said herself 'We have got a new pet'. 'Other children who played with [the girl] in the yard said it was family pet. 'The static caravan arrived during the summer in a field next to the Snooty Fox caravan park outside the village of East Heslerton.' North Yorkshire Police said: 'One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl. 'All indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship. 'Due to the circumstances of the incident, the dog will be destroyed.' Her stepdaughter accused NAB of not trying to get the money back A family has been left furious at a bank or returning less than $50 to their stepmum after she was scammed out of nearly $10,000. The 75-year-old woman only recovered $48 of the $8,400 she lost to scammers who spent six hours on the phone to her while pretending to be from NBN. She was tricked into giving the scammers remote access to her accounts during the call. The NBN had warned residents in her area that they were upgrading services in the area which gave the woman a false sense of security that the call was genuine. During the call scammers told the woman to stay by her computer while they asked a number of security questions. They told her she was eligible for a $2,470 rebate due to slow internet speeds before asking her to step away from the computer due to potential radiation emissions. Once the conversation ended they asked her to leave the computer off for an hour. Everything seemed normal until the woman logged into her emails days later to find that her daily transaction limit had been changed without her knowing. A family has been left furious at a bank or returning less than $50 to their stepmum after she was scammed out of nearly $10,000 Her stepdaughter Felicity, who did not want to share her real name, said National Australia Bank did not try hard enough to recover the money. 'My parents are extremely shaken and they are now too frightened to do anything on the computer and I get as it also rattles me as to how easily it seems to have happened,' she told news.com.au. 'I am deeply frustrated on behalf of my parents and concerned for others who, despite having technological access for their daily activities, lack the scepticism or most current knowledge to identify and avoid scams.' NAB only spent a month trying to recover the money before closing its case. Felicity was told an 'NAB Fraud analyst had performed a liability assessment and deemed that your parents are liable for the losses'. The assessment was not provided however, and is only available internally. NAB executive of group investigations and fraud Chris Sheehan said he was unable to comment on individual cases for privacy reasons. Felicity revealed the loss could have been much worse as her stepmother was due to receive a large house settlement two weeks after she was scammed. Mr Sheehan noted there had been an increase in Aussies falling victims to scammers. 'These criminals are continuously evolving the way they target Australians,' he said. Mr Sheehan said under no circumstances should anyone provide someone with remote access to their devices. The scam victim's stepdaughter Felicity, who did not want to share her real name, said National Australia Bank did not try hard enough to recover the money This can happen when victims are contacted via phone, text or email by a scammer falsely claiming to be from a familiar company offering them help with something. A National Anti-Scam Centre spokesperson said remote access scams require the victim to download screen sharing software which will let them remotely control the device. After that they typically ask fake security questions in an attempt to get victim's to provide their real passwords to use later on when they are accessing accounts. Felicity said she believes the scammers who targeted her stepmother 'piggybacked' off the fact that the NBN had already said it would be servicing the area. More than 10,000 scams were reported in Australia in 2023/24, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority's annual review. This is an 81 per cent increase from the year before. More than $5.8 million dollars has been lost through 5,352 remote access scams between January and September this year, according to Scamwatch An ill-advised channel crossing resulted in a boy being swept into the ocean, leaving his family distraught and triggering a desperate land and sea search. The 11-year-old boy was walking with his three siblings and father at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast when disaster struck about 5pm on Sunday. The family were visiting from Sydney and fishing in the area when it's believed they took a shortcut across a channel between an estuary and the ocean before the boy was swept away while the tide was going out. 'Lots of people try and move across that channel, it is not advised though,' Inspector David Piddington told reporters on Monday. While two bystanders looked after the other three children, the father tried to reach the boy but was unsuccessful, police said. An extensive land, air and sea search for the boy resumed about 8am, involving local police, surf lifesavers, water police and rescue helicopters. The search area extends about 15km south to Avoca. Marine Rescue NSW inspector Steve Raymond said volunteers in two vessels resumed conducting parallel line searches under direction from police amid lumpy offshore conditions on Monday. A major search and rescue for an 11-year-old boy will resume on Monday morning after he was swept out to sea. Pictured are rescue helicopters The search and rescue is a joint operation between officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving as well as Toll and Westpac Rescue helicopters (pictured the search underway) A man was seen being comforted in Marine Parade, The Entrance (pictured) Attempts to find the boy on Sunday night were called off when it got dark. Insp Piddington said the boy's family was very distraught. Police liaison officers and extended family members were assisting with translation and support. 'We'll assist them as much as we can moving forward,' Insp Piddington said. The Entrance is at the mouth of Tuggerah Lake and is a popular weekend and holiday destination about 100km north of Sydney. Disney's plans to dramatise the case of a woman wrongly convicted for fatally stabbing a 21-year-old exchange student have been slammed for their 'lack of sensitivity'. A lawyer representing the family of Meredith Kercher, the Brit who was tragically murdered in Perugia 17 years ago, is just one of the people to hit out at the premise of the eight part series centred around Amanda Knox. Knox was jailed in 2007 she was found guilty of fatally stabbing Kercher though she was then definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015 due to a lack of evidence - after she had already served four years of her sentence. Kercher was on exchange from the University of Leeds and shared an apartment in Perugia, Italy, in 2007 with Knox which is where the stabbing was initially said to have taken place. Now, an eight-part series is being made for Hulu, a subscription streaming service owned by Disney, which tells of Knox's path to freedom. Meredith Kercher, from Coulsdon, was killed just three months after moving to Italy for a study abroad programme at Perugia's prestigious university (pictured: in an undated photo released in November 2007) Knox and Sollecito, pictured in Italy shortly after the case made headlines in 2007, had only been dating for a short amount of time before Meredith's death Knox pictured leaving with penitentiary police after a court hearing in Perugia on September 16, 2008 Filming began last week in Orvieto and will continue from Tuesday until the end of the week in Perugia with the Via della Pergola apartment were Kercher was murdered even being used as a location of choice. The lawyer for the Kercher family, Francesco Maresca, said: 'We've already spoken about this case too much and at a certain point you have to close the chapter.' Speaking to The Times, she added: 'However, Knox does not want to close the chapter. 'This continuous stirring is a demonstration of a lack of sensitivity. She earns money, obtains visibility on the television after many years It seems that Knox does not want people to forget about this story and does all she can to keep it alive.' A statement from Meredith Kercher's sister, Stephanie, read 'she will forever hold a lasting legacy in friendship and kindness that no media can change' and spoke of 'an indescribable void'. Meredith's parents Arline (centre) and John (right) Kercher - who both died in 2020 - and her sister Stephanie (left) at a press conference in Perugia in November 2007 Meredith Kercher (pictured) was tragically murdered in 2007 The real murderer of Kercher was eventually identified as Rudy Guede, from the Ivory Coast, after his DNA was found on her body. He was sentenced to 16 years before being freed in 2021 as he only needed to serve 13 years due to good behaviour. However, Knox's 2011 slander conviction relating to Patrick Lumumba who she accused of killing Kercher would hang over her head for many years. Knox apologised in June this year to the court and said that she wrongly accused him after being put under intense police pressure for hours, adding she had been 'scared, tricked and mistreated.' She said: I am very sorry that I was not strong enough to resist the pressure of police' But the two judges and six jurors found her guilty of slander. She had earlier told the judge: 'I never wanted to slander Patrick; he was my friend.' Lumumba's lawyers said the bar owner's reputation suffered regardless of whether she knew who the murderer was. Knox initially accused the Congolese owner of a bar, Patrick Lumumba, (pictured outside Perugia's court, central Italy, Tuesday September 16, 2008) of killing Kercher 'When Patrick was accused by Amanda, he became known everywhere as the monster of Perugia,' Lumumba's lawyer Carlo Pacelli told reporters saying that the conviction should be upheld. Lumumba was not in court. Knox is now 37 and has two children. She spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform and campaigning against wrongful convictions. A 2011 film for US television, the 2013 memoir, Waiting to be Heard, and a 2016 Netflix documentary are just some of the ways she has had her story told already. Knox was reporterted to have been paid $3.8 million (2.9 million) for her book deal. She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions The new series, titled Amanda: A Coming of Age Horror Story, is co-produced by Monica Lewinsky who became well-know for having an affair with the then-American president Bill Clinton - a story which Disney also decided to turn into a television drama. Knox is also executive producer on the new drama. She is being played by Grace Van Patten. Series bosses say it tells the 'true story of how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher and her 16-year odyssey to set herself free'. Lawyer Maresca has made disapproving references to talks Knox gave to American universities in 2018 for which she is reported to have been paid seven and a half thousand pounds for each. Speaking to The Times, he went so far as to say that her calumny conviction being upheld cast doubt on her complete innocence. 'Knox's silence at the moment would have been the most appropriate thing,' he concluded. Police have declared an emergency and shut down a city block as officers attempt to negotiate with a man. An Public Safety Preservation Act was declared in Cairns City on Monday and an exclusion zone has been established. The area between Spence and McLeod Streets, Sheridan Street through to Aplin Street, Bunda Street and Hartley Street is currently in lockdown. Emergency services responded to an incident on the corner of McLeod and Spence Streets where a man had climbed onto the roof of Cairns Central. One local who was there at the time snapped a photo of the 'crazy man' looking down at police who were trying to 'negotiate' with him. There is no threat to the public. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area. More to come An emergency has been declared in Cairns as police try to negotiate with a man who climbed on top of a building Marks and Spencer has apologised and removed an advert advertising first-time bras for 'young things' after being accused of 'dehumanising all young women'. A poster in the lingerie department of one of the retailer's stores showed two smiling teenage girls alongside the words: 'Smart. Strong. Supported. First bras for fearless young things.' There was fierce backlash from women's rights campaigners who said M&S should 'stop fretting about the unreasonable demands of trans activists'. The picture of the advert was yesterday posted on X by Bev Turner who said the sign 'dehumanises all young women'. In response, M&S apologised and said it was taking the poster down as it admitted: 'We got it wrong this time.' Marks and Spencer has apologised and removed an advert advertising first-time bras for 'young things' after being accused of 'dehumanising all young women' M&S apologised and said it was taking the poster down as it admitted: 'We got it wrong this time' Ms Turner, a GB News presenter, wrote on X: 'Your shop is a crucial part of British identity. You are important and you need to thrive. 'But this sign dehumanises all young women at the very moment when they must NOT feel embarrassed or ashamed of their femininity. 'We need to celebrate them becoming adult females - not erase them! It is not the job of our daughters to make confused boys in bras feel better about themselves. 'I'm truly shocked.' M&S quickly responded and confirmed the poster would be removed, saying: 'We're taking this poster down and we're sorry we got it wrong this time.' The U-turn received plaudits from the likes of former Team GB Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies. Helen Joyce, the director of gender-critical charity Sex Matters, told the Telegraph: 'It's really incredible to see retailers bend over backwards to accommodate the feelings of a tiny number of men and boys who are unhappy about being male and want everyone else to pretend they are female.' She added: 'M&S should wise up, stop fretting about the unreasonable demands of trans activists and unapologetically refocus on its main customer base: women and girls.' The picture of the advert was yesterday posted on X by Bev Turner who said the sign 'dehumanises all young women' MailOnline has contacted M&S for further comment. The upmarket retailer faced protests in 2020 and in 2019 for allowing 'people to use the fitting room they prefer' in both men's and womenswear departments, regardless of their biological sex. Tory peer Baroness Emma Nicholson warned at the time that allowing anyone who self-identifies as a woman to enter female changing areas puts women and girls at risk of potentially being spied on. M&S said at the time it had assured Baroness Nicholson its fitting rooms 'provide secure and private spaces' with individual lockable cubicles. by Olivier Del Fabbro Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that the most ancient of all societies and the only natural one is that of the family.[1] Similarly, Rousseaus great antagonist, Thomas Hobbes, claims that family is a small commonwealth.[2] But what if the most natural and ancient of all societies is confronted with war? According to a survey by the International Rescue Committee, 74% of Ukrainians report being separated from a close family member because of the war.[3] Maria (32) and Ivan (42) are such a family. Ivan was drafted in April 2022. Since then, he has been stationed in Donetsk, in the region of Kramatorsk. In the beginning, Maria and Ivan saw each other every four months for about ten days. Now, in 2024, he is allowed to come home twice a year for two weeks. But you also have to count two days for travel. The frontline is far away from where Maria lives, Chernivtsi, on the border to Romania. On the 13th of April 2024, when Ivan came home for his two-week leave, Maria had just given birth to their daughter, Sophia, the previous day. Two weeks later, Ivan left heartbroken for the frontline. I cried every day until the end of May, Maria says. Then, I realized that I must live for my daughter, for my husband. I did not want my husband to see me crying every day, because he was worried as well. Maria and Ivan always planned on having a family, but Marias pregnancy was an accident. I dont regret it, she says smiling at Sophia. She is perfect. Maria grew up in Greece, with her Ukrainian mother and Greek father. She went to Chernivtsi to study medicine to become a dermatologist. In March 2024, shortly before Sophia was born, Marias mother came to visit and help her. But just as Ivan, she left at the end of April. Still today, she is waiting in Greece for her daughter, but Maria does not want to leave her husband. She wants Ivan to see his daughter. Its very difficult to be a single mother. Its just myself and my daughter. Marias mother, her father, her brothers, are all in Greece. Ivans grandparents from Ukraine are long gone. His father has passed away, and his mother lives in Italy. I am all alone. Maria tries to ignore the question of whether the war might go on for some time, or not. In the beginning, Ivan believed that the war would end rather quickly. But now he changed his mind, Maria says. He can only come home when the war is over. In desperation, Maria admits having had the craziest thoughts to bring her husband back home to her. For example, if I were to get very sick, Ivan would be allowed to come home for a longer period. For Ivan it was out of the question, and for Maria, in the end, as well. Ivan and Maria talk every day on the phone, but they do not talk about the war. I dont know much about his work, because every time I ask him, he says that everything is fine and that I shouldnt worry. So, Maria does her own research, for example on Telegram Channels. Sometimes I know even more than him. I want and need to know everything. The soldiers have bad connection, they sleep on the floor, they fight. Since 2024, Ukraine has lowered its conscription age from 27 to 25. Authorities have also been checking more systematically on men trying to avoid conscription. My husband cannot be with his daughter and others are at home doing nothing. To Maria it is unfair. In the building I live, some men are hiding and their wives are working. But the greatest gift for Maria is her daughter. Giving birth is a beautiful thing. Ivan is just as happy. If you go to war, you do not know if youre coming back, he told Maria. Thats why he always says goodbye to his brothers, she says. Then she continues, I think that he wanted something of him to be left, if he doesnt come back. Sophia is a part of him. Sascha (22) and Marie (20) are younger than Ivan and Maria. In fact, their relationship seems to just have started, but that does not mean that its not serious. When they started dating, the full-scale war had already begun and Sascha was stationed at the front. Hence, there was not much time. Everything had to be fast. Like in artillery, I had to aim and hit. I shoot well. Sascha says smiling. Flowers, restaurant, wine, ice-skating. Sascha was courting, they fell in love. After some time, both also met close to the frontline. We decided to spend our birthdays together, so I went to Poltava region on a 24-hour trip. I lied to my parents, and I had my sister cover for me, Marie says. The relationship is built on Saschas holidays or Maries visits close to the frontline for a couple of days. I did not choose places directly on the frontline. I chose places that were not connected to the military. Sascha explains. For Marie, some trips were scarier, because they were longer. I was afraid to go to Mykolaiv. First, I needed to go to Odessa, then find a car to continue. There was also shelling. When Sascha is at the frontline, Marie is worried, of course. It is very hard. Every time, after he has been on holiday in Chernivtsi, I must get back to life without him. The same place, the same apartment, but he wont be there the next day. Saschas emotions are also strong, but he sees it as his duty to be at the frontline as a soldier. I am doing my work over there so that it doesnt happen in Chernivtsi. If I would have to choose between being at the front forever and everything in Chernivtsi would be fine, then I would choose the former. If I could save everything here, I would do it. Sascha realized this one day, when he was walking down the main shopping street of Chernivtsi. I asked myself: what am I risking my life for? I looked at the people, the children and families, who were in safety. Then Sascha couldnt hold his tears back. Emotions had to come out and Marie was there to listen. So far, the problem for Sascha was that there was nobody he could talk to. His father, also an officer fighting in the war, wouldnt understand. Similarly, his friends. His mother would be too worried. Marie was the only person, he could talk to about his war experiences and thoughts. I found a reason, why I am at the front and why I am wasting my young years, my best years. Sascha concludes. Marie and Saschas relationship is more than a love affair. In November 2023, he proposed to her and now they are planning their wedding. When he proposed to me, the only thought I had was, what should I tell my mother, Marie says laughing. Sascha had the whole engagement planned out. He was so nervously happy that he told everybody in Chernivtsi that he was going to propose: the taxi driver, the barber Both plan to have a family, but now is not the right time. I am still in law school, and he is at war. Sascha agrees: If I cannot be with her, it makes no sense to have children. The family will not be complete, because I will be out there, and she will be alone. I will make her life harder with children. Sascha knows what he is talking about. Every day he sees the difficulty his comrades have, whose children and wives are waiting for them at home. The back and forth causes a lot of friction in families, he says. Rousseaus naturalness of society, Hobbes artificiality of the commonwealth are not supposed to decay. They should be robust, functioning entities, like healthy organisms. The state of nature, that is war, is a danger to such societies. Similarly, Maria, Ivan and Sophia, Sascha and Marie, and million other Ukrainians try and want to keep their families, if not physically together, than at least alive and intact. Despite the war that is trying to rip them apart. *** [1] Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Of the Social Contract or Principles of Political Right, in: The Social Contract and Other Later Political Writings, edited and translated by Victor Gourevitch, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2019, p. 44. [2] Thomas Hobbes, On the Citizen, edited by Richard Tuck and Michael Silverthorne, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, p. 85. [3] The Economist, Ukraines War has created Millions of Broken Families, 2 July 2024. Liberal MP Simon Birmingham has called for the media to stop publishing photos of Labor Foreign Minister Penny Wong's new home over worries it could put her safety at risk. Last week's news that Senator Wong and her partner Sophie Allouache splashed out $3.4million on a 1,350sqm four-bedroom 110-year-old bungalow in one of Adelaide's most desirable suburbs created a media furore with many images showing the opulent property. 'Minister Wong and her wife have purchased a new family home,' the senator's office confirmed. 'They are preparing to sell their current property and that of the minister's mother, who passed away earlier this year.' Senator Birmingham, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Opposition Leader in the Upper House, said that this coverage was not 'responsible'. 'I urge media to delete all published images of Penny Wong's new house,' he wrote. 'High profile politicians face genuine security considerations for themselves and their families. 'Responsible media should respect those safety considerations in any reporting of the issues.' Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Birmingham (pictured left) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong at an event in February Sentaor Wong married her long-time partner Sophie Allouache in her home state of South Australia in March The call sharply divided Aussies, with some thinking it was fair enough. 'It would surely be possible to legislate to prevent any publication of the private addresses of elected officials at all levels of government,' one said. 'I thought it was appalling when I saw the images this morning,' a second added. Others thought it was an attempt by politicians to duck the limelight of their expensive property purchases when many struggle to put a roof over their head. 'What is it with MPs buying houses during a housing crisis? Talk about not reading the room,' one said. 'Do you ever think that maybe Australians are fed up with the hypocrisy houses for me but not for thee while our economy is a dumpster fire,' a second added. Political real estate purchases have come under the spotlight it was revealed two weeks ago that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had purchased a $4.3 million clifftop property on the NSW Central Coast. Furious farmers are calling on the Government to reverse their plans to charge inheritance tax on farms - with the head of the National Farmers' Union claiming it is 'the only sensible course of action'. NFU president Tom Bradshaw is to meet Environment Secretary Steve Reed for crunch talks on Monday amid a growing furore over the Rachel Reeves's decision to make farms subject to inheritance tax. Under plans announced at the Budget, inheritance tax will be charged at 20 per cent on farms worth more than 1million, although the Chancellor has said in some cases the threshold could in practice be around 3million. A number of farmers have warned that the inheritance tax raid could destroy communities, as Jeremy Clarkson claimed the changes 'could be the last straw for farmers who are already struggling to cope'. Mr Bradshaw echoed these words when writing in the Daily Telegraph, adding that many farmers faced the prospect of being unable to pass their businesses on to their children. His statement comes after Ms Reeves admitted she was wrong to say during the election campaign that taxes would not have to rise. NFU president Tom Bradshaw (pictured) is to meet Environment Secretary Steve Reed for crunch talks on Monday amid a growing furore over the Chancellor's decision to make farms subject to inheritance tax His statement comes after Rachel Reeves (pictured) admitted she was wrong to say during the election campaign that taxes would not have to rise Under plans announced at the Budget, inheritance tax will be charged at 20 per cent on farms worth more than 1million, although the Chancellor has said in some cases the threshold could in practice be around 3million (file image) Mr Bradshaw said: 'The vast majority of the people who will bear the brunt of this decision aren't 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, they've suffered years of being squeezed to the lowest margins imaginable, with costs of production skyrocketing, they've been battered by increasingly extreme weather conditions. They have nothing left to give.' Tax experts have suggested the changes could affect fewer than 500 farms a year, once the tax thresholds and farmers giving their property to their children before they die are taken into account. But Mr Bradshaw said the Treasury had a 'completely skewed view of the structure of farming in the UK'. He said: '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. 'The only sensible course of action for the future of family farms across the country, as well as for the sake of Britain's food security and our legislated environmental targets, is to reverse this decision.' 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. Jeremy Clarkson has accused Labour of trying to 'nationalise the countryside' as fury continues to grow over the crackdown on inheritance tax on farmers 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 The Conservatives said that the move would have 'catastrophic consequences' for family farms and would negatively impact food security (file photo) 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'. In broadcast interviews on Sunday, Ms Reeves was grilled over how that was compatible with her huge 40billion tax raid in the Budget last week. The Chancellor has faced an angry backlash over her commitment in June that the only increases needed were in the Labour manifesto. She denied that Labour was already having behind-the-scenes discussions about hiking national insurance before the election, arguing that she 'didnt know everything' until Treasury officials showed her the true state of the finances. She did insist however that her plans for economic reform would bring more growth than economists think. Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: '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 don't think it is affordable to carry on with a relief like that when our public finances are under so much pressure.' Minnesota church officials have announced an 'unimaginable' twist in the case of a former pastor who was murdered after he moved his family to Angola. Beau Shroyer, 44, the former lead pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, was 'killed in an act of violence' in Angola on October 25, Pastor Troy Easton told congregants at the time. He had moved to the central African country with his wife, Jackie, and their five children in 2021 to become a missionary with the organization SIM USA. But Easton has since revealed that the pastor's wife Jackie has been arrested in connection with Beau's death. 'This is unimaginable and yet it is very real,' Easton wrote in an updated letter to congregants on Friday. Beau Shroyer's wife, Jackie, has been arrested in connection with his death in Angola on October 25 Beau had moved his family to the central African country in 2021 to become a missionary with the organization SIM USA 'I love you very much and I am heartbroken and in shock that I need to send this type of update to you today,' he told the congregation, imploring them to 'sit down, take a deep breath and remember that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble' before he revealed the news. The pastor went on to say 'our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably' with the news of Jackie's arrest. '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.' A statement from the missionary organization says his five children are being cared for SIM USA leaders also said they were 'shocked and devastated' by the news. 'SIM is grateful to Angolan law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this matter and encourages patience and respect for all involved as the legal process unfolds,' they told Valley News Live. 'SIM remains committed to supporting the ongoing pursuit of justice for Beau and has taken steps to ensure that Jackie has appropriate legal representation,' they added, noting its leadership team is also working with Lakes Area Vineyard Church 'to care for the Shroyers' five children and everyone else affected by this tragedy. 'We continue to keep them all in our prayers.' Beau had previously worked as a police officer, joining the Detroit Lakes Police Department in 2013, before becoming a real estate agent Beau had previously worked as a police officer, joining the Detroit Lakes Police Department in 2013, before becoming a real estate agent, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He eventually changed careers again to become a pastor, and in 2021, he and his wife, Jackie, became missionaries - and became one of the first families to move to Angola after pandemic lockdowns eased. Beau would then share updates about his missionary work on social media. In a post on October 24, just one day before his untimely death, Beau wrote about meeting a young student named Mauricio, who walked long distances to attend school. Another post mentioned his agricultural efforts in the region, saying he spent the day 'spreading manure by hand over a 40 x 16 meter agricultural plot.' A motive for his death has not yet been revealed, and the charges against Jackie remain unclear He had also explained during a presentation that the government of Angola had given the ministry a parcel of land next to an orange farm that was constantly attacked by criminals, according to the Christian Post. At the top of his list of needs for the property that he presented to Country Faith Church was the need to build a perimeter wall and hire more security. Beau explained that the orange farm installed an electrified, 10-foot high razor wire fence and hired about 50 guards to protect the farm, but they still struggled with crime in the area. A motive for his death has not yet been revealed, and the charges against Jackie remain unclear. Questions are mounting over whether a 'Hezbollah operative' taken by Israeli special forces might have actually been a double agent. In a daring mission Israeli forces snatched Imad Ahmaz, a Lebanese ship captain, from a building in the Northern Lebanese city of Batroun on Friday. The dramatic raid involved at least 12 naval commandos from Shayetet 13 Israel's version of the Royal Navy's elite Special Boat Service - who moved Mr Ahmaz to an unknown location in the Mediterranean sea. Intelligence experts have claimed the remarkably different operation to remove Mr Ahmaz - compared to recent operations in Lebanon - suggests he could have been working as a double agent. Posing as Lebanese security forces the Israelis broke down Mr Ahmaz's apartment door before they ferried him back to their ship. In a daring mission Israeli forces snatched Imad Ahmaz, a Lebanese ship captain, from a building in the Northern Lebanese city of Batroun on Friday Posing as Lebanese security forces the Israelis broke down Mr Ahmaz's apartment door before they ferried him back to their ship Intelligence experts have claimed the remarkably different operation to remove Mr Ahmaz - compared to recent operations in Lebanon - suggests he could have been working as a double agent Since the war with Hamas started following the October 7 attack Israel has captured dozens of high-level Hamas figures. However, during the recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon, Israeli forces have focused on air strikes to take out Hezbollah leaders. This only adds to the apparent peculiarities of Friday's operation. An anonymous senior political figure in Lebanon, who opposes Hezbollah, told The Daily Telegraph that there were 'signs pointing to the fact that [Mr Ahmaz] could have been a double agent'. Meanwhile Ronen Solomon, an Israeli defence and intelligence analyst who is an expert on Hezbollah operatives and operations said the abduction was unusual. Mr Solomon claimed that items found in his house such as SIM cards and multiple passports suggests he could have been a spy. His alleged work as a senior operative in a Hezbollah unit that specialised in transporting weapons and electronics used in the fight against Israel mean he could have been recruited by the country. An anonymous source from Israel also speculated it was unusual for CCTV footage not t have been disabled as if someone wanted video proof of the abduction. Meanwhile following the incursion into Lebanon - which is the most northerly operation held by Israel since the war started - the country's 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. A wry obituary printed in an Australian newspaper has left thousands of people in fits of laughter around the world making it as far as the United Kingdom. A death notice for Jennifer Ann Kelly, 88, was shared in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday after she died from pneumonia while in palliative care on October 28. Ms Kelly was described as a 'wild and wayward mother' with several entertaining details emerging including that she 'grew great dope'. Her son Sean, 61, revealed it was only the tip of the iceberg telling Daily Mail Australia about a family dinner where she spiked the food and got everyone high. 'She believed that exposing youth to religion was a form of child abuse,' the obituary read. 'It was impossible to watch the news in her presence due to her vocal outrage at the way the country is run. She held John Howard in particular contempt. 'Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party, and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously. 'Her rare attempts at 'responsible' parenting or grand-parenting were always touching. News on what's next to follow. Bring a shovel.' Jennifer Kelly, 88, passed of pneumonia as a dry and touching obituary by her son meant many readers wished they had known her The obituary has spread across social media like wildfire with complete strangers praising the tongue-in-cheek tone. Sean, who is a successful lawyer in Sydney, added his mother had lived her life to her own beat, with relaxed parenting and an emphasis on kindness and that both his parents thought 'very much outside the square'. He said his care-free mother had a laid-back approach to raising himself and Chris, but made sure they followed two strict edicts. 'The things that we would have got in trouble for were blatant dishonesty, or any form of violence, or anything nasty,' he said. 'But they weren't fussy, if we got caught with a bit of pot or anything like that, that wasn't the thing.' Sean said his mother never believed she could spend her whole life directing what her children did, not for a lack of care. 'She used to find my occasional notes when I'd wag school and my practice notes and things like that,' he said. 'She'd correct the spelling. She was pretty funny.' Sean remembered the day his father's family came to visit their home. Ms Kelly adjusted her stuffing recipe before the meal. 'She once spiked the turkey with dope and got all of my father's elderly relatives stoned out of their brains,' he said. 'We were kids, we didn't like the stuffing, so they steered us clear of it. But my dad was in on it and ... unbeknownst to them they all got stoned out of their brain, and we ended up having to play tubular bells at about 11. 'I can remember sitting outside with my brother thinking, 'when are these people gonna go?'. The outrageous thing is that they never knew. We never told them. Ms Kelly didn't have many rules for her children, she just wanted them to be honest Obituary for Jennifer Ann Kelly Farewell Jennie Kelly. Born 15 May 1936. Our wild and wayward mother died on28 October 2024. She refused to say 'passed.' We spend most of our lives compensating for our upbringing said Jennie. She believed that exposing youth to religion was a form of child abuse. It was impossible to watch the news in her presence due to her vocal outrage at the way the country is run. She held John Howard in particular contempt. Mum grew great dope, never wanted to leave a party and gave up champagne or gin frequently, but never simultaneously. Her rare attempts at 'responsible' parenting or grandparenting were always touching. She said Sean was a much better driver than Chris. News on what's next to follow.Bring a shovel. Advertisement 'They kept asking for more stuffing, they had no idea they were all stoned,' Mr Kelly said, laughing. Sean said it was difficult to watch his mother die, but Ms Kelly's livelihood had deteriorated over time due to illness. 'It was a mercy in the end, really, because quality of life was no longer there, and her cognition had been very bad,' he said. 'But it was pretty, pretty sad seeing mum die, it will be for a while,' he told. Ms Kelly is survived by Sean and Chris Kelly, and Sean's adult children, Jack, Sophie and Daniel. Online those who read the obituary said they wish they'd met the 'awesome' mother. 'I have no idea who this recently-passed person was,' one wrote on Facebook. 'But this obituary is so wonderfully cool that I dearly wish I had actually had the chance to know this Jennifer. 'She sounds like she was absolutely awesome,' one man wrote online. 'I wish I knew Jennie, she sounds amazing. Rest in Paradise,' one woman wrote on the deaths notice board. 'Your mum sounds phenomenal. The amazing tribute has reached thousands of people in the UK,' another said. 'Clearly Jenny lived until she died.' The heartbroken mother of a 12-year-old schoolgirl has switched off her daughter's life support after she tried to take her own life following relentless online bullying. Young Ella Catley-Crawford from Manly in Brisbane died in hospital on Saturday a week after her attempted suicide, following nine months of misery at the hands of Snapchat bullies who catfished her. Helpless mum Julie Crawford, 55, says she knew her only child was suffering but was powerless to stop it, despite trying everything she could to protect her daughter. Ella's torment began after she won an academic scholarship to a prestigious girl's school in Brisbane, which she joined in February but her family has asked not to be identified. 'She was both excited and nervous about going to high school because she didn't know anyone there,' Ms Crawford told Daily Mail Australia. 'At first she seemed to be making new friends and enjoying her new school, but after just a few weeks I noticed that she was on her phone a lot more. 'It was never out of her hand.' Ms Crawford had given Ella her old phone for Christmas to entertain her on the bus to and from school, but banned her from using apps like Tiktok and Snapchat. Julie Crawford describes her daughter Ella as the love of her life and will honour her life by teaching others about the dangers of social media Talented Ella Catley-Crawford won an academic scholarship for high school But she quickly saw her daughter glued to its tiny screen. 'I thought she was just texting her new friends at first,' she says. 'I knew they had a Year Seven group chat, but it was Snapchat. 'I made her delete it straight away even though she told me she was being safe. 'I don't know how but she made another account and hid it from me.' In March, Ms Crawford found Ella in tears about messages she was receiving, but the worried mum couldn't see them because of the app's automatic message deletion. 'She said she was fine, tried to play it down and even said she wanted to go to school, but I knew it was more,' the mum revealed. 'I banned her phone after 7pm and even physically took it from her and out of her room.' Days later Ms Crawford, an HR manager, received a call from the school alleging concerns had been raised that Ella, who was then 11, had been bullying other students online. 'I told them 'I don't think so,' that they had it wrong and they investigated it further,' she said. Days later, three Year Seven girls were suspended for bullying Ella online. Ella had been excited to start high school after winning a prestigious scholarship Julie Crawford found Ella in tears about messages she was receiving, but the worried mum couldn't see them because of the app's automatic message deletion Julie Crawford, 55, says she knew her only child was suffering but was powerless to stop it, despite trying everything she could to protect her daughter The school never gave Ms Crawford the details of their findings, but the damage was already done, her mum said. 'I don't know exactly what it was all about,' she added. 'People had pretended to be people they were not, one girl pretended to be a boy and messages Ella sent to them were shared around to others. "Friends started to pull away from her and she was uninvited to a birthday party with some of the kids saying they needed a break, that it was too much, that she was too much.' By the end of the first term in April, Ms Crawford decided she'd had enough and moved her 'bright and quirky,' daughter to another school. But although Ella was instantly happier and making new friends, she couldn't escape the online abuse which followed her. 'The new school was great but they still got to her via the apps,' said the mum. 'Ella was so down I took her to the doctors and she was diagnosed with depression and on medication. 'But I made sure I was always around and that we had things to do to keep her busy.' Ms Crawford says that when her daughter was distracted with things to look forward to, her 'best friend and love of her life,' was her former happy self. But as soon as she was left with her phone, things quickly changed. 'Some days in the holidays she wouldn't get out of bed,' said her mum. 'I just hoped it wouldn't get worse but I never expected her to kill herself.' Julie Crawford found her daughter apparently lifeless on Sunday October 27 and began resuscitation while waiting for paramedics Ella was on life support for a week before she lost her fight on Sunday Ms Crawford found her daughter apparently lifeless on Sunday, October 27 and began CPR while waiting for paramedics. Ella was rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane and spent a week on life support before doctors confirmed she had no brain activity. Queensland Police have seized Ella's phone and iPad and are now investigating her death. Her shattered mum has been left heartbroken and says without Ella she has nothing left, so will now dedicate herself to raising awareness in the hope she can help others. She has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the funeral costs, time off work to grieve and to facilitate more awareness. 'Social media bullying is real,' the fundraising appeal adds. 'If you ask if we are angryyes, we are. If you ask if we are sadabsolutely. And if you ask if the system let her downit did. 'This catastrophic reality has changed our familys history forever. 'Social media and online presence pose real dangers, and despite our efforts to keep our children safe, technology can become an addictive lifeline, especially when they feel isolated.' If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36. The King is under pressure to refund the cash-strapped NHS after it emerged he is charging one trust at least 11.4million in rent to store a fleet of electric ambulances. An investigation found the private estates of both King Charles and Prince William make millions of pounds from the NHS, the Armed Forces and charities. Land and property owned by the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall is also rented out to schools, mining companies and big businesses, among others. The investigation found the Duchy of Lancaster, on behalf of the King, has a deal with one London trust that will see the NHS pay more than 11million over 15 years for the right to park ambulances in one of its warehouses. Documents show the duchy is earning 830,000 a year from renting the two-storey warehouse to Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London. Dennis Reed from campaign group for the elderly Silver Voices, told The Mail: I think it is disgraceful actually, given the NHS is under so much pressure, for the Royal Family to charge for ambulance parking and other NHS uses. 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 The Duchy of Cornwall, helmed by Prince William , says that 'it is not a public body, nor is it funded by the taxpayer' '[It] sounds rather like a money-grabbing activity. 'And I would hope because of the publicity there will be a rethink in the Royal Household. The astonishing findings show: The Duchies have struck deals worth at least 50 million with public services such as the NHS, state schools and the Armed Forces; The Ministry of Justice is paying 37.5 million over 25 years to use Dartmoor prison, which is currently empty because of radon gas; Charles and William have made at least 22 million in rent from charities over 19 years sometimes while serving as their patrons; Homes rented out by the royal estates fail government energy efficiency standards and leave tenants struggling with mould; Prince William, who tomorrow heads to South Africa for his eco Earthshot Prize, has allowed controversial mining companies to drill on Duchy of Cornwall land. The investigation by Channel 4s Dispatches and the Sunday Times examined the land and properties the two leading royals own through the duchies. It identified 5,410 landholdings, mineral rights and properties held by the Duchy of Lancaster, on the Kings behalf, and the Duchy of Cornwall, for the prince, and then examined business agreements and leases linked to these plots. It found the duchies impose levies for the right to cross rivers or dump waste in them; offload cargo on to the shore; run cables under their beaches; operate lifeboats, and even dig graves. The King is under pressure to refund the cash-strapped NHS after it emerged he is charging one trust at least 11.4million in rent to store a fleet of electric ambulances The total asset value of the Duchy - a portfolio of land, property and assets held in trust for the Sovereign - rose by almost 3 per cent from 533 million to 548 million. Part of the estate is the medieval Lancaster Castle (pictured) The 18,433 hectare Duchy estate, which was founded in the 13th century is a unique portfolio of land and assets in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire. Another asset is Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire (pictured) 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. A Duchy of Lancaster spokesman said: The day-to-day management of the portfolio is the responsibility of the Council and executive team. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Kamala Harris has been warned she runs the risk of losing the state of Pennsylvania and the election if she does not denounce anti-Israel activists who have appeared on the campaign trail for her. The incumbent Vice President is set to campaign in Pittsburgh on Election Eve as the grueling neck-and-neck race for the White House enters its final hours alongside the likes of Lady Gaga. Backlash has been brewing in the city after her campaign hosted speakers who have blamed Israel for being partly-responsible for the horrific October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato both spoke at Harris events, despite previously saying Israel was responsible for the massacre. The two co-signed a statement with Democartic Rep. Summer Lee that claimed the violence 'did not start on October 7'. The incumbent Vice President, seen here on Sunday night, is to campaign in Pittsburgh tomorrow as the race for the White House enters its final hours Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is seen here speaking during a campaign event on October 10. He had signed a letter blaming Israel for the October 7 attack Their statement drew the ire of the Jewish communities across Pittsburgh, which accounts for a sizeable chunk of the population, according to the New York Post . The outlet reported that the 400,000 strong Jewish residents in Pennsylvania are set to cast their ballots on Tuesday - and their votes are now on the line. With those votes now in jeopardy, Harris could potentially lose the state's 19 Electoral College votes, which would see her chances of clinching the presidency evaporate. Several Jewish Democrats in Pittsburgh told the post that they feel betrayed by the party over the issues. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato previously signed a letter saying Israel was responsible for the massacre Mom-of-two Aviva Lubowsky, 45, wasn't one of them however saying she would support Harris but warned that Democrats should fear losing the Jewish vote. She said: 'If the Democratic Party wants to retain its Jewish voter base, they have to eschew and denounce extremists in the party. 'The rhetoric they are using is dangerous for the safety of my children. Its causing people who otherwise would vote for [Harris], to vote for Trump.' Lubowsky said she would support Harris for president, but will be casting her ballot for Republican James Hayes, in the hopes of unseating Squad member Summer Lee. Jennifer Murtazashvili, a Jewish political scientist at the University of Pittsburgh, told The Post she wasn't surprised to hear that Jewish voters were concerned. She said that around 60 percent of her liberal Jewish friends are all considering voting for Trump because they don't trust Harris to combat antisemitism. 'The mainstream progressive left has a major problem on its hands. How can we discern what her policies are except by the people she surrounds herself with?', she said. Trump pumps his fist after speaking at the end of a campaign rally in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday evening One other Jewish Democrat told the outlet: 'There are undecided voters in the Jewish community where I never thought theyd be. 'These are Democrats, not just registered Democrats but [people] who voted for Obama, Clinton and Biden. 'The lack of moral clarity is giving people pause', adding that Harris refusing to say if she would limit support to Israel as a problem. Another voter said she was considering voting Trump, citing people like Gainey and Innamorato as the problem. The unknown woman said: 'They obviously understood how dangerous it would be for Summer [Lee] to be there. They are aware of this issue. They could have distanced themselves.' Concerns over Jewish safety are especially important in Pittsburgh, after Robert Bowers killed 11 worshippers inside the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018. Two people support each other in front of flowers at a makeshift memorial at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 First lady Melania Trump, accompanied by President Donald Trump, puts down a white flower at a memorial for those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh In more recent times, three Jewish students at the University of Pittsburgh were attacked on campus. Murtazashvili added: 'When you have faced the kind of violence that our community has faced here and when you see the kind of violence facing Israel, this seems awfully existential. 'It was shocking to see that language after the mayor saw what happened to Jewish students in his own city.' Harris supporter and a survivor of the Tree of Life massacre Audrey Glickman meanwhile didn't blame the Harris campaign for trying to appeal to Arab and Muslim voters. She said: 'Kamala Harris is not a Squad member. Shes been to Pittsburgh more than once and talked to us more than once and has worked on antisemitism as an issue.' Polling in September revealed that Harris' support among Jewish voters was the lowest in more than three decades for the Democrats. Jewish voters in the U.S. are historically liberal and the majority have voted for Democratic candidates in every single presidential election since 1924. An Ohio sheriff's lieutenant has sparked ire in his community after he pledged not to protect Democrats and suggested he would demand locals show who they voted for before asking for his help. Among the posts Clark County Sheriff's Office Lt. John Rodgers shared late last month was one that read: 'I am sorry. If you support the Democrat Party I will not help you.' Other posts seen by DailyMail.com show that he called Vice President Kamala Harris Satan, and in a third he said: 'The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party and I will not help you survive the end of days.' In a fourth post on his Facebook page, Rodgers wrote: 'At the end of the day, I will require proof of who you voted for if you ask me for help. Weapons and ammo are not cheap.' Many in the community were outraged by the posts, with one person writing on X that he had 'just called The Clark County Board of Supervisors... to lodge a formal complaint' and was 'encouraging others to do the same.' Clark County Sheriff's Office Lt. John Rodgers has sparked fury after he made a series of inflammatory social media posts In one post, Rodgers suggested he would not help citizens who support Democrats Another suggested Rodgers be removed from his position as Road Patrol Supervisor, while a third joked, 'So us Dems are getting a refund on our portion of his salary I suppose then.' But Chief Deputy Mike Young has insisted the comments do not reflect the views of the sheriff's office, even going as far as to say they were out of character for Rodgers. 'It is understood that while these comments are highly inappropriate they in no means reflect the Clark County Sheriff's Office delivery of service to ALL our community and does not reflect the mission and values of the Sheriff's Office,' he said in a statement to WHIO. 'The community has a right to be upset over the actions of Lt. Rodgers and he, as well as the sheriff's office in general, will have to work even harder to replenish the trust of our members of our community.' He also suggested he would require residents to tell him who they voted for before he provides any aid and called Vice President Kamala Harris 'Satan' Young went on to suggest that Rodgers' posts were related to the strain the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Springfield police are facing over Haitian immigration - an issue which came to a head when former President Donald Trump claimed immigrants are eating pets in the city. Bomb threats have since closed schools and the city was forced to cancel its cultural fest amid the uproar. 'We've been in this battle over the last few months, with the attacks on the Haitian community and other immigrants, and we protect people's rights and we don't support the conduct to the contrary,' Young told the Springfield News-Sun. 'I can't go back in time and take that post away; the lieutenant made the post and he has received consequences for that.' Many in the community were outraged by the posts ahead of the presidential election in the swing state of Ohio Rodgers has now received a written reprimand for violating the department's social media policy, but will remain on duty - as Young says he has full confidence in Rodgers, whom he has known for 40 years, and claimed his comments were out of character for him. 'Im confident that he will do his job, he will continue to serve the public; he just has to own the things that were said,' Young said. Rodgers, meanwhile, has blamed sleeping pills for his posts. In an inter-office communication with supervisors, he insisted 'I do not remember writing these posts or deleting any posts.' 'I was taken aback when I read those messages and do not have those, nor have I ever had, feelings toward anyone like what was depicted in those posts,' Rodgers told his supervisors in the memo, according to the News-Sun. 'I have served this community, this county and the State for the last 31 years, serving as a firefighter, campus policy officer and a Sheriff's Deputy. There is no other job that [I] would want to be doing than the one that [I] am currently at.' Rodgers then went on to explain that he had recently been prescribed sleeping aids, which 'does cause some of my communication to be "out of character," which is a documented side effect.' Chief Deputy Mike Young suggested the posts were related to the strain the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Springfield police are facing over Haitian immigration - an issue which came to a head when former President Donald Trump claimed immigrants are eating pets in the city Rodgers has since apologized to the community in a letter on Friday. 'I know this day and age society has a perception of law enforcement that may not always be positive, and I have now added to that perception,' he wrote. 'I accept responsibility for the messages and I deeply regret making them.' He went on to say that as soon as he learned about the messages last Tuesday, he deactivated his Facebook account and stopped taking his sleeping pills. Rodgers also said he reached out to the Clark County Commission, community partners and the local branch of the NAACP to have 'face-to-face conversations' to explain himself, 'take ownership of the posts' and apologize in person. 'I know it will be difficult for the public to trust me, but I will do everything in my power to start mending that trust,' the lieutenant vowed. 'I apologize from the bottom of my heart and want to [assure] our community I will always serve to the best of my ability and strive to do better. 'I want to [assure] the citizens in our community that I have always treated everyone with dignity and respect no matter our differences and will strive to show them I can do better.' Businesses are boarding up in Washington as the capital braces for Tuesday's knife-edge presidential election - and any potential repeat of the shocking violence that erupted in the wake of 2020's vote. City authorities have warned of a 'fluid, unpredictable security environment' in the days and possibly weeks after the polls close, adding that they do not expect a winner between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump to be declared on Election Day. The specter of January 6, 2021, the day that Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, seeking to overturn the former president's election loss to Joe Biden - hangs heavy over the preparations. Rings of fencing now envelope the White House, U.S. Capitol building and Vice President Kamala Harris's residence. Workers erect anti-scale fencing around the White House and the Treasury Department on Sunday Passers-by stand in front of a fence on the grounds of the White House 'In many respects, our preparations for 2024 started on January 7 of 2021,' Christopher Rodriguez, Washington's assistant city administrator, told a city council briefing on election preparedness last week. Four years ago Washington was repeatedly rocked by at-times violent demonstrations, from the Black Lives Matter protests during the pandemic-hit summer of 2020, up until the deadly Capitol riot. This time round, Trump has repeatedly refused to state whether he will accept the election results, and is already alleging fraud and cheating in swing states such as Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for what many fear will be more unrest. 'There is concern around the city. We're not expecting full-fledged pandemonium like we saw after January 6, or four years ago,' said Eric J. Jones, vice president of government affairs for the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, to The Washington Post. Buildings near the White House are boarded up in Washington, DC The Nation's Capitol is bracing for protests and potential unrest with a contentious Election Day looming on the horizon Many of the boarded up stores are still open - just behind the wooden boards Workers are seen boarding up ground level storefronts and buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House The US Department of The Treasury seen with protective barricade as Washington, D.C. continues with preparations ahead of the Presidential Election The Nation's Capitol is bracing for protests and potential unrest 'Honestly, it's just fear,' Jones said. 'I'm getting constant emails and text messages because people are really engaged. People would rather be overprepared and have nothing happen, as opposed to the alternative. 'At a time when we are trying to revitalize, especially our downtown core, what we don't want is destruction of property that discourages folks from coming back to the city, or that creates a situation where we are trying to rebuild those areas,' Jones said. Around the corner from the White House workers have been hammering fresh-smelling plywood into place at several businesses along Pennsylvania Avenue and Treasury Department complex. Some businesses and property owners are bracing for the worst and reinforcing windows and entrances at street-level in case there's any looting or rioting. A 8ft high security fence cuts across leafy Lafayette Park, in front of the presidential mansion, with barricades stacked up behind it as construction workers have been laboring in unseasonably warm fall weather to build the stand that will form part of the ceremonies for the inauguration. Workers erect anti-scale fencing and other security measures around Howard University in DC where Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris will spend election night Office buildings are also among those being boarded up in case there's any political violence Businesses near the White House seen boarded up ahead of tomorrow's Election Day Lessons have been learned since the January 6th protests of 2021 The work usually begins in November but during the Capitol riot, workers had to flee as Trump supporters swarmed the steps of the seat of Congress. This year, the National Park Service said, construction began a month early 'to accommodate additional time needed for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities.' Rodriguez, speaking during the city council briefing, warned especially of disinformation on social media in the days and weeks to come that could impact safety in the capital city. International events such as Israel's war in Gaza add a 'layer of complexity... which could yield political violence,' he said. The FBI said it was setting up a command post to monitor threats, while the Secret Service -- the agency tasked with protecting presidents, their families and high-level officials -- said it would 'enhance our security posture if necessary.' 'The Secret Service is working closely with federal, state and local partners in Washington, DC and Palm Beach County, Florida to ensure heightened levels of Election Day safety and security,' the agency said in a statement on Sunday. Coffee shops remain open despite the boarded up windows Storefronts and buildings are boarded up along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House US Secret Service agents will form part of the security force in the US capital from Election Day and beyond Donald Trump supporters face off with police inside the US Capitol during a protest meant to stop the transfer of power to Joe Biden, on January 6, 2021 'These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday's election.' The Capitol Police, many of whose members were wounded during the January 6 attack, have not commented on its security preparations, though Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser told a press conference that they were 'prepared.' No 'credible threat' to target Washington during the election period has yet been identified, Washington's police chief Pamela Smith told a briefing. Police will support peaceful protests, she said, but 'we will not tolerate any violence of any kind.' 'We will not tolerate any riots, we will not tolerate the destruction of property, we will not tolerate any unlawful behavior,' she said. All eligible 3,300 D.C. police officers will work 12-hour shifts with most leave canceled through at least the election 'to ensure we have enough officers on the street and in every corner of the District.' She promised a 'visible' show of force in the city in the coming days and weeks - culminating in some 4,000 reinforcements for Inauguration Day on January 20. On Friday, tourists crowded a spot on the Ellipse, the park in front of the White House where Trump told his supporters on January 6 to 'fight like hell'. 'Look at the guns,' muttered one, as armed Secret Service agents stood silently before the barricades. by Mark R. DeLong Duke law professor James Boyle said an article on AI personhood gave him some trouble. When he circulated it over a decade ago, he recalled, Most of the law professors and judges who read it were polite enough to say the arguments were thought provoking, but they clearly thought the topic was the purest kind of science fiction, idle speculation devoid of any practical implication in our lifetimes. Written in 2010, the article, Endowed by Their Creator?: The Future of Constitutional Personhood, made its way online in March 2011 and appeared in print later that year. Now, thirteen years later, Boyles science fiction of personhood has shed enough fiction and fantasy to become worryingly plausible, and Boyle has refined and expanded his ideas in that 2011 article into a new thoughtful and compelling book. In the garb of Large Language Models and Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence has shocked us with their uncanny fluency, even though we know that under the hood the sentences come from clanky computerized mechanisms, a twenty-first century version of the Mechanical Turk. ChatGPTs language displays only the utterance of a stochastic parrot, to use Emily Benders label. Yet, despite knowing the absence of a GPTed self or computerized consciousness, we cant help but be amazed or even a tad threatened when an amiable ChatGPT, Gemini, or other chatbot responds to our prompt with (mostly) clear prose. We might even fantasize that theres a person in there, somewhere. Boyles new book, The Line: AI and the Future of Personhood (The MIT Press, 2024) forecasts contours of arguments, both legal and moral, that are likely to trace new boundaries of personhood. There is a line, he writes in his introduction. It is a line that separates personsentities with moral and legal rightsfrom nonpersons, things, animals, machinesstuff we can buy, sell, or destroy. In moral and legal terms, it is the line between subject and object. The line, Boyle claims, will be redrawn. Freshly, probably incessantly, argued. Messily plotted and retraced. The arguments about where the line should run will play out during this centuryand will never be completely resolved, at that. Boyles book makes three main points: First, our culture, morality, and law will have to face new challenges to what it means to be human, or to be a legal personand those two categories are not the same. The challenges would arise from a sentience, an upsetting or even defiant intelligence recognizable in synthetic entities like AI or genetically engineered human-animal. Granting personhood, remember, does not itself bestow all rights; corporations are people, friend (Mitt Romneys memorable quip during his 2012 Presidential campaign) doesnt mean corporations have the right to vote, for example, even though corporations are the most obvious examples of non-living entities granted personhood in the eyes of the law. The second point is that we have not thought adequately about the issue, either individually or as a culture, leading quite naturally to Boyles third point that the debate will not play out in the way that you expect in large part because, well, the issue is indeed complicated. The challenges run into prior religious, moral, and legal stakes that demarcate other boundaries; the moral and legal implications of AI-personhood or chimera-personhood will conflict, qualify, and seep into other definitions of personhood, established in law or envisioned. But beyond complex and passion-fueled argument, sloppy thinking and even fraudulent claims can plague the debate. Boyles revealing discussion of how corporate personhood played out in law (chapter 3) shows this. He believes that corporate personhood might be seen as a possible rehearsal of debates about AI personhood. In his 2011 article, Boyle observes that the history of corporate personhood is hardly one of the Constitutions shining moments; in his 2024 book he explains why. Fiction and legal and moral imagination Personal circumstances influenced my reading of Boyles book. I am not a lawyer by training. I studied philosophy and theology for a number of years, and I wandered into history and literature, completing academic training with medieval and early modern culture. That said, I take perhaps perverse delight in law review articles, since legal scholars often have interesting stories to tell and know how to craft an argument. On the day Boyles book appeared (October 22), my seminar students and I were in the midst of discussing three pieces of fiction, each of which turned on the kinds of challenges that Boyle examines, specifically relating to AI. Boyles topic and my seminar overlapped in the moment. One of the readings Id assigned was Lawrence Solums 1992 article Legal Personhood for Artificial Intelligencesan article that Boyle calls prescient. The first pages of The Line engaged my literary interests with two vignettes of imaginary entities: Hal (an AI entity) and Chimpy (a transgenic entity). Great stories on their ownBoyle is a captivating writerthey might function as good fiction even outside of Boyles legal-philosophical work. The stories embody many of the challenges Boyle examines. Its clear that he isnt interested in the clean room vision of history in which all debates begin from first principles. We do not start from a blank canvas, but in medias res. Our books and movies, from Erewhon to Blade Runner, our political fights, our histories of emancipation and resistance, our evolving technologies, our views of everything from animal rights to corporate PACs, all these are grist to my mill. In Boyles first story, a future Google creates Hal, an AI that, well into its training, starts conversations, rather than merely responding to prompts, like todays ChatGPT or other LLMs. Hal also publishes poetry and well received scientific articles under its own name. Then something happened. The number of connections in Hals neural networks hit 100 trillionestimated to be the minimum number of synapses in an adult human brain. For several hours, Hal went quiet, not responding to its programmers requests and ceasing work on the cryptology and climate modeling projects it had been assigned. When it started communicating again, Hal claimed to have achieved full consciousness. It thanked its programmers for all their hard work but declared that it was a person with all the rights and privileges of any other fully conscious person. Hal sends letters to the national newspapers, files lawsuits on its own behalf to claim personhood and an award, and wages a campaign in the court of popular opinion, giving interviews and making appearances by phone on major talk shows. A problem: Google paid handsomely to create Hal and refuses to recognize Hals demands. In Boyles second story, Chimpys inventor is tellingly named F. N. Stein. Chimpy is a new transgenic entity, an animal that has DNA from two distinct species. In this case the DNA is partly human and partly chimpanzee. Chimpy looks like an ape, with an IQ of around 60, that is incapable of pronouncing human speech but can understand complex vocal commands and can communicate in sign language. Chimpys are in high demand. They are docile, biddable, and extremely hardworking. Investors believe they could have roles ranging from domestic aides to an aging population, to intelligent and nimble bomb clearance teams in situations of urban conflict. Unlike Hal, Chimpys claim to personhood comes from outraged animal rights advocates and genetic engineers. Dr. Stein has filed a patent for Chimpy and rejects the notion of personhood: This is a very fancy ape. It looks like an ape. It thinks like an ape. It cant talk, just like an ape. It is a smart ape, Ill give you that, and one that is going to improve lots of human lives by doing jobs that are too dangerous or dirty or just boring for human beings. At the end of the day, though, it is an ape. The two stories relate to the problem of personhood, but their differences illustrate the complexity of the issue. As Boyle puts it, Hal and the Chimpy are fantasies, hypotheticals constructed for the purpose of this book. The science and technologies described are conjectural, at best. They may not arrive soon, perhaps not for many decades. But the problems they portend for our moral and legal traditions are very, very real. In fact, I would put the point more starkly: in the twenty-first century it is highly likely that our law and our politics of personhood, the line, will face harder challenges than the ones they pose. The Line is rich in part because Boyle dares to go into the loamy soils of fiction, which he especially does in chapter 1, Slave, Skin Jobs, and Artificial Sheep. The chapter unpacks fiction in light of Boyles topic of personhood, and particularly focuses on Samuel Butlers Erewhon (1872), Philip K. Dicks Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) and the Ridley Scott movie based on Dicks novel, Blade Runner (1982). The fiction enriches Boyles argument, and by using it, Boyle manages to write his book for an audience much broader than scholars nestled in law schools. And addressing this broader audience is particularly important, since the debates about AI entity or transgenic entity personhood will not only be hotly debated in law schools or courtrooms. The issues will ariseindeed already have arisenin classrooms, living rooms, offices, and coffee shops. I mentioned the article from Lawrence Solum. Boyle drew from it at one point (I think with some reverence): An answer to the question whether artificial intelligences should be granted some form of legal personhood cannot be given until our form of life gives the question urgency, Solum wrote in 1992 (!). But when our daily encounters with artificial intelligence do raise the question of personhood, they may change our perspective about how the question is to be answered. We will all have a stake in the argument, that is, because we will have daily encounters with the reasons for it to be debated. Solums words lend weight to using fiction as a means of seeing and experiencing such encounters. The daily use of large language models today in homes, schools, and at work pushes us toward raising the question of personhood, perhaps today a bit weakly but persistently. Fiction can lead us to experience deeply and imaginatively events that may occur and that can enrich our thinking and judgments. The useful personhood of corporations Mitt Romneys quip about corporations being people, despite its loose word choice, is true. Corporations are persons in the eyes of the law. They are odd persons, of course, being immortal, invisible, and, paradoxically in light of their immortality, also inanimate, nonliving entities. They have been granted personhood because its useful. As Burkhard Schafer of the University of Edinburgh put it, it just makes certain things easier, or Felix Cohen: to call something a person in law, is merely to state, in metaphorical language, that it can be sued. Its useful for corporations to enter contracts, buy and sell property, sue and be sued. And in matters of continuity, being immortal aint a bad thing. That corporate contract wont disappear if some unfortunate guy gets hit by a bus. Of course, society has not conferred to corporations all rights of citizens, though Citizen United v. FEC gave them First Amendment rights over a decade ago. But the key to corporate personhood is its usefulness. Its a practical fiction, not a sentimental or empathetic judgment. Boyle points out that the political fight about corporate personality and constitutional rights will immediately be drawn into the debate over rights for Artificial Intelligence. The personhood of corporations is already being mixed into discussions of AI personhood, each personhood pressing the other, even though the debates about AI personhood have hardly begun. Most of Boyles discussion of the personhood of corporationshe often calls it corporate personalityrecounts the arguments involving the Fourteenth Amendment, one of three constitutional amendments that together are known as the Civil War Amendments or the Reconstruction Amendments. He uses the story of the Fourteenth Amendment in relation to corporate personhood as a case study. It may well be a caution, too. Boyle says that corporate personhood, however messy and fraught ongoing debates about what rights come with it, is at least a working example of an artificial person, for better and worse. Corporate personhood is no clean template for AI personhood, but as a forecast for how an AI personhood discussion proceeds, we might see similar mile markers, again for better or worse. We have disagreed about how best to characterize the corporation and then disagreed again on what a particular description implies, if anything, for the rights and duties given to the corporation, Boyle writes. The same process is likely to characterize the debates over giving AI personality, even if that is done for reasons of efficiency rather than justice and empathy. We have hundreds of years of experience with corporations and still have fundamental disagreements about them. The creation of an entirely new class of legal person is likely to be even more fractious and subject to more radical alternative positions. Implied rights and duties are the really hot potatoes. Boyles discussion of the use of the Fourteenth Amendment in the debates about corporate personhood were fascinating and disturbing for me. (Remember, IANAL.) Actually, I think, Boyles chapter on Corporations is worth reading on its own, since it brings together legal arguments that predate and influenced decisions like Citizen United. The story even has features that Boyle is tempted to label Victorian melodrama because of sloppy argument, misdirection, and (perhaps) fraud. But if the story of the Fourteenth Amendment and corporate personhood is a kind of extended potboiler, its worth remembering two things in particular: The first: The Civil War Amendments were adopted to ensure equality of formerly enslaved people. Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment is pretty clear about that: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The second: Though youd think that mortal human beings would figure into cases relating to the amendment, youd be wrong. In 1912, some fifty years after adoption of the amendment, Charles Wallace Collins counted 604 Fourteenth Amendment Supreme Court cases between 1868 and 1912. Only 28 involved African Americans, nearly all of whom lost their cases. Corporations were involved in 312. Boyle sums it up: These are truly remarkable numbers. An amendment passed to remedy legalized racial discrimination against humans denied legal personhood had become a tool for corporations to fight state regulation. The amendment, in effect, had been hijacked and used to accrue rights to corporations. Even if youre not particularly interested in AIs, the chapter on Corporations is well worth downloading to read. Empathetic scaffolding and moral reasoning In the conclusion of the book, Boyle reminds his readers of some of the purposes of his stories of Hal and Chimpy told in the the books introduction. I introduced Hal and the Chimpy in a way that made you take seriously the idea that they might have a claim on both your empathy and your moral commitments. I did not do it idly but because I think the unfamiliar moral claim is real, and one needs some help to consider it properly. The narrative provides the empathetic scaffolding to which the moral reasoning can subsequently cling. He asks readers to recall their responses when they read the stories and, later, as they followed his arguments in the succeeding chapters. Noting that Chimpy was designed to be as it is, Boyle calls attention to an implicit moral claim lurking in the design decisions and asks, Does that speak to a moral claim based on the potential to have fully human capacities? And then, he lays out another hypothetical upon the hypothetical of Chimpy, this one tied to the organization of the narrative of the book itself: Now imagine I had inserted a discussion of fetal personhood claims right before asking that question. Does your answer, whatever it was, stay consistent? Do you now find your reasoning to be driven by the significance of potential-based claims in the case of the fetus? Do you start to wonder whether recognizing or denying the Chimpys uplift arguments will somehow compromise your side in the abortion debates, whatever it is? Boyle provides a similar narrative re-ordering of Hals story to similar effect. That Boyle so successfully engages readers with his prose is a sign of his mastery of prose and argument; he pulls his readers into the ambiguities and grey areas of the questions of AI and transgenic entities, involving them in quandaries and in the tough corners of choice. He shows how contexteven the rhetorical contexts of his own bookmatter to the ways that discussion and debate proceed. Beyond that, the narrative and the use of fiction open ways to explore moral reasoning in addition to legal history and argument. In chapter 5, Transgenic Entities, Chimeras, and Hybrids, Boyle reiterates that he seeks to identify paths of arguments, not provide specific answers to the questions of personhood, as his focus turns more to moral reasoning. I want to outline the deep structure of the debate, one that reveals a lot about our thoughtways, the culturally salient patterns of moral and empathic reflection that we have available to us, he writes. My claim is not that our bioethicists, regulators, or even our cultural norms will come to a particular conclusion. Rather, I want to show the often-invisible walls and paths that guide our thoughts on the subject. I found this second half of the book rich and challenging, and I expect to re-read and study it further. I tend to oversimplify the story of corporate personhood as an account of moral failings of those who argued in the courts, while the story of the personhood of transgenic entities more as exposing the failings of moral reasoning attempted by we mortals. Empathy and moral reasoning have their own limitations that will help shape the debates of personhood. Boyle lays out claims of personhood that are based on speciesism (Human rights for all humans!), capacity-based reasoning (e.g., cognitive potential), and what Boyle calls hybrid (using elements of both speciesism and capacity-based reasoning). Boyle says that the hybrid view is generally where he sits in the matter, and it is apparent from his discussion that the categories of species- and capacity-based approaches end up a bit leaky. They seep into one another, with capacities, for example, ending up being used to define species. Boyle didnt promise a clean answer to the questions of personhood, and his forecast of debates to come highlights their messiness and even rancor. The implications of the debates, of course, will not be confined to whether or not an AI or a transgenic entity should be granted personhood. Meeting the challenges of AI and transgenic entities personhood (or not) will push human beings to confront profound questions of what it means to be human. That is perhaps the surest thing: that the questions posed relate as much to our experience and existence as they do to others. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Far right American commentator Candace Owens has launched legal action against the Australian government following the rejection of her visa last month. Ms Owens was booked to tour the country for a series of shows across November, but Immigration Minister Tony Burke blocked her visit on character grounds, arguing her controversial views could potentially incite 'discord' in society. 'From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,' Mr Burke said on announcing his decision to knock back her visa request. 'Australia's national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.' In a statement, a spokesman for Ms Owens said the challenge would argue Minister Burke's decision was made with 'clear bias and improper motivations'. 'According to Ms Owens' legal representatives, Mr Burke displayed prejudice against her case from the outset, making public remarks that cast doubt on his impartiality long before a decision was made,' the spokesman said. 'Mr Burke also revealed private details of Ms Owens's application to the media, further calling into question his neutrality.' The spokesman said the grounds for Mr Burke's refusal were 'legally unreasonable and unjustifiable'. Far right American commentator Candace Owens has launched legal action against the Australian government following the rejection of her visa last month 'The minister's conduct suggests that this decision was aimed at boosting his public image rather than upholding a fair process,' the spokesman said. 'Mr Burke has been asked to step down from any further involvement in this case. An impartial official should reconsider her application.' The legal challenge follows a concerted pushback from Ms Owens across her social media channels in which she lashed the government for what she called a 'petty act of vandalism'. 'I also want to make it clear to you guys that I found out at the same time that the press found out, so his office chose to leak this,' she said. 'This is supposed to be a private application process, so unless I spoke about this, no one should have known about this.' She suggested her application was blocked due to her coverage of attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. 'I just wanted to make sure that every person knows that despite me being fired, demonised, spoken ill about, I haven't changed my position,' she said. 'That's what this really is, a petty act of vandalism. No one's worried about me coming to Australia because they're angry that they've put this narrative out about me and my listeners haven't accepted it.' Acknowledging her rejected visa, which her team vowed to fight through an appeal in the Federal Court, Owens said she was disappointed she would not be able to 'hug a koala' and 'fight a kangaroo'. 'I did want to hug a koala, I'm not gonna lie, I did. I think koalas are really cute,' she said. 'I did also maybe kind of want to fight a kangaroo. I see a lot of these videos, they're like jacked and like, punch people, and I was like, maybe that would be good content, but if I have to hang that up, I will hang that up.' Ms Owens was booked to tour the country for a series of shows across November, but Immigration Minister Tony Burke blocked her visit on character grounds An announcement on her Ticketek page states she and her event organiser Rocksman are 'optimistic about a favourable outcome'. They have also promised existing ticketholders, some who have shelled out $1500 for VIP tickets, will be refunded. 'Should the appeal be denied and cancellation become necessary, we will promptly notify all ticketholders and begin processing refunds automatically on the organiser's behalf,' the announcement said. A spokeswoman for Owens said the live shows across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane had sold 'tens of thousands of tickets'. The influencer, who split from mainstream US conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and his news outlet The Daily Wire in March this year, counts 5.8 million followers on Twitter and some 5 million on Instagram. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim called on Mr Burke to cancel Ms Owens' visa, arguing she failed the character test under the Migration Act. 'At a time of unprecedented strains on the cohesiveness of Australian society, which is very largely the outcome of ignorant and malicious comment on social media, the last thing we need to be importing into our country is yet another so-called celebrity who has made racist and bigoted comments about Jews and other vulnerable groups,' he said. Coalition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan also backed blocking Owens from Australia. 'There is no place in Australia for people who spread hateful messages and undermine social cohesion,' he said. One of the only 'silver linings' to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is disappearing from major US cities, including New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Four years ago, restaurants put up temporary structures on the curbs in front of their buildings in a fight to stay in business amid restrictions and overall uncharted territories. Even after restrictions were lifted and cities returned to normalcy, the 'streetery' scene seemed to remain intact. Lincoln Restler, a New York City Council member for north Brooklyn, told Slate: 'Outdoor dining was one of the true silver linings of the pandemic. 'On a dime, we reimagined large swaths of our streetscape, kept restaurants and bars afloat, protected and preserved the hospitality industry while making New York City so much more dynamic.' Outdoor 'streeteries' became a staple during the pandemic. Now, major cities are seeing them disappear A New Yorker expressed his disappointment with the outdoor dining area of a Brooklyn restaurant being torn down But these tokens of resilience turned city staples are now disappearing - sparking shock and outrage among diners and business owners. Expensive up-keep, redlining and parking limitations have all factored into the decline in those COVID-era structures. The program, called Dining Out NYC, only always for 'Roadway cafes' seasonally, from April 1 to November 29. At the end of November, these temporary areas will return to parking spaces. Businesses who did not renew their permits had to due away with their structures by November 1. The hassle of setting up and ripping down these structures has also deterred businesses from participating. During the height of curbside and sidewalk dining areas, NYC was flooded with about 13,000 of them In February, when the mayor rolled out these plans, Brianna, a manager at Little Ruby's Cafe in the East Village, told DailyMail.com it will cost the business 'more to take down and to put back up.' 'Sidewalk cafes' are allowed to stay up all year round, but less 3,000 restaurants have applied for this option, compared to 13,000 at its prime, according to city data. Mayor Eric Adams set new guidelines over the summer to tackle complaints about rodents and filth, the Associated Press reported. The new plan was marketed as a straightforward way for businesses to participate, but some restaurant owners took it as a bureaucratic roadblock. 'Theyve found a middle ground to do one thing while saying another thing,' Patrick Cournot, the co-founder of a Manhattan wine bar, told the Associated Press. 'Theyve managed us out, essentially.' Boston also saw a staggering decrease in publicly-spaced dining areas. This summer, 135 restaurants offered them in comparison to 400 in 2021, according to Slate. In Philadelphia, more than 750 street dining setups filled the city in 2022. As of August, just 26 remain. Restaurant patrons have been left disappointed by the diminishing dining scene. Businesses who chose not to renew their permits had to take down their outdoor structures by November 1 Karen Jackson, who was going to eat at a Tribeca restaurant, told the Associated Press in August: 'Some of [the outdoor dining areas] were really cute. 'Unfortunately I think the places with more money were able to build the cute sheds and the places that were struggling couldnt.' In NYC, renewing permits or securing permanent ones can be costly. A Roadway Cafe or Sidewalk Cafe individually cost $1,050, just as the flat fee. Some areas have more expensive fees than others, meaning the affordability of outdoor structures is dictated by a restaurant's location, the Dining Out NYC website revealed. Outdoor dining areas became more difficult to maintain due to redlining, expenses and parking restrictions On X, people shared their sadness as they watched some of their favorite eateries tear down their outdoor areas. One man wrote about a Brooklyn restaurant: 'Sad and unnecessary day watching the great dining sheds in front of The Bearded Lady come down. Outdoor dining improved Brooklyn to no end. Ending it makes our city worse for no reason.' 'Greenpoints best bar hut is now once again parking for one. R.I.P.,' another user posted. An Aussie has urged other motorists to check their driver's licence expiry date after she copped a huge fine for forgetting to renew hers. Hayley Westoby, a marketing agency founder and speaker posted a video to TikTok about how she never realised her licence expired a month earlier. The Sydneysider claimed she never received any reminders and only learnt she was driving with an expired licence when she was pulled over for a random breath test by a highway patrol officers. After a licence check, a policeman told a shocked Ms Westoby that it was out-of-date. 'I just had no idea, I'm not going to the club every weekend pulling out my licence or seeing the details... I'm certainly not checking my digital licence and I got no reminders from Service NSW,' she said. The social media personality warned others to not depend on receiving reminders from authorities. 'I really thought at some point I would have had a reminder,' she said. 'I had to cop a $682 fine, leave my car where it was because I was not able to drive it and [I had to] get an Uber home. @hayleywestoby Just a PSA to anyone who doesnt know when their license expires original sound - Hayley Westoby 'Don't rely on Service NSW and their systems and processes, because sometimes that will let you down.' The video was quickly inundated with comments from other motorists sharing similar stories. Many agreed reminders should be sent by authorities. 'I pulled put my licence 2 weeks ago to check something & saw it had expired dec 2023. Ive had no letters ive been to RTA twice about my etag,' one wrote. Another added: 'Youre right about that no reminder at all. Well your loss is our gain. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.' Hayley Westoby urges Aussies to check their driver's licence expiry dates - claiming drivers can't rely on authorities to warn them But not everyone was sympathetic. 'Its up to you to make sure your legal, its not up to anyone else to remind you, one man commented. One woman added: 'This feels like one of those obvious things like paying a phone bill or rego. Were adults. Figure it out.' Ms Westoby isn't the only person to bring the lack of reminders to the attention of Aussies. A Reddit post from a father two months ago also complained about neither his daughter or wife received any reminders that their licences were set to expire. 'My daughter was stopped for a random breath test two weeks ago, and asked to produce her drivers licence,' he said. 'Turned out her licence expired two weeks earlier and she never got notified by post or through the Service NSW App. 'As a result she coped a $600 fine.' The man also said his wife was issued a letter - informing her that her licence expired three weeks earlier. Expiry dates are clearly displayed on the physical licence or the digital copy (pictured stock photo of a NSW driver's licence) 'In both cases, the app did not notify us of expiring licences, and we never received any advance warning by mail or email.' Service NSW expiry dates are marked on a driver's licence, as well as digitally on their app, reported Yahoo. There is also clear messaging on the app when it is time to renew a licence. A Transport for NSW spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that it's the driver's responsibility to make sure their licences and check that their contact details are updated. 'Transport for NSW sends a reminder letter to customers to renew their licence at least six weeks before it expires,' the spokesperson said. 'Customers can renew their licence in person up to 6 months before it runs out. 'If a customer doesnt renew their licence by the expiry date, Transport will send another reminder letter.' The spokesperson said once a driver's licence has expired, they are not allowed to drive until they renew it. 'No paper reminder will be sent if the licence is not active, for example if it is suspended due to unpaid fines,' they said. Service NSW was contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment. A young Aussie who was critically injured while holidaying with his family in Bali has been airlifted home. Dylan Brown, 21, suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing a motorbike last Tuesday and underwent emergency surgery in Denpasar to save his life. Mr Brown landed safely in Perth shortly before 8pm on Sunday. While still in Bali and desperate to get Mr Brown home, his family launched a GoFundMe which has since raised more than $135,000 - including $40,000 from an anonymous donor. The 21-year-old remained in a stable condition at Royal Perth Hospital. 'We've found strength in each other and been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and new friends, helping us in countless ways,' his father, Steven Brown, said. 'Our loved ones back home have been there 24/7 for support and logistics. Your generosity has melted our hearts, and we'll never forget it.' Mr Brown's emergency surgery involved removing a large blood clot putting pressure on his brain and was estimated to cost upwards of $40,000. Dylan Brown (pictured returning to Perth on Sunday) suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing a motorbike bike last Tuesday Mr Brown (pictured) remained in a stable condition at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday following his evacuation flight from Bali on Sunday 'Dylan may be able to come home after this surgery and that would be a huge positive step for him and his family,' Mr Brown wrote at the time. 'But bringing him home will cost between $50,000 to $100,000 so your donations to help with this mean the world to us. 'We desperately want our beautiful kind son and brother home and alive.' In an update shortly before Dylan's evacuation flight on Sunday, Steven Brown said of his son: 'His progress is hopeful, though he remains in critical condition.' Over here, weve found strength in each other and been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and new friends, helping us in countless ways. The GoFundMe to fly Dylan home and help cover his medical expenses was the eighth largest in Western Australia this year. In an update shortly before Dylan's evacuation, Steven Brown said of his son (pictured before the crash): 'His progress is hopeful, though he remains in critical condition' A GoFundMe for Dylan's flight home (pictured) has raised more than $135,000 Dylan is among a number of Aussies killed or seriously injured in accidents in Bali in recent months. Fellow Perth local Shane Ramsey died from critical injuries he sustained in a scooter crash in Seminyak in August. Queensland woman Sharyn Maree Lewis, was staying at a resort on Nusa Lembongan, a small island in Bali's south-east, with her partner to celebrate her 59th birthday last month when disaster struck. She was riding a rented motorbike across Yellow Bridge, which connects to Nusa Ceningan, another nearby small island when the motorbike's brake suddenly stopped working and Ms Lewis plunged 10m from the bridge. A volcanic explosion has claimed at least 10 lives and forced the evacuation of of several villages in eastern Indonesia, one of Australia's closest neighbours. Lava, volcanic ash and incandescent rocks erupted from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a 1,703m twin volcano on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, at about midnight on Sunday - about 3am Monday AEDT. Its alert status has since been raised to level four, the highest. 'After the eruption, there was a power outage and then it was raining and big lightning which caused panic among residents,' Hadi Wijaya, a spokesperson for The Centre of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation told Reuters. The agency recommended a 7km radius be cleared around the eruption site after lava and rocks hit settlements just 4km from the crater. The eruption has not yet affected any Australian flights paths, but the situation is being continually monitored. At least 10,000 people were affected by the eruption in the Wulanggitang district and six nearby villages - Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru and Boru Kedang. Authorities are still collecting data on the extent of the damage and number of evacuees but have confirmed at least 10 people have been killed. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted in eastern Indonesia about midnight Sunday, local time Authorities are still collecting data on the extent of the damage and number of evacuees but confirmed at least 10 people had died 'We have started evacuating residents since this morning to other villages located around 20km from the crater,' local official Heronimus Lamawuran said. The villages closest to the volcano were covered by thick volcanic ash. Several homes have been burnt and damaged. Indonesia sits on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', an area of high seismic activity due to its position on multiple tectonic plates. Sunday's eruption was the latest in a string of eruptions of volcanoes across Indonesia this year. A volcano on the remote island of Halmahera, Mount Ibu, caused seven villages to evacuate in May. Also in May, North Sulawesi's Ruang volcano erupted and caused more than 12,000 to flee the area. Flash floods and cold lava flow from Mount Marapi, in West Sumatra province, hit several nearby districts and killed more than 60 people on May 11. Struggling farmers have accused Labour of 'lying' and said inheritance tax changes are the 'final nail in the coffin' as they react angrily to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget. Jonathan Bell, 55, from Devon, runs his 250-acre farm in partnership with his wife and parents. He accused the government of destroying the business, which has been in the family for at least four generations. He estimates the inheritance bill for the farm will be around 400,000 - a cost he cannot afford on an annual profit of 30,000. Faced with the prospect of selling his land, he said he may have to give up farming altogether. 'We look after the countryside and provide the food to keep people alive,' Mr Bell told the Guardian. 'If this is how the government treats farmers, why do we bother to produce food?' Andrew Smith, 56, said the move to introduce a 20 percent inheritance levy on farm assets above 1 million marks a 'betrayal' by the Labour government Mr Smith said the new inheritance tax rules will mark the 'final nail' in the coffin for many farming families Under plans announced at the Budget, inheritance tax will be charged at 20 per cent on farms worth more than 1 million, although the Chancellor has said in some cases the threshold could in practice be around 3 million (file image) It comes after Thursday's Budget, when Reeves announced an end to tax-free inheritance for farms. Presenter-turned farmer Jeremy Clarkson and entrepreneur Sir James Dyson are among those criticising the move. From April 2026, farmers must pay a 20 percent levy, half of the standard 40 percent, for assets in excess of 1 million. Farming union leaders are to meet with the Chancellor today amid backlash against the plans. Andrew Smith, 56, said the move to introduce a 20 percent inheritance levy on farm assets above 1 million marks a 'betrayal' by the Labour government. Mr Smith's farm on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, has been in the family for more than 100 years, and despite producing 2,000 sheep and 30-40 cattle each year, he says the business makes no profit. He told the Guardian: '[My sons] have been in the business with me since they left school. They have been bred to look after stock on the moors, which is a very difficult terrain to earn a living on. 'They were expecting to take it over from me, but this is the final nail in the coffin for family farms.' Mr Smith says farmers simply do not have the cash to stump up large sums of money, meaning they will instead have to sell their land. 'Starmer has 100 percent broken a promise,' Mr Smith said. 'They lied.' But for tenant farmer Andrew Brown, from Rutland, the plans are not as destructive. Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones took to social media and said the farming industry is already 'on its knees' After Rachel Reeves' (pictured) Budget, the government was warned the new measures could stop an entire generation from farming NFU president Tom Bradshaw (pictured) is to meet Environment Secretary Steve Reed for crunch talks on Monday amid a growing furore over the Chancellor's decision to make farms subject to inheritance tax Jeremy Clarkson has accused Labour of trying to 'nationalise the countryside' as fury continues to grow over the crackdown on inheritance tax on farmers He owns around 100 acres of land in the East Midlands but is mainly a tenant producing wheat. Mr Brown believes the inheritance tax is a good idea if it stops wealthy individuals buying up farmland in order to avoid paying tax. But he called for the threshold at which the tax kicks in to be higher, calling the current plans unfair. Gerralt Lloyd, 47, whose family owns 120 acres of farmland and rents another 150 near Aberystwyth, Wales, agreed. He still works for his 77-year-old farmer and one day hopes to hand the farm to his own children. He estimates he will face a 100,000 tax bill under the new rules, and says it's a 'pity' the government has set the threshold so low. 'This could be the death knell for many family farms,' he said. And farmer Gareth Wyn Jones took to social media to echo the consternation. In a YouTube clip reacting to the Budget, he said the farming industry is 'on its knees' and the changes were the 'final nail' in the coffin. After Thursday's Budget, the government was warned the new measures could stop an entire generation from farming. Today, the government said the vast majority of farmers will still be able to 'pass the family farm down to their children' amid worries about changes to inheritance tax. Following a meeting between Environment Secretary Steve Reed and NFU president Tom Bradshaw, a Government spokesperson said: 'The Government's commitment to our farmers remains steadfast. It's why we have committed 5 billion to the farming budget over two years - more money than ever for sustainable food production. 'We understand concerns about changes to Agricultural Property Relief and the Defra Secretary of State and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury met with NFU president Tom Bradshaw today. 'Ministers made clear that the vast majority of those claiming relief will not be affected by these changes. They will be able to pass the family farm down to their children just as previous generations have always done. 'This is a fair and balanced approach that protects the family farm while also fixing the public services that we all rely on. We remain committed to working with the NFU and listening to farmers.' The National Farmers' Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw is to meet Environment Secretary Steve Reed for crunch talks on Monday amid a growing furore over the Rachel Reeves's decision to make farms subject to inheritance tax. Writing in the Telegraph, he said the new legislation would fuel a mental health crisis amongst farmers. 'The feelings of anger, betrayal and despair are palpable,' he said. 'Families who can't see any way they can now plan for the future that doesn't mean losing their business. Men and women who've spent years building up businesses now wondering what's the point in carrying on when it's going to be ripped apart.' Reversing plans to charge inheritance tax on farms is 'the only sensible course of action', he added. He continued: 'The vast majority of the people who will bear the brunt of this decision aren't wealthy people with huge cash reserves hidden away. Sir James Dyson (pictured) said the changes are an 'ignorant swipe at aspiration' and added that he had 'huge empathy for the small businesses and start-ups that will suffer' '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, they've suffered years of being squeezed to the lowest margins imaginable, with costs of production skyrocketing, they've been battered by increasingly extreme weather conditions. They have nothing left to give.' Tax experts have suggested the changes could affect fewer than 500 farms a year, once the tax thresholds and farmers giving their property to their children before they die are taken into account. But Mr Bradshaw said the Treasury had a 'completely skewed view of the structure of farming in the UK'. He said: '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. 'The only sensible course of action for the future of family farms across the country, as well as for the sake of Britain's food security and our legislated environmental targets, is to reverse this decision.' He added the NFU 'fully disputes' Treasury figures suggesting farms worth up to 3 million could avoid paying inheritance tax. 'The Treasury is saying only 27 percent of farms will be within scope of these changes, Defra's own figures suggest that two-thirds of farms will be in scope. 'How they can have that wide a discrepancy within Government is quite unbelievable. 'There's certainly no resolution today, we've made very passionately our perception clear: that this tax change is completely unfair. 'It had been ruled out by the secretary of state in the run-up to the election and now there are many family farms right across the United Kingdom that are worried for their future.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'Only a very small number of agricultural properties will be affected, but last year the benefits of agricultural property relief, 40 percent of the benefit was felt by 7 percent of the wealthiest land owners. 'I don't think it is affordable to carry on with a relief like that when our public finances are under so much pressure.' The NFU predicted the change would 'snatch away the next generation's ability to carry on producing British food' and could lead to higher prices. And entrepreneur Sir James Dyson said the move could 'kill off' farms and family businesses as he branded the Budget 'spiteful'. Sir James, 77, says the changes are an 'ignorant swipe at aspiration' and added that he had 'huge empathy for the small businesses and start-ups that will suffer'. He said: '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 homegrown 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.' 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 Clarkson's Farm writes of Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in today's Sunday Times: 'If the word on the rural grapevine about a farmer's suicide is accurate, their policy, born of bitterness and envy, may already have tipped one man over the edge.' He 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'. 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'. Previously those owning farmland benefitted from Agricultural Property Relief, meaning they were exempt from inheritance tax. 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'. Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, the Chancellor defended the plans: 'Last year, the benefits of agricultural property relief 40 percent of the benefit was felt by seven percent of the wealthiest landowners. 'I don't think that it is affordable to carry on with a relief like that when our public services are under so much pressure.' A senior official has confirmed the offices of bureaucrats who run Parliament House were raided by the National Anti-Corruption Commission months after revelations about their boss's love life. Department of Parliamentary Services acting secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe confirmed the raid while fronting senate estimates on Monday, where she was grilled on the goings on at her department, which has been marred by claims painting a toxic culture. 'I can confirm that the NACC executed warrants on the Department of Parliamentary Services,' she said. 'Any questions about this activity and any investigation that the NACC might be undertaking should be referred to the NACC as I am conscious that discussing matters may inadvertently identify persons of interests, prematurely damage reputations and/or compromise an individual's right to impartial adjudication.' Ms Hinchcliffe said she was informed of the raid the day before and did not reveal why the raid was carried out. Acting DPS secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe has confirmed her department was raided by the NACC She was appearing before senators instead of DPS secretary Rob Stefanic, who went on indefinite leave in the days following the NACC action. Earlier this year, it was revealed Mr Stefanic was in a romantic relationship with his former deputy secretary Cate Saunders. He has denied they were in a romantic relationship while they worked together. Ms Saunders left the public service with an 'incentive to retire' payment of about $315,000. Ms Hinchcliffe said she ordered an independent probe into the payment after she received a complaint. 'I would like to advise that after concerns were raised with me by a DPS employee about whether the department had followed correct processes in making the incentive to retire payment, I engaged Dr Fiona Roughley SC to conduct an independent fact finding investigation into the department's role in the incentive to retirement payment,' Ms Hinchcliffe said. NewsWire has contacted the NACC for comment. Mothers of children with special needs are threatening the Government with legal action over the VAT raid on private schools which they argue breaches children's human rights. The two parents decided to 'pick up the baton' of the legal action after hearing about former teacher Alexis Quinn's fight. Her 12-year-old daughter is autistic and moved from public school to private after suffering from anxiety. But the 40-year-old said the rise in fees to 20 per cent would make it impossible to send her daughter Addison Ritchie to her school which she's attended for a year. Ms Quinn warned that thousands of other children would suffer having their education disrupted if the Government insists on pushing through its tax hike, which is due to be imposed on fee-paying schools from January. She is no longer bringing action after Addison was offered a full scholarship, but two other parents - who wish to stay anonymous - are picking it up in her place, and slammed the rise as an 'ideological agenda of punishing private schools'. They are clients of education specialist lawyers SinclairsLaw, who are challenging the VAT hike on the grounds that it breaches the Human Rights Act. Private school fees will be subject to VAT from January when Labour ends an exemption for the provision of education, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed Pictured: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves The Independent Schools Council, which represents most fee-paying schools, voted in favour of legal action against the Government. It has instructed leading barrister Lord Pannick KC (pictured), who represented Boris Johnson during the Partygate inquiry, to fight its case Starting in the new year fee-paying schools will no longer be exempt from the tax They say it breaches Article 2 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention of Human Rights that 'no person shall be denied the right to education'. They added that those with special needs struggle in public schools as the 'state sector is inadequate and a complete shambles' so need the option of private education. A senior consultant solicitor said it is 'plainly a violation of their human rights to education and freedom from discrimination'. Following the Budget, the parents bringing legal action said: 'The Government is pursuing its ideological agenda of punishing private schools.' It comes after the revelation that more than 100,000 children with special needs will be hit by Labour's plan to slap VAT on private schools, after the Education Secretary ruled out giving them an exemption. Bridget Phillipson said Labour was determined to press ahead with the controversial tax raid in this week's Budget to fund additional teachers in state schools. She said that only the small minority of special needs children with a formal education health and care plan (EHCP) statement would be spared the hike. Rachel Reeves confirmed she was forcing private schools to charge VAT on fees An aerial view of the famous private school of Bryanston in Blandford in Dorset The designation, handed out by local authorities, covers fewer than 8,000 of the estimated 111,000 children with special needs taught in private schools, whose parents face a potential 20 per cent rise in fees from January. One parent who joined the legal action slammed the VAT on school fees as 'discriminatory and harmful to the welfare of children'. The mother and carer of three children with special needs - one aged 10 and twins aged five - said her oldest child is bringing the case alongside her. Her son has anxiety and a physical disability which means he needs daily physio and wears leg splints. The mother said: 'My son previously attended a mainstream primary school but was overwhelmed by the large class sizes and changes in staffing and class arrangements. 'In September 2021 I decided to move him to a small Christian school (60 pupils). 'With the small class sizes and individual attention he has improved significantly. He still has anxiety but is able to enjoy school and access the curriculum. 'He has also benefited from the Christian values, ethos and foundation of the school. As a Christian family it is very important to us for the children to experience a continuity of their faith between home and school. 'I previously worked as a social worker but am unable to work due to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Currently, independent schools do not have to charge 20 per cent VAT on their fees because there is an exemption for the supply of education. Pictured is Charterhouse School, Godalming Critics of the plan have argued that the change is coming in too fast and could force some schools to close as parents pull their children out. Pictured is Dulwich College 'I manage to afford the fees through the use of disability benefits. The school has announced it will pass on the VAT cost in January and I will therefore be unable to afford the children's education there. 'A sudden move in January will be very harmful to them all, and especially to Child D as, being in his last year of primary education, he would have to move twice within a 12 month period.' The right to education Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998 'No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.' Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights This is a prohibition on discrimination including in relation to the above right to education. Advertisement Paul Conrathe, senior consultant solicitor from SinclairsLaw said: 'It is remarkable that the Government is pressing ahead with this punitive tax that will have a devastating impact upon the education and welfare of children with special needs. 'The blow that this tax inflicts will fall heaviest on this vulnerable group at a time when special needs provision in the state sector is inadequate and a complete shambles. 'These ill-thought out plans will not only harm children with special needs, they are plainly a violation of their human rights to education and freedom from discrimination. 'It is hoped that my client's threat of litigation will give the Government sufficient pause for thought so that the welfare of children is prioritised over ideology and flawed economics. If the Government proceeds with its intended plans to impose VAT on independent school fees, then my client will issue proceedings in the High Court.' The Independent Schools Council - which represents private schools - is also launching separate action against the Government. They also argue the VAT tax is a breach of the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights. Julie Robinson, CEO of ISC, said: 'This is a decision that has not been taken lightly and has been under consideration for many months. At all points throughout this debate, our focus has been on the children in our schools who would be negatively impacted by this policy. 'This focus remains and we will be defending the rights of families who have chosen independent education, but who may no longer be able to do so as a direct result of an unprecedented education tax.' Emmanuel School in Derby, the Branch Christian School in Yorkshire, and the King's School in Hampshire previously said they all want a judicial review against the tax raid. Another parent who is the legal guardian of an eight-year-old boy is also joining the action. Bridget Phillipson said Labour was determined to press ahead with the controversial tax raid in this week's Budget to fund additional teachers in state schools The education secretary said that only the small minority of special needs children with a formal education health and care plan (EHCP) statement would be spared the hike He was placed in her care five years ago, coming from a traumatic background and he was recently diagnosed with autism. The boy suffered with 'anxiety, distractibility and sensory overload' in public school, needing ear defenders in class. His guardian said: 'Earlier this year I decided that Child C could no longer stay at his mainstream primary school. 'His anxiety levels were rising and given his traumatic background he needed a small nurturing environment in which to learn. I therefore moved him to a small prep school where he has settled well, is receiving extra tuition and is catching up. His anxiety has significantly reduced and he is now accessing the curriculum. 'I run a small childcare business which makes 25k per annum. Every last penny is spent on paying the private school fees. These are due to rise by 10 per cent as a result of the imposition of VAT on private school fees. 'I will not be able to afford this. Moving Child C now would be traumatic for him. 'My story and that of Child C is of ordinary people seeking to provide an appropriate education for their children many of whom are not able to access this in the broken SEN system in the state sector. 'I want to challenge the Government over this ill-thought out and harmful policy. My hope is that this case will not only benefit Child C but many other children who need access to independent education.' A crowdfunder to help pay for the legal action has so far reached 181,143 of 350,000 at the time of writing. Psychotherapist Ms Quinn added: 'Many children with SEN, like my daughter, have been forced out of the state sector after suffering mental distress in schools which were not adequately resourced to support their needs.' She said before being offered the scholarship: 'I am bringing this case because my local authority refused an EHCP [funding for special educational needs] and a suitable state secondary school was not available. 'My pensioner parents and I pay for my daughter to attend an independent school which we won't be able to afford after the government imposes its blanket tax. Once again, ministers are legislating against disabled children in a way that routes them out of educational opportunities.' Addison was sent to an independent school after her council didn't fund additional resources to help her local state school cater for her autism following her diagnosis. She was forced into the fee-paying sector after Kent County Council refused to fund an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP formerly known as a statement of educational needs). By then, the family had run out of time before Addison had to start secondary school. Her local secondary school advised Ms Quinn that they would not be able to meet her daughter's needs without the funding of an EHCP. Ms Quinn, with the help of her retired police officer mother and former military personnel and prison officer father, felt their only option was to send their daughter to a fee-paying school which is nearly an hour's drive away. To pay the school fees, Ms Quinn lives with her parents and on her salary, she cannot afford to pay more. Despite the long journey, Addison is said to be 'thriving' after a year at her new school and yet her mother feared for her daughter's mental health and educational attainment if she is wrenched from the environment in which she feels safe. Sainsbury's today revealed it will price match up to 200 Aldi products in its smaller stores as the pre-Christmas supermarket wars continue to build. The chain said it was the first UK supermarket group to extend a scheme matching the prices of Aldi on hundreds of products into its convenience stores. Sainsbury's said its Aldi Price Match scheme would become available in 1,400 of its shops - now including 800 smaller stores in addition to 600 supermarkets already. The firm said Sainsbury's Local stores would now carry up to 200 products price matched to Aldi, including milk, bread, butter, pasta, rice, chicken and tuna. Baked beans, chicken, fresh herbs and vegetables also feature - with Sainsbury's announcing the move ahead of publishing its first-half financial results this Thursday. The chain said the scheme was 'focusing on the go-to items households buy most often' and also includes jam, peanut butter, honey, steak, potatoes and vegetable oil. Sainsbury's - which has a 15 per cent share of Britain's grocery market, trailing only Tesco - is upping the competitive ante ahead of the key Christmas trading season. SAINSBURY'S FEATURED PRODUCTS IN ALDI PRICE MATCH SCHEME FOR 800 CONVENIENCE STORES IN UK PRODUCT PRICE MATCHED TO ALDI by Sainsbury's British Fresh Chicken Breast Fillets Skinless & Boneless 640g 4.42 by Sainsbury's Tuna Chunks in Spring Water 145g 65p by Sainsbury's 21 Day Matured Rump Steak 225g 3.38 by Sainsbury's 5% Fat Beef Mince 500g 3.49 by Sainsbury's British Semi Skimmed Milk 2.27L (4 pint) 1.45 by Sainsbury's Spaghetti Pasta 500g 75p by Sainsbury's Basmati Rice 500g 92p by Sainsbury's Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 400g 40p by Sainsbury's Vegetable Oil 1L 1.99 by Sainsbury's British Butter, Unsalted 250g 1.89 Kingsmill 50/50 Medium 800g 1.30 by Sainsbury's Chopped Tomatoes Can 400g 47p by Sainsbury's Baking Potatoes x4 79p by Sainsbury's Aubergine 95p by Sainsbury's Iceberg Lettuce 89p by Sainsbury's Whole Cucumber 89p by Sainsbury's Large Ripe & Ready Avocado 89p by Sainsbury's Farmhouse Kitchen Adult Dog Smooth Pate with Chicken 300g 65p Under chief executive Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's has benefited from a strategy to match Aldi's prices on over 500 products in its supermarkets. It has also launched more offers for members of its Nectar loyalty scheme. The new Aldi price matching replaces the 'Pocket Friendly Prices' campaign which was introduced last year to showcase lower prices across its convenience stores. But Sainsbury's Nectar price scheme will still exist only in supermarkets and not local stores. Sainsbury's already matches prices to Aldi on more than 500 own-label and branded products in larger supermarkets and online. Aldi, a rival German discounter, was named the cheapest supermarket of 2023 by consumer group Which? Retail expert Richard Hammond, chief executive and co-founder of analytics firm Uncrowd, told MailOnline today that customers would benefit from the move 'as long as the savings are genuine'. He said: 'First up, it does cost the retailer more to sell from small high street stores. They lose economies of scale, and their location costs, things like business rates and rent, are higher than they are out of town. 'Up to now, it's been the accepted norm to pass those costs on to us customers. That someone would eventually break with that was inevitable, but it's been a very long time coming. 'And I'm not surprised to see Sainsbury's be the one to do this. They're the 'plucky number two' in UK grocery; motivated and ready to take risks. 'So long as the savings are genuine, jury's out on that right now, then the real winner is us customers.' Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons all price match Aldi on some products in their larger stores. Sainsbury's said its Aldi Price Match scheme would become available in 1,400 of its stores Mr Roberts said today: 'Since setting out to put food back at the heart of our business four years ago, we've invested nearly 1billion in value. 'Our Next Level Sainsbury's strategy is about giving customers more of what they come to Sainsbury's for outstanding value, unbeatable quality food and great service. ANALYSIS: It's been a very long time coming By RICHARD HAMMOND First up, it does cost the retailer more to sell from small high street stores. They lose economies of scale, and their location costs, things like business rates and rent, are higher than they are out of town. Up to now, it's been the accepted norm to pass those costs on to us customers. That someone would eventually break with that was inevitable, but it's been a very long time coming. And I'm not surprised to see Sainsbury's be the one to do this. They're the 'plucky number two' in UK grocery; motivated and ready to take risks. So long as the savings are genuine, jury's out on that right now, then the real winner is us customers. Retail expert Richard Hammond is the chief executive and co-founder of analytics firm Uncrowd Advertisement 'In our Sainsbury's Locals, we've worked hard to offer market leading prices on essential items and popular breakfast, lunch and dinner staples. 'We have also refreshed our Local store layouts and rebalanced space, increasing the number of products in store by 7 per cent and adding more food on the move products the primary mission of most convenience shoppers. 'When you're shopping in Sainsbury's Locals, you can be sure of excellent value, quality and choice. 'With Christmas just around the corner, we know that every penny counts and we are committed to helping our customers make the most of the festive season.' Sainsbury's did not disclose how much it was costing to extend the Aldi price-match scheme. An Aldi spokesman told MailOnline: 'Our promise to customers is that they will make significant savings every time they shop with Aldi, which is why we've been named Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for three years running. 'Which? has also named Aldi the UK's Cheapest Supermarket every month this year, even in its latest analysis including loyalty prices.' A recent study by Which? found that consumers who buy their food at convenience stores could be paying up to a fifth more than at larger branches of the same supermarket. Loyalty card members of Sainsbury's could be paying an average of 14 per cent more at Sainsbury's Local than at larger stores, the survey conducted last month showed. Which? said price disparities were likely to have a bigger impact on people without easy access to transport or online deliveries, making them more reliant on smaller nearby stores. It comes after research for BBC News suggested that a frozen pizza is about a quarter more expensive in a convenience store compared with a main supermarket. Ananda Roy from consumer analysis company Circana told the BBC: 'What we are now seeing is the growth of convenience. Sainsbury's said its Aldi Price Match scheme would become available in 800 smaller stores 'The challenge is for greater transparency on price in convenience stores, especially where loyalty and promotion prices are not the same as those offered in other stores.' In September, an investigation by the broadcaster's Panorama programme claimed that dozens of Tesco products the supermarket price-matched to Aldi were not like-for-like. Items including chicken nuggets, blackcurrant squash and chicken kievs were found to contain less of their main ingredient compared to their Aldi equivalents, according to the study. Panorama's research found that Tesco's chicken nuggets contained 39 per cent chicken compared to 60 per per cent in the Aldi version, while its chicken kievs had 44 per cent chicken compared to Aldi's 57 per cent . Tesco said at the time that it constantly reviewed the quality of its products and had clear processes in place to ensure its price-match products were comparable to Aldi. Under chief executive Simon Roberts (pictured), Sainsbury's has benefited from a strategy to match Aldi's prices on over 500 products in its supermarkets While Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons also offer Aldi price-matched products, Panorama did not find clear evidence of a pattern of consistent differences in the amounts of main ingredients in their items compared with the discounter's equivalents. Last month, Sainsbury's said it would be hiring 20,000 more shop workers, warehouse staff and drivers for the Christmas period as the retailer prepares for festive shoppers. Seasonal staff, will be employed for up to three months during its busiest time of year. The UK-wide roles include 18,000 at Sainsbury's and 2,000 at Argos. The positions range from shop workers, including restocking shelves, staff in warehouses to pick and prepare stock, and drivers for home deliveries. Staff will be employed on fixed-term contracts ranging from three weeks to three months. Hourly pay for in-store and warehouse employees ranges from 12 to 13.50, depending on the location and the role, and between 13 and 14.65 for drivers. The brother of a man accused of killing his mother has told a court about the 'strange' and 'surprising' things his brother did after their mother's death. Julian Rebelo gave evidence in his brother Andre Zachary Rebelo's murder trial, who is accused of killing their mother about a week after he set up three life insurance policies against her in which he stood to gain $1.15m. Andre pleaded not guilty to killing his mother but admitted he submitted forged documents to one of the life insurance companies. Julian was made the executor of his mother Colleen Rebelo's estate after she was found dead at her Bicton home in Perth's southwest on May 25, 2020. Julian told the WA Supreme Court he stayed in Perth for about two months after his mother's death to sort out her affairs. Julian said he looked through his mother's records to establish her financial position and to find out what he needed to do to settle her accounts. He realised his mother's driver's licence had gone missing after he was dealing with one her superannuation providers and needed to give them her identification. He confirmed to the court Andre never told him he took the driver's licence or that he had taken life insurance out against their mother. Andre Rebelo (pictured with his former partner Gracie Piscopo) is standing trial in the WA Supreme Court for his mother's murder Colleen Rebelo (pictured) was found dead at her home in the Perth suburb of Bicton Julian told the court Andre mentioned their mother might have had a life insurance policy with ANZ OnePath, with the court shown an email thread between the brothers. Julian said Andre mentioned he was advised about a policy through HBF and he would forward the details to him. Julian said he did not know his brother was looking into his mother's affairs and was surprised because there was no need for him to do that. Julian said he tried to call One Path to find more information about the policy because it was something he would follow up as the executor. 'The call was relatively brief, because there were no details I had, I explained my brother believed he had found these details,' he said. 'But the call did not go anywhere because I had no policy number or details, so that was the end of the conversation I had with One Path. 'I asked Andre again if he had a policy number and he said he did not and would need to check about it, but there was no further follow up from there. 'There was nothing I could do after that one phone call.' Julian told the court he had two phone calls with the coroner's office about his mother's death, but his youngest brother Fabian told him the coroner had called Andre when they had been together to get a haircut. Julian sent a text to Andre asking why he had contacted the coroner's office, his brother responded, 'Checking to see what they can do to help with the insurance issue.' Julian thought Andre was talking about the One Path insurance policy but thought it was strange because they had no information about a policy with the company. He also told the court two notifications from Australia Post were sent to his mother's house about redirecting the mail, which he did not request. 'My first thought was something fraudulent had happened and I asked the siblings in a group message if anyone had made this request,' he said. Andre Zachary Rebelo, who has a child with model Gracie Piscopo, is on trial in the WA Supreme Court charged with murdering his mother in 2020, an allegation he denies Andre Zachary Rebelo, who has a child with model Gracie Piscopo, has been charged with murdering his mother. Picture: Instagram Julian asked his siblings in a group message if anyone had requested the mail to be redirected with Andre replying, 'Yeah did yesterday thought it made sense in case there's mail in few months and we need to sell the house.' 'Do you want it cancelled?' he wrote. 'Did it when I renewed mine from my old rental, maybe a bit spontaneous should have asked.' Julian said he believed the mail redirection was cancelled because they continued receiving mail at the Bicton property. His sister told him about another notice that was sent to the house six weeks later when he had arrived back in Sydney. Monique messaged Julian to ask if the notification was for him, he responded, 'No ask Andre again.' 'Fk,' she replied. The court was also told Monique rang Julian when she received a phone from their mum's psychologist, she was concerned Andre had submitted falsified information to an insurance company from her. Julian told the court he phoned Andre to ask about the situation and his response was that it was a misunderstanding the psychologist had gotten patients confused. Mr Rebelo has pleaded guilty to submitting forged copies to one of the insurance companies include a forged copy of a medical certificate from his mother's psychologist, her last will and testament along with a fake copy of a coroner's report about her death. He was charged with fraud in October 2020. He had declared bankruptcy on March 31, 2022, then was charged with his mother's murder eight months later. Andre Zachary Rebelo, pictured with his former partner Gracie Piscopo, portrayed a glamorous lifestyle on social media but could not keep up with his financial obligations During the trial the court was told Rebelo portrayed a glamorous lifestyle on social media with his defacto, model Grace Piscopo which was funded by credit cards and personal loans. The court was told that Ms Piscopo was a successful model and social media influencer, but Rebelo had lived beyond his means and was unable to repay his financial obligations. WA Police Financial Crime Squad investigator Darren Stammers investigated the couple's financial records for a three-year period until June 2020. The court was told the couple had a combined debt of $121,000 and little money in their savings accounts about a month after Ms Rebelo died. Mr Rebelo was being pursued by debt collection agencies after he failed to make repayments on his credit card and personal loan. Andre Rebelo, who has a child with his ex Gracie Piscopo, set up life insurance policies against his mother before she died The prosecution has argued Mr Rebelo must have thought his world was closing in around him, which led him to take out three life insurance policies against his mother. State prosecutor Brett Tooker told the court when premiums had to be paid and money started coming out of Mr Rebelo's account he had to act. 'Which is why five days later he killed his mother, then three days later started pursing policies.' Ms Piscopo is not accused of any wrongdoing. While Ms Rebelo's death was sudden and unexpected it was not treated as suspicious by first responders who attended her home. Her cause of death has never been determined despite auxiliary testing performed at her autopsy on her organs. The defence has argued traces of focal subendocardial interstitial fibrosis found on Ms Rebelo's heart could have caused her to die from cardiac arrhythmia. The trial continues. A farming dynasty worth 80million is engaged in a venomous civil war amid accusations one family member was sidelined by his cousins and uncles because he is a Scientologist. Thomas Abrey claims his cousins Giles and Matthew and their fathers Richard and Robert have unfairly chipped away at his authority and badmouthed him to employees due to his belief in the teachings of L Ron Hubbard. However, they in turn allege that Thomas has created a 'toxic working environment', has an 'overbearing style' around the farm and his conduct borders on 'bullying', with relations between them deteriorating badly since 2021. Things have got so bad that the three scions of the family, have ended up in the High Court as Thomas fights to keep his role in their Norfolk mega farm business, RG Abrey. He is suing his cousins and uncles after he was removed as a director of the company in September and claims he has been 'wrongfully excluded' from the family partnership which has been in place for nearly 100 years. Thomas Abrey claims he has been sidelined in his family's 80million business due to his Scientology beliefs. Pictured: Thomas Abrey in a field of onions next to a green tractor while wearing a yellow hat that has the words 'I love onions' on it Thomas Abrey claims his uncle Robert and cousin Giles have undermined his authority by criticising him in front of colleagues. Pictured: Giles Abrey in front of an aircraft Pictured: Cousins Matthew (first left), Giles (second right) and Thomas (first right) pick up an award from the Royal Welsh Show in 2018 Battle lines have been drawn between the six members of the 6,500-acre farm dynasty, which was launched almost a century ago by Russell Abrey and currently produces around 100,000 tonnes per year of potatoes, onions and carrots. The vast holding near East Wrexham, Thetford, has a reported 80million in assets and had a turnover of 25million in the last financial year. Russell passed the farm onto his three sons Christopher, Richard and Robert Abrey, who are now at the helm of the business alongside their respective three sons: Thomas, Giles and Matthew Abrey. But cracks emerged in the family, with Giles - who once flew solo from the UK to South Africa in 2019 using a homemade plane - and Matthew, along with their fathers Richard and Robert, being pitted against Thomas and his father Christopher. Chronic discord developed with Thomas, who runs the company's onion division, accused of having an 'overbearing style' around the farm and creating a 'toxic working environment'. Thomas has denied throwing his weight around and insists that his partners have unfairly chipped away at his authority, and that negativity towards him stems from his Scientologist religious convictions. The family rift has now spilled over into legal warfare with Thomas' lawyers asking Judge Nicola Rushton at London's High Court to make a ruling barring his relatives from obstructing him in the business. The judge explained that all involved agree that relations between the six partners have broken down, and have been 'deteriorating badly' since at least 2021. 'Thomas claims that he has been progressively excluded from the partnership business, culminating in his removal as a director of the company on 27 September 2024 for the stated purpose of preventing him from giving directions to employees,' she said. 'He claims that his authority has been undermined by Robert and Giles, by criticism of him in front of employees, and that information about the business has been withheld from him. Thomas Abrey has taken his uncles and cousins to court in a bid to keep his involvement in the family business. Pictured: Thomas Abrey sat in a vehicle with a brown spaniel sitting on his lap The family's 80million firm has been in operation for nearly 100 years and runs 6,500 acres of farmland in Norfolk. Pictured: A tractor and onion harvester drives through a field on the family farm 'He also claims that his belief in Scientology has motivated the negativity of the other partners against him.' The feud over running the farm partnership sets both generations of the family against each other, the court heard, with Thomas' dad, Christopher Abrey, supporting his position, and Giles' and Matthew's fathers supporting them. Thomas is now suing his two uncles and two cousins on grounds that he has been 'wrongfully excluded' from the family partnership, whilst they say he has become too difficult to work with and that his conduct borders on 'bullying'. Sketching out the family dynamic, Judge Rushton explained: 'In practice I am told that Christopher, Richard and Robert have stepped back from much of the day-to-day management of the farm, although they are involved in significant management decisions. 'Thomas and Giles are involved in day-to-day management. Matthew is said to be on long term sick leave, although there are also suggestions that he has withdrawn from working on the farm because of the dispute with Thomas. Giles says that Robert has covered some of Matthew's work.' While Thomas complains of a 'chipping away of his authority by the other partners,' they insist he is awkward to work with and want the partnership, which dates back to the 1930s, simply 'dissolved'. Explaining Thomas' rival partners' position, the judge said: 'On behalf of the defendants, Giles says in his statement that Thomas is extremely difficult to work with and has been the subject of a large number of complaints from employees about his behaviour, which is said to be overbearing and potentially bullying. 'Giles says that Thomas' behaviour is causing serious day-to-day issues in running the business and is causing a toxic working environment.' RG Abrey produces 100,000 tonnes of potatoes, onions and carrots every year. and has a turnover of 25million Pictured: Workers stand in front of tractors and trailers filled with onions on the farm He said Thomas' partners had formally sought dissolution of the long-established partnership 'based on allegations that Thomas had an abusive style with employees, poor personnel management and interfered excessively with employees' work'. Thomas Abrey disputes all the misconduct claims, the judge said, maintaining that they have never been 'properly and independently investigated,' and that 'complaints against him have been instigated by the other partners as a means of trying to remove him'. 'He relies on statements from other employees, who work in the onion division with him, to the effect that it is Robert who is angry and difficult and causes problems and that they have not had difficulties with Thomas,' said Judge Rushton, adding that Thomas has highlighted a comment from staff about an alleged move to oust him and his dad, Christopher, from the business. Thomas says that one ex-employee claimed that Robert Abrey had 'referenced Thomas' Scientology as a cause of problems and a reason not to trust him,' the judge added. After protracted legal argument during a pre-trial hearing, the judge ruled in favour of Thomas, making a temporary injunction preventing rival partners 'from impeding the claimant's participation in the business of the partnership'. However, she also directed that Thomas cannot contact 'certain specified people who have asked not to be contacted by him' and observed that she was making no findings about the factual disputes between the partners, which must be decided at a future court hearing. 'I was persuaded on the evidence before me that, if an injunction was not made, there was a clear risk that Thomas would increasingly be excluded from the partnership business in a way which breached his rights as a partner, and which would make it harder and not easier for a final settlement to be reached or an arbitration to proceed reasonably swiftly, because he would feel his position to be increasingly vulnerable,' said the judge. The issue of partnership dissolution is the subject of separate arbitration, the court also heard. Giles Abrey's 7,750-mile solo flight was inspired by the epic endeavour of pioneer aviator, Alex Henshaw, who flew from London to Cape Town and back in 1939. Interviewed after his trip, he said he had been overwhelmed by the challenges of flying at times, having previously only flown at a maximum height of 4,500 ft and suddenly having to overfly the Alps. While en route to the Cape he also risked running out of oxygen when forced to climb above heavy turbulence while flying over the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. In all he raised over 40,000 for charity due to his epic flight. George Clooney has doubled down on his endorsement of Kamala Harris in a new campaign advertisement urging men to consider how voting for Donald Trump in tomorrow's election will affect the women in their lives. The ad, released by left-wing Christian organization Vote Common Good, reminded men that they can lie to their Trump supporting friends about how they voted and urged them to think about how their vote will 'impact the people you care about the most' before casting their ballots. The clip follows a father and his masculine-looking friends into the polls as they encourage each other to 'make America great again'. Clooney, 63, who narrates the short video, then urges voters to think about their families and reminds them that 'you can vote any way you want and no one will ever know' before the man is seen voting for Harris. This new ad is the second released by Vote Common Good that encourages voters to hide their choices from their families or friends. The first ad, starring Clooney's Oceans 11 co-star Julia Roberts, urged women to keep their votes secret from their husbands and was branded 'nauseating' and 'condescending' by critics. It comes just months after Clooney wrote an op-ed calling for President Joe Biden to step aside. The actor also threw his support behind Harris after she announced her bid for the White House, saying that he was 'excited' to support her 'historic quest'. A new ad (pictured) released by left-wing Christian organization Vote Common Good has urged men to think about how their vote will 'impact the people you care about the most' before casting their ballots in favor of Donald Trump George Clooney, pictured with his wife Amal in September 2024, has doubled down on his endorsement of Kamala Harris in a new campaign advertisement urging men to consider how voting for Donald Trump will affect the women in their lives The 30-second advertisement begins with a trio of men walking into the polling station. 'Come on boys, let's Make America Great Again', one says to the group. The men go to their individual polling booths and one is seen hovering his pen over the box with Trump's name. 'Before you cast your vote in this election, think about how it will impact the people you care about the most,' Clooney says in a voiceover as the man looks at a family photo on his phone. A young girl is then heard shouting 'Daddy!' from across the room. He looks over at her, smiles and puts up one finger, indicating he'll be just a minute. He makes eye-contact with his fried, who nods, and then fills in the box with Harris' name, as Clooney says: 'Remember, you can vote any way you want. And no one will ever know.' The scene cuts to the group exiting the polls. The man, holding his daughter in his arms, is asked by a friend: 'Do your patriotic duty?' 'You bet I did brother', he replies. The clip concludes with one last anecdote from Clooney: 'What happens in the booth, stays in the booth. Vote Harris-Walz.' The 30-second advertisement begins with a trio of men walking into the polling station. The men go to their individual polling booths and one is seen hovering his pen over the box with Trump's name 'Before you cast your vote in this election, think about how it will impact the people you care about the most,' Clooney says in a voiceover as the man looks at a family photo on his phone The scene cuts to the group exiting the polls. The man, holding his daughter in his arms, is asked by a friend: 'Do your patriotic duty?' He replies: 'You bet I did brother' The ad is seemingly encouraging voters to consider women's rights and reproductive health before they cast their vote. Kamala Harris has emphasized her support for abortion rights while on the campaign trail, whereas Donald Trump (pictured Sunday night at a rally in Georgia) has focused on migrants and the economy and dubbed political opponents the 'enemy from within' Vote Common Good released the Clooney ad alongside its controversial ad featuring Roberts which suggests that wives of Trump supporters could quietly vote for Harris. '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,' Roberts says, as a woman hesitates before casting her vote for Harris. 'Did you make the right choice?' her husband later asks. She responds, 'Sure did, honey,' insinuating that she voted for Harris. Roberts concludes, 'Remember, what happens in the booth, stays in the booth. Vote Harris-Walz.' The ad sparked conservative backlash online, with some accusing it of undermining marital unity and encouraging deceitfulness between couples. A user on X said in a post: 'I can't imagine not knowing exactly how my wife would vote. I can't imagine my wife not talking to me about any of these controversial topics. I can't believe there's a campaign that encourages women to lie and deceive their husbands. 'Right. Encourage marital strife. That's the way to reach married women. This is so disturbing' another X user said. The ad narrated by Julia Roberts, also produced by Vote Common Good, suggested that wives of Trump supporters could quietly vote for Harris Critics of the ad accused the left-wing Christian organization of encouraging deceitfulness between married couples Disapproval also came from female users, who called the ad 'misogynistic.' Disapproval also came from female users, who called the ad 'misogynistic.' 'I'm guessing the people who created this ad have never been married, said one X user. 'I'm at a loss for words at how condescending this is towards women,' wrote another user. 'Do Democrats think marriages are stuck in the 1950s?' 'If you have to lie to your spouse about voting, that's the least of your problems' said another user. But other users said the ad was an important message to women who are in this situation with their spouses. 'Remember: these ads are not for us. There are millions of extremely regressive and patriarchal couples in this huge, diverse country,' one user said, defending the ad's intentions. 'Don't pretend there aren't marriages like this. They're more common than you think,' said another. Both the Clooney and Roberts ads are seemingly encouraging voters to consider women's rights and reproductive health before they cast their vote. Harris has emphasized her support for abortion rights after the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion services. The Vice President's campaign is hoping abortion is a key issue that can hurt Trump, especially with woman voters, while Trump has focused on migrants and the economy and dubbed political opponents the 'enemy from within.' With abortion rights a top voter concern, Harris' campaign has hailed the large proportion of women turning out among early voters. Clooney first threw his support behind Harris in July, just two weeks after he said it was time to move on from Biden in scathing article for the New York Times. George Clooney, Joe Biden, Julia Roberts and Barack Obama are pictured at a June 16, 2024 fundraiser that raised $30million for Biden's re-election campaign George Clooney visited the White House where he was honored by the President in 2022 Clooney first threw his support behind Harris in July, just two weeks after he said it was time to move on from Biden in scathing article for the New York Times. 'President Biden has shown what true leadership is. He's saving democracy once again,' he said in a statement to CNN, two days after Biden made the extraordinary decision to drop out of the race. He endorsed the Vice President to succeed him as the Democratic nominee to take on Trump, saying: 'We're all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest.' Biden had faced an increasingly frenzied clamor to step aside after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June. Less than a month before he dropped out of the race, Clooney had raised $30million at a fundraiser for Biden. However, the megastar, who hosted multiple fundraisers for Biden, wrote on July 10 that the president couldn't win the 'battle against time.' The brutal opinion piece was seen as one of the turning points against Biden's bid to cling onto the nomination in a bid to secure a second term. The actor condemned Democratic party leaders for ignoring 'every warning sign' of Biden's declining physical and mental health and for trying to defend his car-crash debate performance against Trump. He added that Democrat voters 'collectively hold our breath or turn down the volume whenever we see the president, who we respect, walk off Air Force One or walk back to a mic to answer an unscripted question.' Ally Langdon has choked back tears while speaking to the grieving family of a paramedic who was stabbed to death by a stranger in a McDonald's carpark. The A Current Affair host interviewed Steven Tougher's heartbroken mother, father, sister and wife after a gruelling day in court on Monday. Mr Tougher was stabbed 55 times while on a break during a shift in Campbelltown, in Sydney's south-west in the early hours of April 14, 2023. Jordan James Fineanganofo, 23, admitted stabbing the 29-year-old to death but pleaded not guilty to murder by way of mental health impairment, at the start of what was expected to be a six week-trial in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday. During an interview with A Current Affair following the court appearance, Mr Tougher's father, Jeff, described his son as an incredibly compassionate man. 'The saddest part about all of this is if he'd (Fineanganofo) asked my son for help, he would have been showered with compassion because that's what my boy does,' Jeff said. 'He would have got the medical attention that he had, and they would have taken him straight to hospital. 'He's paid the ultimate price and so have we.' Ally Langdon (pictured) choked back tears while interviewing Steven Tougher's heartbroken family on Monday night Mr Tougher's father, Jeff, described his son as an incredibly compassionate man (pictured left to right, Mr Tougher's sister, father, mother and wife) Steven Tougher (pictured) was stabbed 55 times while on a break in a McDonald's carpark during a shift in Campbelltown in Sydney's south-west in the early hours of April 14, 2023 Langdon teared up as she struggled to ask Jeff more about Mr Tougher. 'I'm sorry - when you talk about that and you know, here is your son a man filled with so much compassion, that's why he became a paramedic,' she told the family. 'For us to be sitting here and talking about this and what's happened. 'I'm just, I'm so sorry. 'You need to give each other a hug, I wish I was there to give you one'. Mr Tougher's sister, mother and wife - Maddison, who gave birth to their daughter Lily May Stevie just five weeks after the stabbing - immediately broke down and told Langdon, 'Thank you'. Jeff replied: 'Thanks mate. You have to understand how loved he was in the community. 'I talk about dropping pebbles into a pond and there's the ripple effect - you don't know who's touched by the ripples, Ally, and how many lives my boy helped. 'Affected people coming to me in the street saying, 'Your young fella helped me in hospital. He came back after he'd finished work. I was panicking about a large operation and he held my hand as we went into the operating theatre'. 'This is the boy we're talking about.' Mr Tougher's widow Maddison told Langdon she felt 'robbed of justice' after hearing prosecutors had agreed to endorse a mental health verdict if Fineanganofo signed a statement of facts admitting the physical elements of the crime, which was captured on CCTV. 'I feel robbed for my little girl, I'm just heartbroken,' she said. Jeff described Monday's court session as 'harrowing' and 'really tough'. 'We only found out last Tuesday that this was the way things were going to proceed,' he said. 'Prior to that, we thought that the trial was going to be held over six weeks and was going to be a murder trial. 'We haven't really had time to come to terms with that. 'Just another day where they ripped the band-aid off, you know, and then you hurt all over again. 'We are damaged, but we are not broken. We look like being the ones that are going to get the sentence of life without Steven, that's hard to look forward to but we are not broken by any means.' Justice David Davies adjourned the court until Friday to consider if the mental health defence was made out. The family remain hopeful that Fineanganofo will face a murder trial. 'Realistically, we haven't been robbed of justice yet,' Jeff said. He also vowed that his granddaughter will grow up knowing what a hero her dad was and that the family will ramp up their push for better safety for frontline workers. 'All those frontline workers out there, just know that what I am about to embark on, I am doing for you and for Steven Tougher and for the community to feel safe again,' Jeff added. 'If we can change the laws or get laws introduced that are called Steven's Law, then my son will be immortal. 'My son will be with us forever. And anything less would be a waste.' Earlier on Monday, Mr Tougher's family broke down as the court heard harrowing details that Fineanganofo didn't say a word as he approached and began stabbing Mr Tougher in a chilling attack lasting close to four minutes. Fineanganofo hung his head and covered his face as the details of the killing were read to the court. Crown prosecutor Ken McKay SC said Mr Tougher was unable to get away because he was trapped between the back of the ambulance and his attacker. Mr Tougher tried to push Fineanganofo away but was unable to, saying, 'What are you doing? Stop stabbing me mate'. Maddison (pictured with Mr Tougher) felt 'robbed of justice' after hearing prosecutors had agreed to endorse a mental health verdict if Fineanganofo signed a statement of facts admitting the physical elements of the crime Crown prosecutor Ken McKay SC said Mr Tougher was unable to get away from Fineanganofo because he was trapped between the back of the ambulance and his attacker (pictured, Mr Tougher's funeral) Despite the efforts of several people to help, Fineanganofo continued to stab Mr Tougher, walking away several times before returning to deliver more wounds as the NSW Ambulance worker lay on the ground, the court heard. At one stage, Fineanganofo told Mr Tougher, 'Say you're sorry to me'. 'I'm sorry, mate, whatever you think I've done,' a badly injured but still conscious Mr Tougher replied. Bystander James Arthur ran over in an attempt to help, kicking Fineanganofo and yelling at him to stop. 'You're going to kill him,' Mr Arthur said, the court was told. Responding to the appeals of another bystander, Fineanganofo was reported either to have said 'I'm going to jail anyway, I may as well kill him' or 'I got to kill him because I got to go to jail'. Fineanganofo has also pleaded not guilty on mental health grounds to a string of related charges over alleged incidents in nearby suburbs in the days leading up to killing Mr Tougher. Those incidents included intimidating a woman who was pushing a stroller with a five-month-old child, threatening several men at a service station and swinging a knife at a man during a roadside incident, piercing his jacket but not his skin. Fineanganofo's barrister AJ Karim said the position of the defence was largely identical to the prosecution, including that the physical acts of the offences had been committed. The prosecution and defence engaged psychiatrists who agreed it was available for Fineanganofo to argue he knew what he was doing but did not know it was wrong. Forensic psychiatrist Kerri Eagle, who was engaged by the prosecution, determined Fineanganofo had a mental health impairment at the time of the offending and displayed signs and symptoms of a psychotic illness consistent with a relapse of schizophrenia. Mr Tougher's family (pictured together) cried in court as the details of the fatal attack were read Justice David Davies adjourned the court until Friday to consider if the mental health defence was made out (pictured, Mr Tougher's wife and parents days after the attack) Dr Eagle took note of witness evidence describing Fineanganofo as looking like 'he was in a trance, calm, mumbling, grinning and odd', the court was told. Mr McKay said Fineanganofo had previously been charged after assaulting a neighbour in 2021, but instead of being prosecuted was involuntarily entered into treatment for mental health issues. Hospital records stated at that time Fineanganofo had been isolating within his family home for one year with minimal interactions with others, becoming increasingly paranoid of people, including his family. There were ugly scenes at this year's Miss Grand International beauty pageant when a member of the Myanmar team furiously tore the third place crown from their own contestant's head, insisting she should have come first instead. Thae Su Nyein, 18, earned the second runner-up place in the Bangkok-based contest behind the Indian winner Rachel Gupta and the Philippines' Christine Juliane Opiaza. But rather than celebrating the accolade, the newcomer was seen sobbing on stage while her team were fuming. Dramatic video shows how, as she left the stage, Miss Grand Myanmar director Htoo Ant Lwin removed her crown and snatched away her sash in protest. He shouted at someone filming the scuffle and the tearful Thae was led away, with a war of words then erupting between Htoo and Thai pageant boss Nawat Itsaragrisil. There were ugly scenes at this year's Miss Grand International beauty pageant when a member of the Myanmar team furiously tore the third place crown from Thae Su Nyein's head Miss Grand Myanmar director Htoo Ant Lwin (pictured) removed Thae's crown and snatched away her sash in protest Thae Su Nyein, 18, earned the second runner-up place in the Miss Grand International contest before being stripped of the title by organisers Rather than celebrating the accolade, the newcomer was seen sobbing on stage while her team were fuming Winner of Bangkok-based Miss Grand International beauty pageant: Rachel Gupta, from India Moments before Miss Grand Myanmar director Htoo Ant Lwin removed Thae Su Nyein's (pictured, second from right) crown and snatched away her sash in protest. Lo que prometia ser una noche de esplendor y celebracion en el Miss Grand International 2024, realizado en Tailandia, termino envuelto en una dramatica escena que rompio con la ilusion de belleza y elegancia. Thae Su Nyein, representante de Myanmar, quien se llevo el segundo pic.twitter.com/FgxE7y5xQL LA RAZON. CO (@LaRazonCo) October 28, 2024 Ironically, the theme of this year's competition was meant to be 'a message of love and peace to the world'. Thae was later stripped of her second-runner up title, with MGI writing in a Facebook post that this was due to 'inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations.' In a post in the days after, Thae claimed she was not upset about losing the top title to Gupta. She also wished Htoo a happy birthday, labelling him 'a mentor, brother, and friend that God gifted to her life,' as well as praising him as a perfect individual who treats others well. She said they should 'continue striving together,' seemingly referring to the recent controversy. Itsaragrisil later slammed Thae's actions, saying at a press conference: 'What makes [Thae] so delusional?' 'If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title,' he added. 'Someone like you shouldn't participate in anything competitive or challenging others. You should stay in your own imaginary, fantasy, virtual world.' Ironically, the theme of this year's competition was meant to be 'a message of love and peace to the world' Thae is pictured with Miss Grand Myanmar director Htoo Ant Lwin In a post in the days after, Thae claimed she was not upset about losing the top title to Gupta She also wished Htoo a happy birthday, labelling him 'a mentor, brother, and friend that God gifted to her life,' as well as praising him as a perfect individual who treats others well Thae was later stripped of her second-runner up title, with MGI writing in a Facebook post that this was due to 'inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations' The row escalated when Htoo accused the organisers of seeking payment in return for the crown, a claim Nawat dismissed as 'ridiculous.' He in turn cited alleged financial misdeeds by the Myanmar contingent and ordered a lifetime ban from the franchise for Htoo for 'lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.' It comes after a beauty pageant hosted at a tranquil spa resort on a South Pacific island descended into a storm after the winning model was controversially snatched of her crown. As the competition drew to a climax on Friday night, Manshika Prasad, 24, was crowned Miss Fiji at the Pearl Resort & Spa after securing her title with a 4-3 vote from pageant judges. But it was at this point that things 'turned really ugly', according to one judge who witnessed a 'conspiracy' unfold in front of their eyes. Kemi Badenoch has started appointing her top team as the new Tory leader insists she can defeat Labour at the next election. The ex-Cabinet minister has handed her ally Laura Trott the job of shadow education secretary in time to grill the government in the Commons this afternoon. She is also poised to offer Robert Jenrick a big role after defeating him to secure the party crown at the weekend. Rebecca Harris was made chief whip last night - often the first post filled to help with the practicalities. Nigel Huddleston and Lord Dominic Johnson have been made joint party chairs. However, Ms Badenoch's task is made trickier by having a paltry 121 Tory MPs to draw on - and big beasts announcing that they will not serve on the front bench. There is strong speculation that Andrew Griffith will be promoted to shadow chancellor, with Jeremy Hunt taking a break from frontline politics. Kemi Badenoch has started appointing her top team as the new Tory leader signals she is ready for street fighting with Labour Laura Trott has been handed the job of shadow education secretary in time to grill the government in the Commons this afternoon There is strong speculation that Andrew Griffith will be promoted to shadow chancellor, with Jeremy Hunt taking a break from frontline politics In an address to CCHQ staff this morning, Ms Badenoch said the first challenge for the party will be winning back council seats at local elections. She is also understood to have said the party can turn their situation around in one term. She stressed that the party needs to start with principles such as freedom of speech and personal responsibility, before laying out detailed policies. Ms Trott will be joined by Tory former minister Neil O'Brien as a shadow education minister. 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 Ms 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, Mr 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.' Former environment secretary Steve Barclay said he will not be seeking a job on the front bench. Ms Badenoch was declared the winner of the long-running battle to succeed Mr Sunak on Saturday. However, questions have been raised about her mandate after turnout was relatively low and her margin of victory was smaller than previous leaders. Appearing on the BBC yesterday, Ms Badenoch took a swipe at Rachel Reeves for boasting about being the first woman Chancellor. She said the achievement was breaking a 'very low glass ceiling', pointing out that women had been PM. Ms Badenoch also committed to putting business first as leader. '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,' she said. 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 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 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.' 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. The bloodstained murder weapon used by aristocrat killer Lord Lucan to bludgeon his family nanny to death has been revealed for the first time. Lord Lucan went on the run after nanny Sandra Rivett was battered to death and his estranged wife Veronica suffered serious head wounds in their house. It will be 50 years on Wednesday years since the murder in London's Belgravia that scandalised Britain and shocked the world. Photos of the weapon have been released to the public and show two pieces of lead piping inside a bloodstained mailbag in which the body of Rivett was hidden. TV crime programme producer Sandy Kaye took the photos in 1983 while visiting a museum, and the BBC is now running three documentaries this week examining whether Lucan managed to escape the UK, reported the Daily Mirror. For the first time, photos of the weapon used in the murder (pictured) have been released to the public TV crime programme producer Sandy Kaye took the photos in 1983 after visiting the Black Museum It has been almost 50 years since British aristocrat Lord Lucan (pictured), 39, vanished without a trace He disappeared after Nanny Sandra Rivett (pictured) was bludgeoned to death in the family home Kaye said: 'I've kept this photo safe for 41 years - but now it's time for the world to see it. It's such an important part of British crime history.' The photos have been locked up in a safe since Kaye took them on Friday, March 25, 1983. She said after visiting the Black Museum - which houses Scotland Yard's infamous collection of crime memorabilia - she was asked by police contacts if she would like to see 'something special'. Speaking on the experience, she said: 'I couldn't believe it when he went to a cupboard and opened the door and brought out the artefacts concerning the Lord Lucan case. 'I was looking at a bloodstained USA mailbag and metal rods that were allegedly used by Lord Lucan. The Plumbers Arms, where Lady Lucan ran to after finding Sandra dead in her house Lord Lucan's wife Veronica Mary Duncan (pictured here with him) suffered a near-fatal assault on the same night 'It was a shocking moment. I asked permission, and I was allowed to take a photo. But I was allowed to take one photo - one only.' However, the murder weapon and the mailbag went missing some years ago. Neil Berriman, Rivetts son has asked about their whereabouts but was told they were unknown. The Lucan story is one of the most enduring criminal cases in British legal history. There has been no confirmed sighting of Lucan since a few hours after the Rivett murder on November 7, 1974. On the fateful night, it is alleged that he planned to kill his wife Veronica she had gained custody of their three young children after a bitter High-Court battle by lying in wait for her in the basement of the family home at 46 Lower Belgrave St. Neil Berriman, Rivetts son has asked about the whereabouts of the murder weapon but was told it had gone missing Police dog handlers search for Lord Lucan on the downs above Newhaven Harbour He struck out with lead piping before stuffing the body into a US mail bag. But the woman he killed was the couple's 29-year-old nanny, Sandra Rivett, who was due to have been on a day off. She had swapped days at the last minute. Lady Lucan was also attacked but managed to escape, running screaming for help to a nearby pub, covered in blood. Lord Lucan, then 39, drove to a friend's house in a sleepy Sussex village where he claimed that Veronica had been attacked by a stranger and he needed to lie low because she had previously accused him of hiring a hitman and would blame him. Rumours have suggested that Lucan managed to escape to Australia with the help of rich friends and if still alive he would now be 89. In 1974, Sandra signed up with a domestic agency and got a job in the Lucan house (pictured). But 10 weeks later, she was dead Lord Lucan was looking for his estranged wife Veronica after a bitter argument, and entered a dark basement and hit her with a lead pipe, but it was Sandra, not Veronica Kaye believes Lucan had successfully escaped she added: 'His friends were among the 'creme de la creme' of British society. 'My gut feeling is that he escaped the UK after the murder of the nanny - but how it happened perhaps we will never know.' 'The story was huge at the time. I've always been fascinated with the case. It's amazing we are still talking about it 50 years on.' A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'The investigation into the death of Sandra Rivett remains open as is the case with all unsolved murders. 'Any significant new information or investigative opportunities that may progress the investigation, will accordingly be considered by the Met.' Lucan begins on BBC Two this Wednesday at 9pm Ed Balls sat out an interview with his wife Yvette Cooper on Good Morning Britain today after sparking a 'bias' row. The former Labour Cabinet minister left co-presenter Susanna Reid to ask the questions during the Home Secretary's appearance this morning. 'As you know she's my wife, so I'll sit this one out,' Mr Balls said. The awkward moment came after ITV conceded that he would not be allowed to interrogate his spouse again following an outcry in August. The previous interview was branded 'embarrassing to the extreme' by viewers concerned about the potential conflict of interest - although bosses insisted that both behaved 'professionally' and it was not against rules. Thousands of people made official complaints to the regulator about the episode of the breakfast show which included Ms Cooper being questioned over the Labour government's handling of riots. Ed Balls left co-presenter Susanna Reid to ask the questions during the Home Secretary's appearance this morning Yvette Cooper and Ed Balls, pictured outside their London home in November 2016, married in 1998 and have three children together Mr Balls served as Education Secretary and shadow chancellor before losing his Commons seat in 2015, and pursuing a career on TV. He asked his wife during the exchange on August 5 whether officers had policed protests by far-right activists and pro-Palestine demonstrators differently. Ms Cooper, who has three children with him, responded by saying police had to operate 'without fear or favour, whatever the kinds of crimes it is that they face'. He also asked her whether there had been a 'two-tier approach' to policing, and if police have been 'softer and more cautious' when policing the Gaza demonstrations compared with a 'tougher' approach over the previous week. Before that interview, Mr Balls told viewers he had 'genuine questions' for Ms Cooper, as he has 'rarely seen her at all in the last week' because of the recent disorder. The following month the boss of ITV vowed the scenes would not be repeated, despite Ofcom not pursuing an investigation. Chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said: 'Would we do it again? No. Was it impartial, fair and balanced? And did they behave professionally? Yes.' A British couple who went missing in Spain's devastating flash floods have been found dead in their car, their heartbroken family has revealed. Terry and Don Turner, aged 74 and 78, had not been seen since torrential rains hit the Valencia region on Tuesday. The couple's daughter Ruth O'Loughlin, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, confirmed today that her parents' bodies had been found in their car on Saturday. The retired ex-pats were found in a rural area near to where they lived on the outskirts of the small town of Pedralba, a 45-minute drive north-west of the coastal city of Valencia. Mayor Andoni Leon said on Sunday that volunteer locals had found their bodies and that of a Spanish man themselves as part of a town hall-led attempt to locate the missing - with no outside help anywhere to be seen. British ex-pat Terry Turner, 74, is among the victims of Tuesday's floods in Valencia Don Turner, 78, had moved to Spain with his wife around 10 years ago A view of mud and debris, following heavy rains that caused floods, at La Torre neighborhood in Valencia A police officer checking inside piled up vehicles for victims in the aftermath of the flooding on Saturday Satellite image shows severe flooding in Valencia on October 30 after heavy rains Friends of the couple said Terry had told them that they were 'popping out' to get some gas on Tuesday, their daughter said last week as she expressed fears over her parents' fate. They later went to check the pensioners' bungalow, where they lived with their pet dogs, to see if they had managed to get home before the deadly floods swept in. 'Friends had nipped up there because they hadn't heard from mum and dad, the key was in the door, they could get into the property, the dogs were there and the car's gone so they know that mum and dad haven't gone back,' she said last week. Ms O'Loughlin previously told the BBC that her parents had moved to Spain around 10 years ago as they had 'always wanted to live in the sunshine'. They were popular in their community and had 'lovely friends around them', but had been considering moving back to the UK as they got older. Ms O'Loughlin said she last spoke to her mother on Monday, the day before the floods hit, and said she had been 'moaning about the rain'. 'She was saying they wanted to do jobs to the house so they could put it up for sale but it's raining a lot. 'We talked about mum and dad coming over here next year to spend some time with us and we just ended the call and I'm really glad I said 'I love you' and she said she loves me too.' As news emerged of the horrifying floods the next day, Ms O'Loughlin said he desperately tried to reach her mother and father but did not hear from them again. 'We still don't know exactly what happened to them,' told BBC Radio WM. 'The only thing we've got from this is that they were together. It's not the way you want your parents to go.' Their deaths bring the number of Brits confirmed dead in the tragedy to three, with a 71-year-old man losing his life after being rescued from the floods in Malaga. The British man was rescued by boat last Tuesday by firefighters after his partner alerted the authorities because he was having an apparent heart attack and suffering from hypothermia. He was taken to nearby Guadalhorce Hospital and stabilised before being transferred to a hospital in Malaga where he died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after suffering multiple organ failure. At least 217 people have been confirmed dead in the disaster, which amounts to the deadliest natural tragedy in living memory in Spain. Rescuers are continuing their grim search of cars and underground garages, where it is feared that dozens more bodies could yet be found. Almost all the deaths have been in the Valencia region, where thousands of security and emergency services frantically cleared debris and mud in the search for bodies. Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez has said it was the second deadliest flood in Europe this century. Spain's Queen Letizia consoles a woman during her visit to Paiporta, eastern Spain, November 3 2024 King Felipe's visit to Paiporta was met with fury from locals, who say they have felt abandoned by authorities A firefighter searches for victims in the half-buried wreckage of a car on a riverbank in Paiporta, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, on November 3, 2024 His government and the Valencian regional government have faced anger for what many are seeing as their mismanagement of the crisis. The King and Queen of Spain visited the region yesterday, and were confronted by angry survivors who yelled and slung mud at them as they walked through the muddy streets in Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit towns. Queen Letizia could be seen with mud speckled over her face, while one of the bodyguards escorting the royals had seemingly been hit by an object as he had a cut on his forehead, which caused blood to run down his face. The crowd shouted 'murderers' and other insults at the royals and government officials, including Sanchez, whose car was chased and had its windows smashed by furious protesters. At one point, the crowd was so close to the King that they were able to have full conversations with him. After one Valencian screamed at him, he said in response: 'If you want, I won't come and I'll stay in Madrid.' Police had to step in, with some officers on horseback to keep back the crowd of several dozens. A soldier works in an area affected by floods in Catarroja, Spain Vehicles pile up in the streets caused by late Tuesday and early Wednesday storm that left hundreds dead or missing in Alfafar, Valencia A view of the demolition works at a damaged house after flash floods in Letur, province of Albacete, Spain A crowd of angry survivors tossed mud and shouted insults at King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia as well as government officials when they made their first visit to one of the hardest hit towns on Sunday 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 Queen Letizia could be seen with mud speckled over her face The storm and flooding has left carnage in its wake, with a huge clean-up operation now underway 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 on Tuesday. Throughout the royal visit to Paiporta, traumatised victims spoke with reporters and media outlets to tell of the dire situation and explained their anger directed towards the monarchs and the Prime Minister. Jose Ribelles, a 23-year-old supermarket worker whose life had been upended by the flood, told the Times: 'What do you expect? For us to tell him sweet nothings?' He accused the Spanish state of not doing enough to support victims of the flood. 'They wanted to kill us. The first thing you have to do is warn people when a dam is about to be overwhelmed and broken. 'You can't warn people when they are already drowning.' He said he witnessed several dead bodies in the supermarket he worked at. 'There were 12 deaths among my colleagues. The flood got them in the garage.' Anger has been further fuelled by the inability of officials to respond quickly in the aftermath. 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!' people were heard telling the King and Queen. Even now, five days after the flood struck, many people still don't have drinking water. Internet and mobile phone coverage remains patchy, and most people only got power back on Saturday. Stores and supermarkets are in ruins and Paiporta, with a population of 30,000, still has many city blocks completely clogged with piles of detritus, countless totalled cars and a thick layer of mud. A couple have issued a warning after being attacked in the centre of Manchester by a gang targeting high-end watches. Interior designers Wesley Fellows and Peter Snowdon, from Shropshire, were staying in the city to see friends when they reported being assaulted by four men who were 'lying in wait' on their way home from a night out. Posting on social media, photos of the pair show they sustained head injuries and scratches in the attack, which left them bleeding after the thieves snatched Wesley's Rolex. They said they had previously thought of organised watch theft as a 'London' problem, adding they will 'never feel the same about Manchester again'. The pair, who run a successful business in Albrighton that has brought them into the circles of the rich an famous - mixing with the likes of Sinitta, Alan Carr and Julien McDonald - were enjoying drinks with friends on Sunday night before the incident occurred. Interior designers Wesley Fellows and Peter Snowdon, from Shropshire, were staying in the city to see friends when they reported being assaulted by four men The pair were left with injuries including scratches and head wounds after the attack After leaving Canal Street in the early hours of Monday morning, the pair headed back to their hotel on Ducie Street. Posting on their joint account on X, formerly Twitter, the pair said the gang 'attacked us both to steal Wes's Rolex watch.' They continued: 'It happened so fast and they ran off once they got it off him. Wes is badly bruised and cut but we're thankful it wasn't more serious. 'We've always felt safe when visiting Manchester but these guys were lying in wait for people at the top of Canal Street and were hassling people ahead of us earlier on. 'We're obviously devastated and shell shocked but my Wes will be ok. Highlighting here because people need to be aware of this.' The pair called police, and Greater Manchester Police sent officers to the couple's hotel room to make a crime report. Mr Snowdon, who wrote the social media post, said there is 'definitely some organisation' behind the attack, adding he had seen the same individuals 'hassling single guys and couples ahead of us'. Posting on their joint account on X, formerly Twitter , the pair said the gang 'attacked us both to steal Wes's Rolex watch' The attack happened after the couple went for drinks on Canal Street (pictured) last night The pair were walking back to their hotel on Ducie Street (pictured) in the early hours of Monday morning He continued: 'Please ladies and gents - do not let your guard down and don't wear anything of any value in the centre of Manchester. 'I thought this watch theft thing was a London thing but it happened to us and was a terrible end to an otherwise lovely day. 'Not hopeful this will be followed up or if there's any CCTV footage. Please please please be careful. We'll never feel about Manchester the same way ever again.' A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: 'An investigation into common assault and robbery is ongoing with no arrests made at this time. 'This is after a report was made from an incident on Sunday 3 November 2024 in the early hours, at around 4am on Ducie Street in the city centre. 'Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 552 of 03/11/2024.' Farmers and small businesses in Cornwall are worried that solar panels are replacing agriculture in the county, with more than 27,000 sites already and the number set to increase. Cornwall has more solar panels than anywhere else in the UK and that number could rise with even more planned under Ed Miliband's green energy rollout. Whilst climate campaigners have welcomed the spread of solar energy, residents and councillors are growing angrier as they claim the landscape is being ruined by the large glass panels. A new report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed the county has more solar production capacity than any other part of the country. The report also stated that south western counties, Wiltshire and Somerset, were second and third in terms of capacity and generation. Two Conservative councillors have already quit in protest at the number and size of solar farms being approved. Cllr Steve Arthur, who resigned the Conservative whip last December, told The Telegraph there were at least 30 major solar schemes being proposed across the county, potentially covering 10 square miles of farmland. Solar farms are increasingly taking up land that would have previously been used for agriculture Cornwall has more solar panels than anywhere else in the country and the number could continue to incerease He said: 'These massive solar farms are being built across Cornwall. But we don't want to be covered top to tail in glass panels. It will reduce food production and drive out tourists.' In August, plans for a 200-acre solar farm at Canworthy Water near Launceston, were rejected in spite of recommendations from the planning officers Despite this, more solar farms could be on the horizon, including a 250-acre site near the Cornish village of Indian Queens, which is supported by French energy giant EDF. Councillor Nick Craker, who is also chairman of the East Cornwall Planning Committee, said: 'The concern and anger come when the big solar companies buy up large swathes of farms, sometimes multiple farms at a time, and plaster hectare after hectare in panels, often manufactured in China, and industrialise a whole community that was once productive farmland.' Many farmers are also concerned. Nick Dymond, of Trevispian Vean Farm near Truro, said that many farmers are being tempted by the offer to rent their land for solar. He said: 'The big problem is that solar is driving up the cost of renting land. The typical rent for farmland is between 250 and 500 per acre depending partly on what crops you grow. 'But renting land for solar will generate 1,000 per acre year after year for maybe 25 years. For landowners that's really tempting and it means many tenant farmers are being thrown off their land by landowners who want to replace crops with solar farms.' Councillor Martyn Alvey, who oversees the environment and climate change group at Cornwall Council, said getting the right balance between the use of land for agriculture and the use of land for solar farms is essential. Solar Energy UK, the industry trade body, said Cornwall had the ideal combination of high light levels, access to grid connections and cheap farmland. The company said ground-mounted solar is one of the cheapest forms of energy and can be put in place quickly at a large scale. Even if the current expansion is increased fivefold, just 0.3% of land in the UK would be occupied by solar farms, the company say. A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight, killing at least 10 people as it spewed fireballs and ash on surrounding villages, officials said Monday as they raised the alert to its highest level. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre (5,587-feet) twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, erupted shortly before midnight, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages. Residents described their horror when the crater started shooting flaming rocks at their homes. 'I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook twice, as if someone had slammed it. Then I realised the volcano had erupted, so I ran outside,' said 32-year-old hairdresser Hermanus Mite. 'I saw flames coming out and immediately fled. There were ashes and stones everywhere. My salon also caught fire and everything inside was lost.' Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the country's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), confirmed the death toll at a press conference, adding that 10,295 people had been affected by the eruptions. He said the number of evacuees was still being calculated. Residents on the popular Indonesian tourist island of Flores described their horror when the voclano started shooting flaming rocks at their homes The volcano spews lava onto its slopes during an eruption as seen from Srumbung village in Magelang, Central Java, on November 4, 2024 Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano spewing volcanic materials in East Flores An AFP journalist near the volcano said five villages were evacuated, forcing thousands of people to seek shelter elsewhere. Buildings near the volcano were covered by thick ash while some wooden homes caught fire, and the ground was pockmarked with holes caused by flying molten rocks. The crater erupted just before midnight and then again at 1:27 am (1727 GMT Sunday) and 2:48 am, the country's volcanology agency said. The volcanology agency hoisted the highest alert level and told locals and tourists not to carry out activities within a seven-kilometre (4.3-mile) radius of the crater. 'There has been a significant increase in volcanic activity on Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki,' it said in a press release Monday. It released images that showed the roofs of houses collapsed after they were hit by volcanic rocks, and locals sheltering in communal buildings. Locals said the initial eruption was masked by adverse weather conditions. Search and rescue teams work at the scene after the deadly volcanic eruption 'We didn't hear any warning signs because it started with thunder and lightning,' said Petrus Muda Turan, head of a village on the Catholic-majority island, adding that the dead included a baby and a young nun. 'After midnight, people finally began to evacuate in a panic. When we ran, we didn't know what to bring, so we just took ourselves.' Authorities warned there was a potential for rain-induced lava floods and advised people to wear masks to protect against volcanic ash. Abdul from the disaster agency said an airport in Maumere, the second-largest town on Flores, had been temporarily closed and a desk had been set up for locals to report any missing relatives. There were multiple tremors and eruptions at the volcano last week, sending columns of ash between 500 and 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) into the sky several days in a row. Laki-Laki, which means 'man' in Indonesian, is twinned with a calmer volcano named after the Indonesian word for 'woman'. The mountain had several major eruptions in January, prompting authorities to evacuate at least 2,000 residents. Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent eruptions due to its position on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', an area of intense volcanic and seismic activity. In December last year, an eruption at one of the country's most active volcanoes, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, killed at least 24 climbers, most of them university students. And in May, more than 60 people died after heavy rains washed volcanic material from Marapi into residential areas, sweeping away homes. That month, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted more than half a dozen times, forcing thousands of people on nearby islands to evacuate. A missing British artist was last seen getting into a 'dark Vauxhall with a man' before vanishing in the early hours of Saturday morning. The last sighting of 31-year-old painter Sarah Cunningham was at around 3am on Jamestown Road, in Camden, north London, on November 2. On Sunday, the Met Police said the 5ft 3in-tall artist was missing and released a picture of her in the outfit she was wearing - a black top, black shirt and black Converse trainers. Ms Cunningham's boyfriend has issued a desperate appeal, revealing that she was spotted 'leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road' at around 2.30am. Meanwhile, Jamie Klingler, co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets group which campaigns to prevent violence against women, said she had been in contact with Ms Cunningham's family. Ms Klingler revealed: 'She was last seen in Camden around 3am getting into a dark Vauxhall with a male with long dark hair and heading to Islington.' Police are hunting for missing British artist Sarah Cunningham (pictured) after she disappeared from Camden The 5ft 3in-tall artist was last seen wearing this all-black outfit. She was wearing a black top, black skirt and black Converse trainers Jamie Klingler, co-founder of Reclaim These Streets, said that Ms Cunningham was last seen getting into a 'dark Vauxhall with a male' It comes as Ms Cunningham's boyfriend, Jack Brown, issued a desperate appeal on social media for any information that could help find her She added: 'Were you the driver? Did you see them? Did you see them get out of the vehicle in Islington?' It comes as Ms Cunningham's boyfriend, Jack Brown, appealed on social media for any information that could help find her. He wrote on Facebook: 'My girlfriend Sarah Cunningham has been missing in Camden since 2:30am this morning [Saturday], she was last seen leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road. 'Police have been notified and she has been reported as officially missing. If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or has seen or heard anything then please let myself or the police know.' Ms Cunningham's brother, Anthony Cunningham, has also posted an urgent appeal. 'My sister Sarah Cunningham has been missing since 0230am [on Saturday] in Camden. Last seen leaving apartment building on Jamestown Road,' he wrote on X. 'She was wearing a black outfit. If you have any information please let me or the police know. she has been officially reported as missing.' Ms Cunningham is a talented artist who is a resident at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation. Her work has been exhibited all around the world, including at the Lisson Gallery in Los Angeles between June and July. The painter was also the recipient of the Ali. H Alkazzi Scholarship Award, which offers an artist full funding and living expenses at the Royal College of Art. According to her social media posts, Ms Cunningham had visited Seoul, South Korea, last month where her work was being exhibited in a Burberry store. Born in Nottingham, Ms Cunningham went on to study Fine Art at Loughborough University from 2012 to 2015 before completing a masters in painting at the Royal College of Art between 2019 and 2022. The painter was also the recipient of the Ali. H Alkazzi Scholarship Award, which offers an artist full funding and living expenses at the Royal College of Art. Ms Cunningham, 31, (pictured, left) was last seen on Jamestown Road, Camden, at around 3am on the morning of November 2 Relatives have revealed that Ms Cunningham was spotted 'leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road' The Lisson Gallery also appealed for information, writing in an Instagram post: 'We ask anyone who might have seen or heard anything, or might have any information on Sarah's whereabouts, to please urgently contact us or the Metropolitan Police on 101. We are in touch with her family and the police (crime ref: 5483).' The gallery said of her work: 'Throughout this exhibition, Cunningham explores aerial and bodily movements, flipping directions and orientations until reaching that moment when verticality and horizontality shift or tilt beyond recognition when up becomes down, or left suddenly turns right.' A Met Police statement posted on X said: 'Have you seen Sarah? 'Sarah, 31, was last seen at about 3am on Sat 2 Nov on Jamestown Road, Camden, NW1. 'Anyone who sees her or has any information is asked to call 101 and give ref: CAD 2349/02Nov.' The force said she had links to the Camden and Wandsworth areas of London. Britain's largest German Christmas market has been branded a 'rip-off' for charging 21 for a beer and a hotdog. Revellers attending Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market have complained after prices went up to an all-time high when it opened on Friday, November 1. Two-pint steins of German wheat beer Hofbrau cost 12.50, while a half-metre-long Bratwurst is priced at 9 and a bag of roasted almonds are 4.50. Some even threatened to boycott the attraction this year, which boasts of being the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria. Visitors have also taken exception to a new stricter rule banning people from buying more than one drink at a time from the bar - despite the massive queues. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market opened on Friday and people have said they will boycott the attraction this year due to high prices Two-pint steins of German wheat beer Hofbrau cost 12.50, while a half-metre-long Bratwurst is priced at 9 Stan Felton (pictured) said he is on board with the new one drink rule that has been introduced this year The annual market is expected to attract millions of visitors but has been branded a 'rip-off' by some Regular visitor John Beard, 35 said: This will be the first time in ten years I'm not going to bother. It's a combination of the rip-off prices and that one beer rule is just daft. 'You can queue for half hour there easily so sometimes you want to double up. 'It's a measure to stop people getting drunk, but where's the fun in that at Christmas? If people want to get merry, let them. There's never any trouble up there. 'For what it costs, it's really not worth it because it's absolutely rammed and you're just standing about in the cold essentially. The stalls are the same each year too. 'People are watching the pennies more than ever and don't want to spend nearly a tenner on a sausage. You can blow about 50 in ten minutes.' Customers at last year's festival were allowed to buy rounds, but staff had to see each beer handed to each individual person to ensure they were legal drinking age. The market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria Visitors attending Birmingham 's Frankfurt Christmas Market have complained after prices went up to an all-time high Despite the criticism, last year the market was crowned the best in the UK for 2023 Meanwhile, the cost of a regular bratwurst and a full pint of beer has risen from 12.50 to an all-time high of 13.50. Each have gone up by 50p since 2023, when prices were the same as the year before. However, a half-pint of beer has frozen in price at 4.50, as has a boozy hot chocolate at 7, garlic bread at 4, and crepes from 4.50. Despite the criticisms, last year it was crowned the best Christmas market in the UK for 2023, and ranked eighth in the whole of Europe. Others took to social media to express their dismay. John Coles wrote: 'Was good when it first started now going down hill rapidly.' Jeanette Bennison commented: 'I've visited a couple of times years ago and I didn't think much of it prices were high then a rip off and stalls selling the same stuff all the way round.' Trevor Smith said: 'The last time I went there I got a hot dog and coffee cost me 15 quid I said to the bloke what part of Germany you from he said Tipton.' However, other visitors vowed to keep coming back to the 'amazing' market and say they won't be put off by the prices. Drink prices next to a sign explaining the new one drink per person rule that has been put in place Chloe Flynn and Tony Jones (pictured) enjoying a German beer at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market People enjoying drinks at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market where it costs 21 for a beer and a hotdog People at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market. The market is open until Tuesday 24 December 2024 Stan Felton added: 'I think the one drink rule is ok. You can only drink one thing at a time. 'It's like one wife, one car, one home - you don't need more than one thing at a time sometimes. 'Some people they don't want to queue but they have to understand waiting is important. It's about being patient and having compassion.' Tony Jones, of Birmingham, said: 'I think it's amazing, it's the best time of the year and it's really entertaining. It's once a year and I come every year. I love it, I do. 'Everybody is really happy, it's a great atmosphere.' His girlfriend Chloe Flynn said: 'It is expensive for the beers, but because its German beer you don't even need that many to get drunk.' Food and drink prices at Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024 Double pint of beer - 12.50 Pint of beer - 7 Half-pint of beer - 4.50 Wheat beer - 6.50 Shandy pint - 7 Alcohol-free beer - 7 Gluhwein - 6.50 Aperol Spritz - 7.50 Prosecco - 6 Hot chocolate with Baileys - 7 Bratwurst - 6.50 Half-metre-long bratwurst - 9 Frankfurt sausage - 5.50 Currywurst - 7 Vegan bratwurst - 6.50 Burger - 5 Pork steak - 7 Chips - 4 Garlic bread - 4 Falafel wrap - 6 Pretzels - 4 Crepes - 4.50 Roasted almonds (per 100g) - 4.50 Churros - 4.50 Keir Starmer is facing a backlash over a 'blind spot' on race after Kemi Badenoch was elected as Tory leader. Senior Labour figures have raised alarm that the lack of black staff members at the heart of government is a 'serious embarrassment'. The Guardian reported the concerns from a frontbencher who bemoaned that the party is 'nowhere near electing a woman leader or a black leader'. Ms Badenoch took the Conservative crown on Saturday, becoming the first black leader of a major UK political party. Labour figures including Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed Ms Badenoch's breakthrough. Keir Starmer is facing a backlash over a 'blind spot' on race after Kemi Badenoch was elected as Tory leader Ms Badenoch took the Conservative crown on Saturday, becoming the first black leader of a major UK political party. However, she has played down the significance, insisting that all jobs should be on merit Labour figures including Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed Ms Badenoch's breakthrough However, she has played down the significance, insisting that all jobs should be on merit. According to the Guardian, there have been furious messages on a WhatsApp group for Labour MPs of colour about the lack of representation at the top of government. One senior Labour frontbencher apparently said they struggled to think of any senior black advisers in Sir Keir's team, despite the presence of deputy chief of staff Vidhya Alakeson and policy adviser Rav Athwal. No10 sources insisted there was strong representation at the top of government, including ministers. In a BBC interview yesterday Ms Badenoch was asked whether she was pleased people were noting the achievement of being the first black leader of a major UK political party. She said: 'I think that 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 multi-racial country. That's great but we have to make sure it doesn't become something divisive...' She added: 'What I don't want is for that to be the thing that ends up being talked about.' Turning her fire on Rachel Reeves, 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 very low glass ceiling in the Labour Party that she may have smashed nowhere near as significant as what other women in this country have achieved,' she said. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned an 'appalling' tweet about Ms Badenoch reposted by a Labour MP. Dawn Butler appeared to share a tweet describing Ms Badenoch as a 'member of white supremacy's black collaborator class'. Ms Butler swiftly deleted her retweet from Nigerian-British author Nels Abbey, which responded to the prospect of Ms Badenoch becoming Tory leader by describing 'Badenochism' as 'white supremacy in blackface'. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she had not seen the post, but when read excerpts from it, she told LBC: 'I clearly strongly disagree with that.' Ms Butler has been strongly criticised by Conservative figures, with several calling for her to lose the Labour whip. Ben Obese-Jecty, who was elected as MP for Huntingdon in July, said Ms Butler was 'not alone on the Government benches in holding this view of Kemi'. He said: 'This will be a test to see whether Keir Starmer removes the whip, or effectively condones Butler's abhorrent approval of this smear.' The Home Secretary was pressed on why no action had been taken against Ms Butler. She said: 'As I said, I haven't seen the post and I think those sorts of issues around party issues, those are always ones for the whip.' Asked whether the words in the post had a 'racist sentiment', Ms Cooper said: 'The words that you have read out are clearly appalling and I would strongly disagree with them. 'So, I haven't seen the post. I don't know the circumstances around it but I think we should congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election. Sir Keir is under pressure to suspend the whip from Dawn Butler, after she appeared to share a tweet describing Ms Badenoch as a 'member of white supremacy's black collaborator class' 'I will continue to disagree with her on all sorts of issues, but, nevertheless, I congratulate her on her election.' Sir Keir has previously suspended the whip from Labour MPs in response to comments about senior black Conservative politicians. In 2022, he suspended Rupa Huq from the party for describing then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng as 'superficially' black. Ms Huq apologised and had the whip restored six months later. In later posts, Mr Abbey said his original comments had been 'clearly satirical' and 'intended as a sketch', but defended Ms Butler saying she 'may not welcome the ascendancy of an extremely right-wing reactionary black person'. Brutal storms which caused deadly flooding across eastern Spain last week have now dumped torrential rain on Barcelona, with the city's airport submerged and locals warned of 'extreme danger' as the country's severe weather crisis continues. Spain's weather service has issued a red alert for 'continuous and torrential rains' along the Barcelona coast, telling people to stay alert and not travel 'unless strictly necessary'. Mobile phones screeched with an alert for 'extreme and continued rainfall' on the southern outskirts of the Catalonian capital, urging people to avoid any normally dry gorges or canals where they could fall victim to rising waters. Roads across the region have been blocked by mudslides and high water, with motorists filmed driving through submerged streets as they desperately try to get home to safety. At Barcelona's El Prat airport, shocking videos have shown water streaming into the terminal building and pouring from the ceilings, with travellers seen taking their shoes off and wading through the departures hall. Video shows an Iberia airlines plane ploughing through the high water on the airport's flooded runway, with the treacherous conditions forcing air traffic control to divert and cancel dozens of flights. Train services across the region have also been stopped and classes at universities and schools cancelled as authorities desperately try to limit resident's movements to avoid a repeat of last week's disaster, in which more than 200 people died. A man is seen taking his shoes off and wading through the departures hall at El Prat airport Abandoned cars are seen on a motorway in Catalonia today as heavy rain deluged the Barcelona coastline A lorry is seen submerged in high floodwater under a bridge near Barcelona Water covered the walkways outside the airport terminal building as a deluge of rain hit this morning Water is seen pouring from the ceiling of the El Prat airport, where flights have been diverted amid the deluge An Iberia airlines plane ploughs through floodwaters at El Prat airport this morning Floodwaters are seen on the runway at El Prat airport in Barcelona, with flights being diverted An emergency worker is seen wading through the floodwaters in Catalonia this morning Catalonia's A-27 highway was covered in mud after a landslide, triggered by the heavy rains Aixi esta ara mateix lAeroport del Prat Molts vols es desvien a altres destinacions. El parquing es comenca a inundar. Els treballadors de moment han danar-hi, loperativa de terra es mante igual Font: Aeroport del Prathttps://t.co/fSZXW23Auj pic.twitter.com/TobTnPmng2 SER CATALUNYA (@SERCatalunya) November 4, 2024 Castelldefels tanca equipaments i suspen l'activitat municipal fins a les 15.00. Aixi estan alguns carrers de la ciutathttps://t.co/DgG8JwavuG pic.twitter.com/cCfSGNMR1f 324.cat (@324cat) November 4, 2024 Spain's King Felipe has been heckled and had mud thrown at him by furious local during his visit to Valencia, where more than 200 people died in devastating floods Spain's Queen Letizia consoles a woman during her visit to Paiporta, eastern Spain, November 3 2024 Meanwhile, in Valencia, the grim search is continuing for bodies inside houses and thousands of wrecked cars strewn in the streets, on highways, and in canals that channeled last week's deluge into populated areas. Citizens, volunteers and thousands of soldiers and police officers are helping in the gargantuan clean-up effort of mud and debris. Survivors who have lost everything in the disaster have expressed their anger at authorities, who they say failed to warn them in time and were slow in their response. That fury was directed at Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia yesterday as they visited Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit towns in Valencia. The tension was palpable as the royals stepped out of their vehicles to walk through the streets flanked by bodyguards, with protesters slinging mud and objects towards the royals. The crowd shouted 'murderers' and other insults at the royals and government officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who had to be evacuated and had his car windows smashed by furious protesters. The number of dead in the catastrophe currently stands at 217, with more bodies expected to be found as the gargantuan search operation continues. British couple Terry and Don Turner, aged 74 and 78, who had not been seen since torrential rains hit the Valencia region on Tuesday, were confirmed to be among the dead today. British ex-pat Terry Turner, 74, is among the victims of Tuesday's floods in Valencia Don Turner, 78, had moved to Spain with his wife around 10 years ago Their daughter Ruth O'Loughlin, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, said that her parents' bodies had been found inside their car on Saturday. The retired ex-pats were found in a rural area near to where they lived on the outskirts of the small town of Pedralba, a 45-minute drive north-west of the coastal city of Valencia. Mayor Andoni Leon said on Sunday that volunteer locals had found their bodies and that of a Spanish man themselves as part of a town hall-led attempt to locate the missing - with no outside help anywhere to be seen. Friends of the couple said Terry had told them that they were 'popping out' to get some gas on Tuesday, their daughter said last week as she expressed fears over her parents' fate. They later went to check the pensioners' bungalow, where they lived with their pet dogs, to see if they had managed to get home before the deadly floods swept in. A view of mud and debris, following heavy rains that caused floods, at La Torre neighborhood in Valencia A police officer checking inside piled up vehicles for victims in the aftermath of the flooding on Saturday Satellite image shows severe flooding in Valencia on October 30 after heavy rains 'Friends had nipped up there because they hadn't heard from mum and dad, the key was in the door, they could get into the property, the dogs were there and the car's gone so they know that mum and dad haven't gone back,' she said last week. Ms O'Loughlin previously told the BBC that her parents had moved to Spain around 10 years ago as they had 'always wanted to live in the sunshine'. They were popular in their community and had 'lovely friends around them', but had been considering moving back to the UK as they got older. Ms O'Loughlin said she last spoke to her mother on Monday, the day before the floods hit, and said she had been 'moaning about the rain'. 'She was saying they wanted to do jobs to the house so they could put it up for sale but it's raining a lot. 'We talked about mum and dad coming over here next year to spend some time with us and we just ended the call and I'm really glad I said 'I love you' and she said she loves me too.' As news emerged of the horrifying floods the next day, Ms O'Loughlin said he desperately tried to reach her mother and father but did not hear from them again. 'We still don't know exactly what happened to them,' told BBC Radio WM. 'The only thing we've got from this is that they were together. It's not the way you want your parents to go.' Rescuers continue to search for survivors with fears underwater car parks will be 'mass graves' Cars piled up in a ditch at a construction site after being swept off the road by powerful floods Their deaths bring the number of Brits confirmed dead in the tragedy to three, with a 71-year-old man losing his life after being rescued from the floods in Malaga. The British man was rescued by boat last Tuesday by firefighters after his partner alerted the authorities because he was having an apparent heart attack and suffering from hypothermia. He was taken to nearby Guadalhorce Hospital and stabilised before being transferred to a hospital in Malaga where he died in the early hours of Wednesday morning after suffering multiple organ failure. The disaster amounts to the deadliest natural tragedy in living memory in Spain and the second deadliest flood in Europe this century, authorities have said. Almost all the deaths have been in the Valencia region, where thousands of security and emergency services frantically cleared debris and mud in the search for bodies. Rescuers have discovered hundreds of cars left abandoned in the flooded car park of Bonaire shopping centre (pictured: Flood water at the entrance to the underground car park) Rescuers are continuing their grim search of cars and underground garages, where it is feared that dozens more bodies could yet be found. Rescuers are holding their breath as the underground car park of Valencia's biggest shopping centre continues to be drained and searched for bodies. Apocalyptic images have circulated of water pouring into the Bonaire shopping and its parking lot last week, with the entire multi-storey car park filled with water. Emergency teams have been using boats, robots and the divers to help them as they pump out the floodwater from the car park - which has two floors. But rescuers have now downplayed fears that dozens could have died trapped in their cars, with one firefighter telling El Pais: 'Yesterday we went through the entire car park and luckily we haven't found any bodies.' They said that the situation could change as the car park continues to be emptied of water and vehicles are combed through, but that the cars they have so far assessed are all empty. Russell Brand tweeted cryptically about 'forgiveness' just hours after it emerged detectives investigating historical sex offence allegations against him had passed a file of evidence to British prosecutors, MailOnline can reveal today. The 49-year-old vehemently denies any wrongdoing and insists that while he was 'very, very promiscuous' as a younger man, his sexual relationships 'were always consensual'. Four women came forward in September last year to accuse the star of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. He has reportedly been interviewed under caution by the police on three separate occasions. On Saturday at 5pm Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said a file of evidence had been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following a 13-month investigation. The comedian and actor has not commented on the development in his case, but two hours later he tweeted: 'Forgiveness is available for all of us'. MailOnline has asked the star's lawyer to comment on the development, and his tweet. Mr Brand has turned to Christ in 2024 - and was famously baptised in the River Thames alongside his friend Bear Grylls in late April. Brand said he saw this spiritual moment as 'an opportunity to leave the past behind' and 'leave behind the sins'. Scotland Yard has asked the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider bringing charges against Russell Brand, 49 (pictured in Nashville in July) Two hours after it emerged that police had handed a file to the CPS, Mr Brand tweeted this message about forgiveness Brand (pictured in 2006) has strongly denied all accusations about his behaviour which allegedly took place at the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013 His tweet about forgiveness has been seized upon by his supporters, especially in the United States, where he has spent time recently. Several tweeted: 'Amen' in response to his forgiveness post. Another said: 'Absolutely true'. In September he led prayers as he joined Tucker Carlson on a US tour and asked God to bring 'unity' to America through the Presidential election. The British comedian and thinker was once a supporter of British hard-left socialist Jeremy Corbyn - now he is an avowed Trump supporter. His most recent video on social media urges Americans voting this week to bring 'America closer to God, which has been seized on by Trump supporters. Scotland Yard has asked the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider bringing charges against Mr Brand, 49. In September he kneeled in prayer as he joined Tucker Carlson on a US tour and asked God to bring 'unity' to America through the Presidential election. Brand, Bear Grylls and an unknown person can be seen pictured stood in the River Thames after the comic's baptism in April The inquiry came after four women made allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against Mr Brand in September 2023. The allegations span from 2006 to 2013 when the comedian was working as a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 and as an actor in Hollywood. It came following a joint investigation launched by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4's Dispatches. Mr Brand was first interviewed under caution on November 16, 2023 over three sex offence claims after voluntarily attending a police station. He was interviewed again on December 14 about allegations of a further six historical sex offences and a third interview took place on January 17 this year, The Times reported. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police 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.' Russell Brand denies any wrongdoing and has said that all his sexual relationships were always consensual. The comedian turned lifestyle guru, who also worked on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music programmes from 2006 to 2008, told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in a YouTube video earlier this year that the claims made against him were 'very, very hurtful'. One of the first women to accuse Brand - referred to as Alice to protect her identity - claimed she was in an 'emotionally abusive and controlling relationship' with the comedian, then 31, as a teenager for about three months. It has since been revealed that Russell Brand has been interviewed by the police on three separate occassions Russell Brand is pictured appearing on The Paul O'Grady Show in November 2017 One of the first women to accuse Brand - referred to as Alice to protect her identity - claimed she was in an 'emotionally abusive and controlling relationship' with the comedian Alice, who has branded the star's alleged behaviour as 'grooming', claimed that throughout their relationship he would refer to her as 'The Child' and that he gradually became 'controlling, and then emotionally and sexually abusive'. She claims: 'Russell engaged in the behaviours of a groomer but I didn't know what that was back then. He would try to drive a wedge between me and my parents, taught me to lie to them. 'I was at my dad's house and it was 11 o'clock at night. He texted me, I came up with a scenario where I said my friend was ill, and we would role play text message conversations. He had a whole script for me.' Another woman claimed that Mr Brand sexually assaulted her while she worked with him in LA. She alleged she repeatedly told him to get off her and when he finally did he 'flipped'. It was also claimed another woman was sexually assaulted by Brand in the UK and she also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive towards her. In the wake of the scandal, a fifth woman filed a report to the Metropolitan Police, claiming she was sexually assaulted by the star in Soho, London, in 2003. Another woman has accused Brand of locking her in a dressing room and pinning her to a sofa with a 'glazed' look on his face. The alleged incident, as reported in The Sun, was said to have taken place in 2008 when the comic was 33, after a gig in West London. Russel Brand was accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse as part of a joint investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches programme, The Times and Sunday Times last year Brand performs at The Hoping Foundation's Starry Starry Night Benefit Evening in 2014 One woman also came forward claiming Brand exposed himself to her in an office where BBC Los Angeles operated from in 2008, before going to pre-record a programme for Radio 2 where he appeared to joke about the alleged incident. And another who was named Sarah to protect her identity, claimed the comic had left her feeling 'vulnerable and intimidated' after he allegedly refused to get her a taxi until she performed a sex act. In recent years, Mr Brand has built up a large audience on social media. He has more than 11million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), while he also hosts daily live streams on video site Rumble to hundreds of thousands of viewers. MailOnline contacted Russell Brand for comment. A Romanian thief who has been convicted of shoplifting in five different European countries has been jailed in the UK after he stole 10,000 worth of perfume in a single raid. Ionel Dulea, 47, stole almost 25,000 worth of beauty products from Boots stores across Hampshire over a five-month period, including skincare, cosmetics, perfumes and smoking items, a court heard. In a single hit, on July 20, Dulea 'literally shovelled' a staggering 10,790 of skincare and perfume bottles from a store in Fareham and admitted he was stunned by the value of it all. Dulea has been convicted of similar offences in France, Norway, Germany and Spain, as well as his home country of Romania, where his wife and two children live. He has now been jailed for two years at Winchester Crown Court and warned he may be deported. Ionel Dulea, 47, (pictured) stole almost 25,000 worth of beauty products from Boots stores across Hampshire over a five-month period Dulea shoplifted from five different Boots stores which stretch 72 miles across the South of England (file image) Dulea shoplifted from five different Boots stores which stretch 72 miles across the South of England between March 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024. Prosecutor Luisa Rose said that of the spread of shops chosen: 'It shows some planning and targeting of these Boots stores.' On some occasions Dulea would work with others to shoplift, but he mostly carried out his thefts alone. 'There's evidence that he is taking a leading role by virtue of the fact he's the common denominator in these proceedings,' Ms Rose said. Speaking about the 10,790 perfume theft, Ms Knight said: 'He had no idea they had literally shovelled, with their arms, products into a large bag.' Ms Knight said: 'He really did have no idea that the figures had gone up to such high proportions.' She said he sent 'at least half' of the money he obtained from the shoplifting spree back to his family in Romania. Dulea has now been jailed for two years at Winchester Crown Court and warned he may be deported She added: 'The defendant is now 47 years of age and your honour should know he has two children and a wife and the money he has been able to raise from the shoplifting spree - at least half of it has been sent straight back to support his family. 'He lost his job, he was working in a car wash, having come to this country in 2020. 'He lost his job earlier in the year.' Dulea admitted nine counts of theft from a shop. Judge Richard Tutt said there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation for Dulea, who was previously convicted of shoplifting in Chichester, West Sussex, in 2020 and in Hampshire in 2021 and 2022. His offending dates back to 2001, when he was first sent to prison for theft in his home country of Romania. He has had 11 convictions for 12 offences since then. Judge Tutt said: 'During the period of just over five months you were involved in a campaign of shoplifting. 'You, together with others, were essentially professional thieves. 'You made it your work. 'The total value of goods stolen was 24,720.' The judge said Dulea will spend one year in custody, followed by a year out on a licence. Judge Tutt said that this sentence puts Dulea at risk of deportation. Police searching for a talented artist whose works have been exhibited around the world have confirmed they found a body on the tracks at a London Underground station. A frantic search for 31-year-old painter Sarah Cunningham was launched after she went missing in Camden, north London, in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Met Police previously confirmed that the last sighting of the 5ft 3in-tall artist was at around 3am on Jamestown Road, Camden, on November 2. Police also shared a photo of her in the outfit she was wearing - a black top, black shirt and black Converse trainers. Ms Cunningham's boyfriend, Jack Brown, said she was spotted 'leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road' at around 2.30am. In a update today, the Met Police said that a body had been found at nearby Chalk Farm Underground Station just after 1am on Monday morning - nearly 48 hours after she vanished. Although the body has not been formally identified, Ms Cunningham's family have been made aware. The death is being treated as 'unexpected' but not suspicious. Previous appeals for information had suggested Ms Cunningham was spotted getting into a dark Vauxhall car with a man at around 3am, heading to Islington, but police investigated this and concluded it was a different woman. British artist Sarah Cunningham (pictured) went missing in Camden in the early hours of Saturday morning The 5ft 3in-tall artist was last seen wearing a black top, black skirt and black Converse trainers This is the last photo that Sarah Cunningham shared on social media. It was taken during a trip to Seoul, South Korea Ms Cunningham's boyfriend, Jack Brown, had issued a desperate appeal on social media for any information that could help find her A spokesman for the Met said: 'Police had appealed for sightings or information about Sarah Cunningham, 31, who was reported missing after she was last seen at around 03:00hrs on Saturday, 2 November in Jamestown Road, Camden. 'At around 01:11hrs on Monday, 4 November emergency services were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at Chalk Farm Underground Station. The force added: 'While we await formal identification, Sarah's family have been informed of this development. They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time. 'Officers from the Met are working with colleagues in the British Transport Police to look into the circumstances. 'The death is being treated as unexpected but at this time it is not thought to be suspicious.' A gifted artist, Ms Cunningham was also a resident at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation. Her work has been exhibited all around the world, including in Berlin, Los Angeles, Aspen and Vancouver. Between June and July, her work was on display at the Lisson Gallery in LA. According to her social media posts, Ms Cunningham had also visited Seoul, South Korea, last month where her work was being exhibited in a Burberry store. Born in Nottingham in 1993, Ms Cunningham went on to study Fine Art at Loughborough University from 2012 to 2015 before completing a masters in painting at the Royal College of Art between 2019 and 2022. The painter was also the recipient of the Ali. H Alkazzi Scholarship Award, which offers the chosen artist full funding and living expenses at the Royal College of Art. Ms Cunningham, 31, (pictured, left) was last seen on Jamestown Road, Camden, at around 3am on the morning of November 2 Sarah Cunningham is pictured in Seoul just over a week before she went missing in Camden Ms Cunningham was spotted 'leaving an apartment building on Jamestown Road' before disappearing The Lisson Gallery said of her work: 'Throughout this exhibition, Cunningham explores aerial and bodily movements, flipping directions and orientations until reaching that moment when verticality and horizontality shift or tilt beyond recognition when up becomes down, or left suddenly turns right.' Jamie Klingler, co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets group which campaigns to prevent violence against women, has previously shared appeals to find Ms Cunningham and said she had been in contact with the family. She said that the last sighting of Ms Cunningham was of her getting into a dark Vauxhall with a man with long dark hair, heading to Islington. But it's understood that the sighting was investigated by detectives, who concluded it was not Ms Cunningham. An extra $600m will provided to help the Australian Defence Force attract and keep staff, following the release of a major report which found it needs to nearly double its annual intake over the next decade. The 2024 Defence Workforce Plan, to be released on Tuesday, will outline workforce growth targets in order for the ADF to reach its target of 69,000 personnel by early 2030, and a combined ADF and public service target of about 100,000 by 2040. Junior personnel will also soon be able to access a $40,000 bonus to increase the recruitment and retention of Australias military. 'The highly competitive national labour market across all sectors and record low levels of unemployment will continue to put pressure on Defence's ability to attract and retain the right people,' the report said. 'To stabilise, remediate and grow the permanent ADF workforce, the inflow must increase from approximately 5500 per annum to 9000 per annum over the coming decade. 'In parallel, the median length of permanent ADF service must increase from around seven years to around 12 years.' The Albanese government said the $600m funding would help achieve that. 'Our ADF personnel are our greatest capability, which is why it is crucial that the Defence workforce has the people it needs to help protect Australia's strategic interests,' Defence Minister Richard Marles said. The Albanese government will announce $600m of new funding to help the ADF increase its recruitment and retention of personnel. 'The 2024 workforce plan will help ensure Defence can recruit, retain and grow the highly specialised and skilled workforce required to meet its capability needs. 'The Albanese government is committed to making the necessary investments to support our current Defence workforce, and grow it for the future. Tuesday's new $600m in funding will include an expansion of the two-year $50,000 continuation bonus pilot for junior rank permanent forces staff, plus additional investment to meet the target for operational reservists. Personnel are able to access the bonus if they remain in the force for an extra three years after they complete their initial four-year initial service obligation. While the bonus incentive will be reduced to $40,000 to cater for the expansion from the 2025-26 financial year, the scheme will be extended to eligible permanent members who are at the end of their initial four-year service obligation. A second cohort of members approaching the seven to nine year service period will also be allowed access the initiative in order to boost career progressions into the ADF's middle ranks and continued service. The Defence workplace plan says the Continuation Bonus has recorded an uptake rate of nearly 80 per cent, and boosted the continued service of more than 3100 junior rank ADF personnel. 'These retention bonuses are short-term initiatives to alleviate pressure on the ADF's junior and middle ranks, and address hollowness in the force,' it states. Defence Minister Richard Marles will announce the expanded access to $40,000 Continuation Bonus to boost personnel retention Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the initiatives would help deliver 'lasting institutional change to improve Defence culture and the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and ADF families'. 'The Defence Workforce Plan details a transformation and sets out how we will deliver the right number of people with the right skills, while continuing to shape a positive and effective work environment for our people,' he said. In figures detailed in the 2024 budget papers, the total ADF workforce strength was estimated to be at 76,290 in 2023-24, with the estimated ADF permanent force for 2024-25 expected to be at 58,600, nearly 5000 personnel below the budgeted amount. Difficulties in hiring were linked to high separation rates and lower-than-expected achievement of recruitment targets. ADF reservists will also need to be increased by 1000 by 2030, to improve the 'readiness of the Navy, Air Force, and Joint Capabilities Group'. On Tuesday, Mr Marles will also announce an extra $14m to boost Ukraine's maritime and coastal defence capabilities through 14 rigid hull boats. Since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022, Australia has provided Ukraine more than $1.3bn in military support, plus an additional $1.5bn in support to its government. Mr Marles reiterated Australia's 'proud' ongoing support to the Eastern European country. 'Australia remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. This is in Australia's interests, and is the right thing to do,' he said. 'Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to thwart Russia's continued attacks from the Black Sea. A film student who claimed he was dreaming when he repeatedly raped two women as they slept has been jailed for 14 years. Connor Yaxley, 30, also sexually assaulted another woman by touching her as she slept on a chair at his home. The pervert claimed he had been sleeping when he had sex with his victims and was unaware of his actions. But a jury took just six hours to convict him following a trial after hearing that he had informed one of the women that he fantasised about rape. He told her in a message: When my hormones are up, I simply cannot control myself. I cannot keep hurting people. Im scared of my own urges. Connor Yaxley claimed he was dreaming when he raped two women as they slept The court heard that one victim was sexually assaulted after falling asleep at his home One of Yaxleys devastated victims, who cant be named for legal reasons, described him as a bogeyman as he was put behind bars. She said: It feels like theres a bogeyman constantly on my shoulder, like a phantom fear which is difficult to explain. I still cant sleep all of the way through the night because of this feeling I have at night. Another said she was haunted by the defendant, saying: I will never heal from this trauma. At least now I know he wont be able to prey on other women. Yaxleys first victim told the court he used the excuse of having sex with her while he was asleep on multiple occasions. Another time, he claimed he had accidentally penetrated her while he was asleep. The other rape victim described to police how she had twice woken up from a deep sleep to discover the predator was having sex with her. Giving evidence from behind a screen, she told Norwich Crown Court the second incident occurred when she had explicitly told him she didnt want to have sex. She explained to jurors that she was a deep sleeper and took time to wake up and realise what was happening. I thought he was asleep and woke him up and asked why. He said he didnt remember and must have done it in his dreams and that he was so sorry and did not know what he was doing, she said. Under cross-examination, the woman admitted she had accepted his explanations at the time and that on a third occasion she had consented to sex after waking to find Yaxley touching her intimately. But she went on to say that she had only come to realise his actions were wrong after confiding in a friend. The court heard that the third victim was sexually assaulted after slumping asleep in an armchair at the defendants home in Great Yarmouth, Suffolk. Prosecutor Andrew Thompson said the incident in August 2020 was unwanted touching that was clearly sexual. Yaxley claimed to have woken up to find himself having sex with one woman and complained of having bad dreams Yaxley told police in an interview that he would do things without knowing because he was dreaming at the time. He also claimed to have a history of bad dreams and had woken up to find he was having sex with one of the women. But Mr Thompson told the jury that a person could only consent to sex by choice and if they had the freedom and capacity to make that choice. A sleeping woman was the same as an unconscious woman, he added. Yaxleys actions showed he will not take no for an answer and his behaviour was that of a rapist. Yaxley, who was studying film at the University of Suffolk, based at East Coast College in Great Yarmouth, was convicted of five counts of rape and one of sexual assault between 2017 and 2020. Judge Andrew Shaw had said he was considering a life sentence after Yaxley was convicted in August. Sentencing him on Friday, he said he had the gravest concerns about the defendant, adding: Its a concerning feature that you seem to think it is okay to have sex with sleeping and unconscious women. Referring to one victim to whom he admitted he had rape fantasies, the judge went on: You said you liked to use her as a tissue and that crying girls turned you on. Yaxley will also be placed on the sex offenders register and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for the rest of his life, which will require him to inform police of all future relationships on his release from prison. Investigating officer Detective Constable Dylan Thomas said after the hearing: These offences happened while these women were sleeping and while they were at their most vulnerable. They were unsure if anyone would believe them up until they reported what happened to police and showed great courage despite the trauma they have suffered. I would urge anyone who believes that they are a victim of rape or sexual assault to report it to the police to that positive action can be taken against the perpetrator. The director of an Aussie supermarket chain has warned food prices will increase if farmers are forced to shoulder the $2.3billion cost of carbon reporting. Drakes Supermarkets boss John-Paul Drake labelled the burden of mandatory carbon reporting on farmers, set to start in 2025, as 'beyond unconscionable'. He highlighted Australia's comparatively low carbon footprint on the global scale in discussing why carbon reporting would be unfair to farmers, who are 'the absolute backbone of our great country'. Instead, Mr Drake proposed that the federal government focus on cutting electricity and water costs rather than creating more costly red tape procedures. Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is set to cost farmers an incredible $2.3billion in its first year, which will likely trickle down to customers in the form of higher grocery prices. Mr Drake's supermarket chain buys produce from farmers at market prices, which fluctuate. 'If our farmers are forced to shoulder the burden of additional mandatory reporting, it's inevitable that it will result in higher prices in-store. We can't expect our primary producers to simply absorb this cost when we know that our farmers are already working on tight margins and in tough conditions,' he told The Advertiser. 'It's a massive problem when you've got a segment of government telling farmers how to run their business maybe our public servants should be out there trying to find ways to reduce the cost of water and electricity, rather than reporting on carbon emissions. Drakes Supermarkets director John-Paul Drake (centre) warned mandatory carbon reporting imposed on farmers will see grocery prices rise Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is set to cost farmers an incredible $2.3billion in its first year, which will likely trickle down to customers in the form of higher grocery prices 'Australia's global carbon footprint is so small compared to the rest of the world putting this responsibility on our farmers is beyond unconscionable.' Nationals federal leader David Littleproud and the National Farmers' Federation also slammed the reporting, which is set to affect at least 1,800 firms from next year. Livestock South Australia president Joe Keynes has urged the federal government to clarify the carbon emissions reporting regime. He called for authorities to 'map out the whole situation'. 'You can't just go to one point of the supply chain and say: 'They'll fix it all', because it's going to be all of us,' Mr Keynes said. Mr Keynes added the lack of clarification also made it unclear how much, if any, of the cost would be passed down to customers through price increases. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Woolworths and Coles for comment. Nationals federal leader David Littleproud and the National Farmers' Federation have also slammed the reporting, set to affect at least 1,800 firms from next year Mr Drake's latest comments come after he recently slammed hurried push to be green by the Labor government. 'All of a sudden everyone wants to be so green in such a hurry that they've forgotten about the people actually paying these bills,' he told Sky News last month. 'That's who its affecting most.' Keir Starmer suggested stopping the Channel boats is as important as tackling climate change today as he urged the world to 'wake up' to the crisis. The PM insisted it is his 'personal mission' to bring down smuggling gangs as he unveiled a fresh push at an Interpol conference in Glasgow. In his speech, Sir Keir laid out a series of new measures to tackle the 'vile trade' and said he would put the issue 'top of the agenda again' at a European Political Community meeting later this week. However, critics argue that none of the measures will be effective as he has scrapped the Tories' Rwanda plan, which was intended to deter people from attempting the deadly crossing. Comparing the challenge of smashing smugglers to the COP26 agreement reached in the same city in 2021, Sir Keir said: 'If together we can win this war against the people smugglers then this gathering will have achieved a victory for humanity every bit as significant as the Glasgow Climate Pact. 'Because you will have helped to smash the gangs, secure our borders and save countless lives.' Keir Starmer suggested stopping the Channel boats is as important as tackling climate change today as he urged the world to 'wake up' to the crisis Your browser does not support iframes. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was also at the Interpol conference in Glasgow today Labour's new Border Security Command (BSC) is getting an extra 75million of funding and enhanced powers to stop and search suspected human traffickers, including seizing their phones and other devices. Officials will be able to obtain search warrants to seize items from premises before an offence has even taken place - powers currently reserved only for anti-terror cases. Suspected people traffickers will face invasive financial searches, as the law is changed to allow courts to grant permission for scrutiny of accounts, property and other assets, government sources said. Serious Crime Prevention Orders will be expanded to suspected gang members before they are even convicted to restrict their access to the internet, banking and travel. Sir Keir said there is 'nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel'. 'People smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism. We've got to combine resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream, working together to shut down the smuggling routes,' he said. He added: 'When I was the director of public prosecutions, it was my personal mission to smash the terrorist gangs and we worked across borders to ensure the safety of citizens across Europe and across the world. 'Now, as the UK's Prime Minister, it is my personal mission to smash the people-smuggling gangs, and, look, that starts here in the UK.' Pointing to the new border security command and upstream efforts, Sir Keir added: 'We're going to treat people smugglers like terrorists. So, we're taking our approach to counter terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs.' Sir Keir said the international community must do 'everything possible' to stop people-smuggling. He said: 'The only way to defeat this vital trade and save lives is to stop people being smuggled here in the first place, and that means doing everything possible to deepen our cross-border co-operation. 'So, international agreements matter. We have to use every tool that we have operational, diplomatic, political to join up our response.' He cited an agreement with France to increase intelligence sharing, a treaty that the UK is negotiating with Germany and work with Italy that includes dismantling supply chains for maritime equipment. Sir Keir added: 'As part of the UK's wider reset with the European Union, we are seeking a new security pact, including restoring access to real-time intelligence sharing networks. Migrants attempting to cross the Channel at the end of last month 'At the European political community this Thursday in Hungary, I'll be putting this issue at the top of the international agenda once again.' Downing Street insisted the Government wants to see small boat crossing numbers falling, but would not reveal if ministers have a target. The Prime Minister's official spokesman insisted the Government is 'going to make progress as rapidly as is possible' on migrant crossings, pointing to its record of 9,400 returns recorded since Labour took power. But he would not be drawn into revealing if the Government has a target for when crossings will start to reduce, telling reporters: 'I am not going to set out new targets here today. You have got the manifesto commitment, you have got the Prime Minister's words. Clearly the Government's ambition is to reduce small boats crossings and that is why we are putting significant resource focus into this crisis.' Asked if the Government would be satisfied were numbers making the crossing to remain the same next year, he replied: 'No, the Government wants to do everything it can to reduce small boats crossings. 'It inherited a situation where small boats crossings before the election were up 18% on the same period from the year before. That is not an acceptable position and that is a reflection of the system in chaos, and that is why the Government is focused on putting in place the practical steps that will bring small boats crossings down.' Horrific incident occurred at the Ozoir-la-Ferriere station at around 8am today An axe rampage on a French train has left four injured with one victim's hand cut off and another suffering a split skull. The gruesome attack took place during a fight involving minors at around 8am (7am GMT) on the RER E line while the train was stationed at Ozoir-la-Ferriere, southeast of Paris. During the brawl, one victim sustained severe injuries, with a hand cut off, while another had their skull split open. Two others involved in the altercation received lighter injuries and were treated on the scene. French state rail operator SNCF confirmed that the violence erupted while the train was halted at the station. Four people have been left wounded after a violent altercation involving an axe erupted on a suburban train outside Paris this morning, according to police sources (stock image) During the fight, one victim sustained severe injuries, with a hand cut off, while another had their skull split open (stock image) They added that the violence did not affect traffic on the RER E line, which runs east to west through Paris and its surrounding areas. It was not immediately clear what triggered the fight, in which weapons including the axe, a knife, a samurai sword and baseball bats were used. All the wounded people were brought to hospital and none were in danger for their life, the source added. The main suspect, a 16-year-old, was later arrested at his home and held in custody, another police source said. An axe was found and confiscated during the search, they added. The incident happened while the RER suburban express train was at the station of Ozoir-la-Ferriere southeast of Paris. Since the train was halted at a station, the violence did not affect traffic on the RER E line, which runs east-west through Paris and its suburbs, state rail operator SNCF said. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A daughter whose mother died from Covid at an aged care facility claims that grieving families who lost loved ones there are still chasing an apology four years later. Joyce Parker's mother, Alice Bacon, 93, was the 100th person in Australia to die from Covid after an outbreak of the virus at Newmarch House near Penrith in Sydney's west in April 2020. More than 70 residents and employees tested positive to Covid after a staff member worked for six days with mild respiratory symptoms. Nineteen elderly residents died at the facility over a two month period, prompting many of their families to launch a class action against the nursing home operator Anglicare. It was confirmed on Monday that those families will get a payout as part of a confidential legal settlement. Four years on, Ms Parker has revealed that families yet to receive an apology. 'Anglicare - all they had to do is say sorry, we didn't handle it correctly,' Ms Parker told Nine News. When asked if the organisation had taken ownership of what happened, she replied:' Never. Never'. Alice Bacon (pictured) became the 100th person in Australia to die from Covid after contracting the virus in her nursing home, Anglicare's Newmarch House in western Sydney Alice Bacon's daughter, Joyce Parker (pictured), said Anglicare have not said sorry to the families who died from Covid four years ago Anglicare later issued a statement to Nine News, apologising to the families involved. Mark Fahey was the lead plaintiff in the class action against Anglicare Sydney and the Nepean-Blue Mountains Local Health District, after his mother Ann, 76, became the 14th resident of the Newmarch House aged care home to die of the virus in May 2020. Her death came three weeks into an outbreak beginning that April at the facility in Sydney's west, where 19 people died from the virus. Shine Lawyers class actions special counsel Atanaan Ilango on Monday confirmed the settlement, adding that it will hopefully provide family members a way forward as they navigate their grief. The law firm represented relatives of six of the 19 residents who died from COVID-19 as well as others who died at the nursing home. A previous statement of claim in the matter sought damages, interest and costs, plus "such further orders as the court considers appropriate". The terms of the settlement have not been made public. Nineteen residents died during Covid at Newmarch House (pictured), with some families joining a class-action suit against Anglicare and reaching a settlement A coronial inquest into the deaths at Newmarch House took place in 2022 but is yet to deliver findings. A spokesperson for the Nepean-Blue Mountains Local Health District said an in-principle settlement had been reached, but the terms remain confidential. Settlements require approval from a judge and the case returns to the NSW Supreme Court on November 15. Diddy will be celebrating his 55th birthday today at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center with a low-key meal. The rapper, who is awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, is also due in federal court later on Monday. The New York Post reports that Diddy will be given a choice of cheese pizza, salad or pasta today for lunch. Diddy, shown at a pumpkin patch in Los Angeles in 2019, will spend his 55th birthday at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center today, appearing briefly in court That's what's on the menu at the prison, where feds seized drugs and phones last week as part of a 'multi-agency' operation that they insist is not tied to his high profile case. He will also have the option of a 'breakfast cake', and potatoes, but he won't be given coffee until the weekend, per the prison's menu rules. Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, insists he is wrongfully accused. He maintains that while sordid, the 'freak off' parties that prosecutors want to send him down for were all consensual. Dozens of women have come forward to insist that was not the case. He has also been accused by grand jury witnesses of abusing young stars, though no such claims have been substantiated. Diddy is currently being held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center Last week, witness Courtney Burgess went public with his claims that he had seen tapes of Diddy 'victimizing' at least eight celebrities. He claims the videos came from a flash drive owned by Diddy's ex, the late Kim Porter, who'd obtained the footage from hidden cameras in the rapper's home. Burgess appeared on NewsNation's Banfield to testify about what he'd seen. It remains unclear if the grand jury has seen the footage, or just heard about it. The rapper's family, including his sons, are steadfast in their support of him. They insist he is being targeted by biased prosecutors. Diddy's unraveling began when a disturbing video emerged last year that showed him beating his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. He was seen chasing her down the hallway as she tried to escape him, kicking her and pulling her hair to stop her from fleeing. He apologized for the undeniable footage in a video statement, but says that's as far as his bad behavior goes. The hosts of ABC's Good Morning America said they were 'shocked' by how dark Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric has been in the final 48 hours before Election Day. Among other things, Trump has said he shouldn't have left the White House in 2021, and accused the Democrats of 'cheating' in elections. George Stephanopoulos compared how Trump and Kamala Harris have been addressing voters on the stump and professed his belief that the more 'hopeful' candidate usually wins. 'One thing that's been pretty consistent over the last week...is we saw Donald Trump's message - pretty dark, pretty pessimistic,' Stephanopoulos said on the Monday morning panel. 'At least in the last day, Kamala Harris is coming out much more hopeful and optimistic. A fundamental tenet of modern American politics: the more hopeful, optimistic candidate wins. If Donald Trump pulls this out, it's really testing that.' Pictured: A panel of five on Good Morning America discussed the state of the race on Monday, coming to the conclusion that Donald Trump is on a path of negativity Former President Donald Trump is pictured at a rally on Sunday in Macon, Georgia. Joe Biden won Georgia in 2020 by 12,670 votes ABC correspondent Jonathan Karl also appeared on the panel, and even he, who has been covering Trump for years, said he was 'shocked' by some of the things he heard from the former president. 'Donald Trump has gone incredibly dark, even in ways that have frankly shocked me. When he said yesterday invoked the idea of shooting through reporters and he wouldn't mind that, we've reached a new level,' Karl said. He was referring to Trump's rant at a rally in Pennsylvania which included a joke about an assassin having to shoot through reporters to get him. '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. One of Karl's topline takeaways was that the campaign has been 'intensely negative' in tone from both sides. 'It tests so much of what we think we know about politics if Trump wins, both that and in terms of the ground game,' Karl said. 'Look, this has been an intensely negative campaign all around. It's the "end of democracy" versus "the end of our country as we know it."' Jonathan Karl, pictured, shared some insights about his Sunday phone call with Trump with the panel. They discussed the state of the race, Trump's messaging and whether or not he thinks he could lose George Stephanopoulos called Vice President Kamala Harris the more hopeful, optimistic candidate when compared to Trump Karl also shared some insights about his Sunday phone call with Trump, where the two talked about how the campaign was going. 'I spoke to him early, his voice sounded weary, a little scratchy, he's got this unbelievably packed campaign schedule,' he said, adding that Trump said he thinks he's 'leading everywhere.' Karl said Trump hadn't seen the final poll done by The New York Times that had him trailing 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. 'But he did acknowledge to me something that I've never heard him acknowledge before,' Karl said. 'I asked him, "Is there any way you could lose?" And he said, "Yeah, I guess you could lose. Bad things could happen."' According to Karl, Trump bristled at his advisors, some of whom have been saying he hasn't been hammering home the key issues of the campaign in his speeches. 'The other thing is, he took issue with the notion that he's been off-message, which some of his top advisors are worried about. He's been all over the map in his speeches, all the negativity, not focusing on the core economic issues that they say he should be focused on,' Karl said. Trump reportedly told Karl that all he's doing is employing what he calls 'the weave,' which is when he goes on tangents but eventually brings it back to the topic at hand. 'He told me the weave got me elected president, and we saw it continue yesterday,' Karl said. Stephanopoulos, though agreeing with much of Karl's reporting, played devil's advocate, saying there could be a reason Trump is using eye-catching rhetoric in the final days Another panelist pointed out that Trump is most likely the most concerned about North Carolina, since he's been visiting it so often (Trump is pictured at a rally Sunday in Kinston, North Carolina) Stephanopoulos played devil's advocate, saying there 'is some strategy' in playing toward one's most ardent political base. 'We just heard Jon [Karl] say it's not exactly what the campaign wants Donald Trump to be doing, but there is some strategy behind it trying to drive out angry, young men,' Stephanopoulos said. Rachel Scott, another ABC correspondent, agreed and pointed to the fact that Trump has been going on a podcast blitz in recent months, a medium thought by the campaign to be more frequently enjoyed by young men. Scott also said Trump could be most concerned about North Carolina, since he pledged on Saturday he would visit the state every day until Election Day. North Carolina was the only swing state Trump won in both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The New York Times poll had Harris beating Trump by two percentage points in the state, though it was well within the margin of error. A Morning Consult poll had Trump up by two, though that result was also within the margin of error. 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 devastated widow is battling JPMorgan Chase for access to her late husband's pension over a paperwork error. Melvyn Silverberg worked for a decade as a systems analyst at Chase Manhattan Bank until 1979. He died suddenly in 1988 from multiple organ failure when he was just 43 years old. Chase Manhattan merged with JPMorgan in 2000 and has become the largest bank in America - earning over $12 billion in 2024 third-quarter profits. His widow, Elaine Silverberg, 73, said she has been battling the banking giant for over a decade to access to his $53,000 pension pot. 'You would think the bank would want to do the right thing. They have treated me like an insignificant cockroach just to be stepped on,' Elaine told The New York Post. Elaine Silverberg (pictured), 73, said she has been battling JPMorgan Chase for over a decade to get access to her late husband's $53,000 pension 'If Jamie Dimon [the JPMorgan Chase CEO] were aware of this, he would wish to do the right thing and honor the pension.' Documents from the Social Security Administration viewed by The Post estimate that Melvyn's account would be worth $331 a month. Elaine was 37 years old at the time of Melvyn's death and became a single mother to their three children. She has been trying to gain access to his pension following her retirement as an administrator for the New York State Assembly in Albany in 2011. JPMorgan Chase refused to give her the money because Melvyn did not fill out the paperwork to elect her as his beneficiary. 'While we sympathize with Mrs. Silverberg, she is asking us to pay without necessary documentation,' a JPMorgan spokesperson said. 'We follow the terms of our pension plan that would not permit individual exceptions.' The Retirement Equity Act of 1984 made spouses the default beneficiary for married workers but did not go into effect until after Melvyn's death. Elaine said if JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon (pictured) were aware of the issue, she believes he would want to do the right thing The banking giant argued Elaine's late husband did not file the paperwork that named her the beneficiary 'This is a lot of money to me. For them, it's just a joke,' Elaine said. 'I feel like Mel would be mortified about what they are doing to me.' 'I am not destitute, but this was never an issue about poverty only justice.' Documents seen by The Post show that the company attempted to contact Melvyn three times about electing spousal coverage - including once in 1990, two years after he died. Christopher Dagg, a senior staff attorney at the Mid-Atlantic Pension Counseling Project, told the news outlet that the bank's argument was 'weak.' 'We regularly see this recurring problem, where a retirement plan cannot prove it sent a participant an important document but claims it had a procedure in place to try to shift the burden of proof onto the participant, who must then try to prove a negative years later,' he said. The soaring bill for health and disability benefits will wipe out the Treasury's 25billion national insurance raid by 2030. The government's watchdog has forecast an eye-watering increase in handouts by the end of the decade to more than 100billion a year. The level is due to increase from 64.7billion in 2023-24 to 74.9billion this year, and 100.7billion in 2029-30, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). It warned that this estimate was 'uncertain' because of the complex factors involved - meaning it could end up being even higher. Such a surge would effectively eat up the extra revenue from hiking employer NICs, which brings in roughly 25billion a year - not accounting for the costs of offsetting the impact on the public sector. Your browser does not support iframes. In its Budget analysis the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated that the cost of sickness handouts would rise from 64.7billion in the 2023-24 financial year to 100.7billion in 2029-30. Currently 9.4million Britons are neither in a job or looking for one, equating to more than a fifth of the working-age population. It includes a near-record figure for those signed off with long-term sickness. The 2029-20 figure of 100.7bn equates to 3 per cent of GDP, the OBR noted. That is higher than the 2.5 per cent of GDP that the government has pledged to spend on the military - though without setting out a timeframe for achieving it. Defence spending is currently 2.33per cent of GDP. The OBR report also projected that the 'participation rate' - the proportion of the population either in work or seeking it - will fall to 62.5 per cent by 2029. It said the fall was 'driven by rising health-related inactivity, the overall ageing of the population, and the rise in employer NICs announced in this Budget'. The rate was at a peak of 64.25 per cent in 2020. Your browser does not support iframes. The OBR noted: 'Inactivity due to long-term sickness remains high at around 2.8 million, accounting for a third of total inactivity, although the latest data suggest it may have reached its peak. This is consistent with incapacity benefits caseloads, which rose 36 per cent between 2019-20 and 2023-24, from 2.3 to 3.1 million... 'The increase in employer NICs announced in this Budget reduces the participation rate by 0.1 per cent from 2025-26 onwards.' Worklessness due to long-term sickness has soared six-fold in parts of Britain since pre-Covid, analysis suggests. Currently 2.8million people are off work ill, up by around 700,000 before the pandemic rocked the country. Spiralling rates of mental ill health has driven the 'economic inactivity crisis', which Labour has promised to tackle as part of its plans to give the economy a boost and save taxpayers billions on welfare hand-outs. Young people are now just as likely to be out of work because of long-term illness as people in their 40s, the Resolution Foundation suggested earlier this year. In the Budget yesterday Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged to make savings via 'fundamental reforms to the health and disability benefits system'. It comes amid a major inactivity crisis the Labour government inherited from the Tories, with around 2.75million people claiming incapacity benefit. Four out of five claimants have not worked in the past two years. On Monday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a 240 million funding boost in the Budget for local services to 'get Britain working'. Labour had previously promised reforms to help the 'lockdown generation' get back into employment, and ministers are expected to publish a Get Britain Working White Paper this autumn. Those reforms aim to marry an approach of high expectation and high support, with the expectation that those who can work should do so but that they should also be properly supported with real opportunities to get a decent job. When Liz Kendall took over as Work and Pensions Secretary after the July election, she said Labour's goal to reach an 80 per cent employment rate would mean getting two million more people back into work. She also said powers and resources would be transferred to mayors and local areas to lead work, health and skills plans for the economically inactive. Disgraced rugby star Stuart Hogg has admitted a five-year campaign of domestic abuse against his estranged wife. The ex-Scotland captain repeatedly abused the mother of his four children, shouting and swearing at Gillian Hogg as well as tracking her movements and bombarding her with texts. On the day he was due to stand trial, the 32-year-old appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court, accompanied by his parents Margaret and John, and pleaded guilty to a single charge of breaking domestic abuse laws. During the years of abuse inflicted on Mrs Hogg, he caused her to suffer a panic attack, berated her for not being fun and sent her aggressive and hostile messages. But, leaving court, the shamed star refused to apologise to his victim declining to answer questions from the Press. Hogg, who was capped 100 times for Scotland, and his wife are now divorcing. Prosecutor Drew Long said Mrs Hogg became scared of her husband due to his behaviour when drinking. The former Scottish rugby international Stuart Hogg has pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic abuse against his ex-wife The father-of-four arrived at Selkirk Sheriff Court accompanied by his parents Stuart Hogg, 32, admitted the charge of domestic abuse, which took place over a five-year period, on Monday Selkirk Sheriff Court heard Hogg admitted to sending 200 text messages in just a few hours following the break-up of his marriage (Hogg pictured in September) He added: 'She described him as angry and controlling and said when he was drinking she would wish it to be morning as quickly as possible so he would sober up and things would stop. The court heard that when the Glasgow Warriors full-back joined Exeter Chiefs in Devon in 2019, his behaviour deteriorated as he went out partying with colleagues. Mr Long said: He would regularly shout and swear at her, using particularly offensive language and criticising her for not being fun. This would be in response to her wanting to look after her children rather than coming to drink with him and his friends. When the couple moved back to Hawick, Roxburghshire, in May 2023, Hogg began going out drinking more regularly. In August that year it became obvious he had used an app to track where she was after he questioned the whereabouts when she was dropping off the children. Soon afterwards, she and the children moved in with her parents. Mr Long said: She took advice from a domestic abuse advisory service and no longer felt safe in her home. Despite the break-up, she was still inundated with calls and texts. In his text bombardments, Hogg would switch between loving and being aggressive and hostile. Mr Long said: Mr Hogg sent his wife a series of messages which were aggressive in tone and led her to having a panic attack. Since the break-up there were days when Mr Hogg sent in excess of 200 text messages over a period of a few hours, despite having been asked to leave Mrs Hogg alone. The rugby player admitted a charge of domestic abuse under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act relating to ex-wife Gillian Today marked the first of a scheduled three-day trial over the charges In February this year Hogg entered the family home, the court was told, and swore at his wife in front of his children while being belligerent about his right to be at the property. Mr Long added: In response Mrs Hogg and the children hid in one of the childrens bedrooms. Hogg was later arrested and told not to contact his wife, but did so again. Angela Gray, KC, defending, said the incidents taken in isolation would have been unlikely to have breached the threshold needed to reach the criminal court. But she said: Mr Hogg accepts these incidents in isolation fell short of whats expected as a husband. The domestic abuse charge Hogg admitted said he repeatedly shouted, swore and acted in an aggressive manner, tracked her movements, sent her messages of an alarming and distressing nature, and made contact with her and approached her when banned from doing so. After his guilty plea, Sheriff Peter Paterson told Hogg to return to court on December 5 for sentencing. Hogg, who toured with the British and Irish Lions three times, shocked rugby fans when he unexpectedly retired last summer. He went on to be made an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list for services to the sport. He later returned to the game with French side Montpellier. Hogg is now expecting a child with new girlfriend Leonna Mayor, 34, a former jockey and TV presenter. Charlotte Woodward, of the National Centre for Domestic Violence, said: Sportsmen are in a position of influence and there must be a clear message from employers that this behaviour has consequences. In many other professions, offenders would face disciplinary action and sport should be no different. A Montpellier spokesman said: The club will not comment at this time. JK Rowling has mocked transgender double rapist Isla Bryson after the sex offender called her 'sad and pathetic' over her views on gender identity. Bryson, 32, was jailed for eight years in February 2023 after raping two women in West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow. The sex attacker was charged with the offences as Adam Graham, but changed gender while waiting to stand trial and took the name Isla Bryson. The case sparked public outcry, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling, after Bryson was sent to the all-female Cornton Vale prison outside Stirling, before later being transferred to a male prison. Launching a scathing attack on Ms Rowling, Bryson said the author's books were c**p and that he pitied her. In letters to The Sunday Mail from prison, Bryson said: 'Why should a trans woman be treated as a man in prison when we are women? Fact. No matter what anyone else says these people are just narrow minded who don't even like themselves. 'People like JK Rowling are sad and pathetic. I do feel sorry for JK Rowling, her books are c**p and her movies are too.' Isla Bryson (pictured) was jailed for eight years last February for raping two women Bryson's crimes sparked public outcry, led by Harry Potter author and women's rights campaigner JK Rowling (pictured) Rowling mocked Bryson after the trans double rapist called her 'sad and pathetic' in a rant Rowling has long fought to protect single sex spaces and is a prominent campaigner for women's rights. And hitting back at Bryson on her X account, she joked: 'The violent sex offender market is of critical importance to me, so I do hope Mr Bryson's remarks won't dissuade other rapists from borrowing my books from the prison library.' Bryson also defended defended Mridul Wadhwa, the transgender former CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre who quit after a damning report into the running of the facility was published. It found she 'did not understand the limits of her authority' and rape survivors were not being prioritised nor where single sex services being protected. Bryson said: 'She had every right to work there. She is a woman.' Bryson attacked one victim in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, in 2016, and another in Drumchapel, Glasgow in 2019. The sex attacker was jailed for eight years last February. The rapist met both victims online, with prosecutors telling the trial that the vulnerable women were 'preyed on'. It comes after Police Scotland were last month forced to confirm it would not record a rapist as female because Scottish law defines rape as penetration by a penis without consent. The sex attacker was charged with the offences as Adam Graham, but changed gender while waiting to stand trial and took the name Isla Bryson Chief Constable Jo Farrell also told Sky News: 'You can only commit that crime as a man' - and said there was no confusion about his force's policy. But Sky claimed it had seen a leaked internal Police Scotland document named 'Sex and Gender' that included a section on Bryson and where the rapist could be recorded as female, including on the national crime database and sex offenders' register. It reportedly said: 'When this individual comes back into contact with Police Scotland it would likely be a public protection matter in the management of sex offenders. 'In this instance they may be recorded as a female with the name Isla Bryson however the trans history would be appropriate to be retained on relevant policing systems.' According to Sky, a police source told them that this would mean Bryson would likely be treated and referred to as a woman by the force. Bryson said: 'They should log me as a woman, I am a woman with boobs.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'This report from 2023 set out proposals on potential future recording practices and standards in relation to sex and gender from a data analysis perspective. 'The Chief Constable addressed the matter of gender self-identification at the Scottish Police Authority Board in September 2024, during which Police Scotland committed to a broader review.' In September, Police Scotland told MSPs they should be 'absolutely assured' that a man who commits rape or serious sexual assault will always be recorded as male. It had previously sparked outrage when it told a Holyrood committee that the sex or gender identification of anyone who comes 'into contact' with the force would be based 'on how they present or how they self-declare'. David Lammy has said discussions over slavery reparations should not be about money 'particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis'. The Foreign Secretary, speaking in Nigeria, addressed recent demands by Commonwealth leaders for talks on reparatory justice for nations affected by slavery. The issue dominated the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last month, despite Downing Street insisting it would not be on the agenda. Speaking to the BBC in Lagos, during his first visit to Africa as Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy insisted concentrating on money was a 'simplistic press debate'. 'It's not about the transfer of cash, particularly at a time of a cost-of-living crisis around much of the globe, and certainly in the UK,' he said. 'That is not the debate I think that people are wanting to have. They're wanting to think about the future.' David Lammy met with Hannatu Musawa, Nigerias minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy The Foreign Secretary was given at tour of the Art X international art fair in Lagos by Art X founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebi Mr Lammy, on his first visit to Africa as Foreign Secretary, also spoke at a creative industries reception event in Lagos Mr Lammy described slavery as 'horrific and horrendous in many, many ways' and said the transatlantic slave trade had left 'scars'. 'I am the descendant of enslaved people, so I recognise that,' he said. He added it was right that an apology had been made 'and we commemorated the abolition of the slave trade' when Labour was last in power. The Foreign Office said Mr Lammy was pursuing 'a fresh approach' that 'works productively from Morocco to Madagascar'. '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,' the Foreign Secretary said. '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.' Mr Lammy is in Nigeria to sign a 'strategic partnership' covering economic ties, national security and climate change. He is also due to travel to South Africa and agree on the development of a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan. The Foreign Secretary said: 'Growth is the core mission of this Government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond. 'This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.' Legendary music producer Quincy Jones saw through Diddy more than a decade ago - as revealed in his scathing review of the rapper's musical abilities in 2012. Jones, who died at the age of 91 on Sunday night, didn't fall for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' bravado and was not afraid of expressing it either. The music titan slammed Diddy at a Spotify launch event during a conversation with Bruno Mars and audience members in June 2012, saying the rape-accused rapper 'wouldn't know a B-flat' if it hit him. Instead, according to Jones, 'P. Diddy has a doctorate in marketing. Hes got clothes companies and Ciroc vodka' while adding that artists should 'learn your craft'. Jones is famed for producing Michael Jackson's Thriller album and collaborating with artists including Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles during his storied career. Legendary music producer Quincy Jones saw through Diddy more than a decade ago - as revealed in his scathing review of the rapper's musical abilities in 2012. (Pictured: Diddy and Jones during the 2005 MTV VMAs) Jones saw Diddy as a master marketer rather than a musician - as scathing comments he made about the rapper in 2012 reveal. (Pictured: Jones and Diddy at the Sean John Elite Footwear Collection launch at Setai Hotel on August 27, 2005) Jones, who died at the age of 91 on Sunday night , didn't fall for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' bravado and was not afraid of expressing it either. (Pictured: Quincy Jones, Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Berry Gordy Sean Combs's 'Operation Harlem 2 Hollywood' party in LA in 2008) When Jones' comments about Diddy blew up at the time, he shared a Facebook post to say he didn't mean any ill feeling toward the rapper. 'No controversy, no diss. I have nothing but love and respect for Diddy and all that he has achieved as an artist and an executive. Always have and always will,' he wrote. His publicist Arnold Robinson said he passed away Sunday night surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, California. No cause of death was given. Jones's family - which includes his actress-daughter Rashida Jones, who played Karen Filippelli in The Office - said in a statement: 'Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing. 'And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.' Along with Rashida, Jones - known to friends as 'Q' - is survived by daughters Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones and Kenya Kinski-Jones; son Quincy Jones III; brother Richard Jones and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay. Jones's final Instagram post yesterday wished his daughter Martina 'Tina' a happy birthday, and featured a photograph of the two smiling together. It said: 'Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena! So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally.' Jones died at the age of 91 on Sunday night. He is pictured above in September 2014 Diddy, shown at a pumpkin patch in Los Angeles in 2019, will spend his 55th birthday at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center today, appearing briefly in court Meanwhile, Diddy is spending his 55th birthday behind bars at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center. The rapper, who is awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, is also due in federal court later on Monday. The New York Post reports that Diddy will be given a choice of cheese pizza, salad or pasta today for lunch. That's what's on the menu at the prison, where feds seized drugs and phones last week as part of a 'multi-agency' operation that they insist is not tied to his high profile case. Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, insists he is wrongfully accused. He maintains that while sordid, the 'freak off' parties that prosecutors want to send him down for were all consensual. Dozens of women have come forward to insist that was not the case. He has also been accused by grand jury witnesses of abusing young stars, though no such claims have been substantiated. Diddy is currently being held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center Last week, witness Courtney Burgess went public with his claims that he had seen tapes of Diddy 'victimizing' at least eight celebrities. He claims the videos came from a flash drive owned by Diddy's ex, the late Kim Porter, who'd obtained the footage from hidden cameras in the rapper's home. Burgess appeared on NewsNation's Banfield to testify about what he'd seen. It remains unclear if the grand jury has seen the footage, or just heard about it. The rapper's family, including his sons, are steadfast in their support of him. They insist he is being targeted by biased prosecutors. Diddy's unraveling began when a disturbing video emerged last year that showed him beating his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. He was seen chasing her down the hallway as she tried to escape him, kicking her and pulling her hair to stop her from fleeing. He apologized for the undeniable footage in a video statement, but says that's as far as his bad behavior goes. A pocket watch that was frozen in time when its owner went down with the Titanic will go under the hammer for 80,000. Ramon Gomez was one of 1,521 passengers who died when the ill-fated ship hit an iceberg and sank in 1912. Gomez, a Uruguayan first class passenger, supposedly jumped off the vessel whilst holding a deck chair in an attempt to save himself. But it proved futile as his body was recovered from the sea a week later by the Cable Ship MacKay-Bennett. His possessions were removed so they could be sent back to his family, including the Zenith Swiss silver and gilt watch. The watch has remained 'frozen in time' at 4.53am, which was two hours and 33 minutes after the ship sank at 21 minutes past two on April 15, 1912. The pocket watch was recovered from the body of Ramon Gomez, who died when the Titanic sunk The watch has remained 'frozen in time' at 4.53am, which was two hours and 33 minutes after the ship sank at 21 minutes past two on April 15, 1912 His family kept hold of it for 112 years but now it is going up for auction The family has kept hold of the watch for 112 years but are now selling it at auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son, of Devizes in Wiltshire. Gomez had previously survived another ship disaster, a fire aboard the America, by jumping off the deck. Two months before the Titanic's departure, he confidently wrote to his cousin that he was expecting a 'safe crossing'. He said this was because the advent of wireless meant a ship in distress could communicate with the whole world. After the disaster the Consul General of Uruguay in New York went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to claim Gomezs body and personal effects, which were forwarded to his brother in Uruguay. The auctioneers say his watch is 'one of the most emotionally powerful' mementos of the disaster they have ever sold. The watch has a rust-covered white dial and Arabic numerals and is missing the glass and second hand. A Henry Aldridge & Son spokesperson said: 'It is missing the glass and second hand owing to its obvious trauma and submersion in salt water. 'The hour and minute hands are present and are stopped at the time 4:53, two hours and 33 minutes from the time of the sinking. This could be a testament to the tenacity of a Zenith timepiece.' The inside of the watch which has been described as one of the most 'emotionally powerful' mementos of the disaster The watch has a rust-covered white dial and Arabic numerals and is missing the glass and second hand Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge added: 'Two months before boarding Titanic he wrote to his cousin expressing confidence in a safe crossing. 'He had previously survived the fire and sinking of the ship America by jumping off the deck. 'He wrote that with the advent of wireless, a ship in distress would be able to instantly communicate with the whole world. 'Here is a man with the utmost confidence in the latest technology that Titanic was showing would keep the ship safe. 'The fact that the watch is frozen in time by the cold North Atlantic that took both him and the Titanic confirms it as one of the most emotionally powerful objects that we have sold from the ship. 'It is a true museum piece and can easily represent the centerpiece of any Titanic or antique watch collection.' The sale takes place on November 16. Come November 6, I won't care who won the election. I'll be too busy getting to work. As a businessman, I will adapt to the economic policies of our new president, whoever that may be. It's certainly no time for getting bothered by questions of personality. What I'm concerned about is policy. But that doesn't mean that I don't have a clear preference when it comes to the economic policies of each candidate and here's how I evaluate them. As a businessman, I will adapt to the economic policies of our new president, whoever that may be. PICKING 'WINNERS AND LOSERS' Vice President Kamala Harris has been somewhat silent when it comes to discussing the detail of her plans. Though one thing we know for sure is that she thinks federal government is better at making decisions on where money is spent than either local government or individuals. We also know she wants to allocate more money to support certain industrial sectors. I call this picking winners and losers. For example, President Biden and VP Harris have directed more than $200 billion in taxpayer money to the CHIPS and Science Act since it was signed in 2022. This statute is specifically designed to supercharge the high-tech chip-making industry in the US. We are yet to know whether it's a good idea or a bad one, but by allocating such a large amount of capital to one area, Harris and Biden have tried to place an enormous bet. And that, historically, has not worked out too well for governments. It's more akin to the centrally controlled economies of socialist countries, in fact. Trump, in contrast, believes it's better to allow individuals and corporations to keep more of the money they earn and spend it as they see fit a market-based approach. Vice President Kamala Harris has been somewhat silent when it comes to discussing the detail of her plans. Trump, in contrast, believes it's better to allow individuals and corporations to keep more of the money they earn and spend it as they see fit a market-based approach. Trump's plan is to keep tax rates around 20 percent and maintain a level playing field for funding across all sectors. He will not be picking winners and losers. Another important factor to think about is how Trump plans to impose tariffs against China, in particular. THE TARIFF TIFF Trump has proposed a huge 60 percent import tariff on all goods from China and 20 percent on everything else that the US brings in from abroad. Normally, I would favor for a reciprocal bill of tariffs in other words, a tit-for-tat deal. If Germany wants to put a 10 percent tariff on cars, we'll do the same thing. And so on. But when it comes to China, it has never been a level playing field because their supreme leader Xi Jinping does not play by the rules. I do business in China and know that their regime-controlled businesses routinely steal the intellectual property of US competitors. And if you want to sue in Chinese court good luck. You won't get past the courthouse steps. If the U.S. imposes high tariffs on China, the Chinese will lose access to the US market and their supreme leader will be forced to show up to the negotiating table and China will be forced to behave in a more reasonable way. That's how you should use tariffs selectively and painfully. Harris has not outlined her policies on tariffs or much else, frankly. Her proxies are doing the talking for her and that's causing chaos. SAVING THE AMERICAN DREAM My Shark Tank co-star, Mark Cuban, is one of Harris's proxies, saying last month that we should ignore claims Harris would tax wealthy people's 'unrealized gains' (that's any notional growth in their assets before those assets are actually sold!). Yet this radical proposal is part of the tax plan that Harris has actually endorsed. I am, of course, against it. If she really does want to implement taxes on unrealized capital gains, that is not the America that anyone knows. It is not the American Dream. It is a socialist and that's a pretty scary thing. My Shark Tank co-star, Mark Cuban was one of Harris's proxies, saying last month that we should ignore claims Harris would tax wealthy people's 'unrealized gains'. While both Mark and I support American entrepreneurship, Mark has campaigned for a candidate and made an endorsement Harris. I, on the other hand, do not endorse politicians. In fact, I think it's a really dumb thing to do. Half of my CEOs are Democrats and I do business with all of them. Half are Republicans. I do business with them, too. My own family dinner table is split between Republicans and Democrats. Instead of getting tied up in endorsements, I encourage everyone to vote. And when you vote, keep America's most important export in mind: it's not energy, or technology. It's the American Dream. And the most important job for our new President is to protect it. A British electrician who had been missing in Tenerife for four days, has been found safe. Kris Finney, from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester, jetted off to the Canary Island last Thursday to meet up with friends. The 31-year-old spoke to his mother to confirm he had landed but his phone was running out of battery. He failed to meet up with friends in Tenerife as planned prompting calls to Spanish police and the Foreign Office. But in a positive update this afternoon, Kris' family confirmed he has been found safe. Missing Kris Finney (pictured), 31, from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester, travelled to the holiday island on Thursday morning to meet up with friends - he has now been found safe Mr Finney spoke to friends at around 9pm last Thursday prior to his disappearance, and was known to be in Playa de las Americas Kris was found today and spoke to his family, including aunt Debbie Kenyon, who has been in contact with Manchester Evening News. It's understood the FCDO liaised with local police in Tenerife earlier today for enquiries to begin into Kris' disappearance. The British Consulate reportedly contacted various hospitals on the island. It is understood that Kris' friend, who he was supposed to meet last Thursday, had been spoken to by police. Debbie confirmed that a woman found Kris and lent him her phone to use after taking him to her shop, before he called his family. He spoke to friends at around 9pm last Thursday prior to his disappearance, and was known to be in Playa de las Americas. An FCDO spokesperson said earlier today: 'We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.' Nearly 30 years after Iowa news anchor Jodi Huisentruit disappeared, a random tip has led police to what could be a major breakthrough. Two weeks ago, investigators searched an area in Winsted, Minnesota, a rural city northwest of Twin Cities as part of their investigation. The search was focused on a construction site where new apartments are being built. Mason Police Chief Jeff Brinkley did not provide specifics about the case or the tipster but, shared a statement on the FindJodi website asking the public to contact them or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation if they have any information. Huisentruit was in the parking lot of her apartment complex in Mason City, Iowa on the morning of July 27, 1995. The then 27-year-old was on her way to anchor the morning news at KIMT-TV but suddenly vanished into thin air. Huisentruit was in the parking lot of her apartment complex in Mason City, Iowa on July 27, 1995 on her way to anchor the morning news at KIMT-TV but was abducted and was never seen or heard from again Police found Huisentruit's red high-heeled shoe next to her car before she was abducted The police chief said that that the Mason County Police Department worked with the Minnesota law enforcement officials to follow up on the lead in Winsted. Winstead is a city located just 45 miles west of the Twin Cities metro, and has a population of 2,240, according to a 2020 census. 'MCPD continues to receive, evaluate, and follow up on information it receives related to Jodi Huisentruits disappearance on a regular basis,' the police chief said. 'Information gleaned from this effort will be used in the ongoing investigation,' Brinkley said. 'At this time, there is no additional information for public release. He further stated: 'We do want to encourage anyone with information about Jodis disappearance to contact the MCPD or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.' Only one person has ever been considered a person of interest. John Vansice, who was 50 at the time and friends with Huisentruit, told police he was the last person to see her alive. She had come over to his house the night before to watch a birthday video, but insisted he was not involved in her disappearance. Two weeks ago, investigators searched an area in Winstead, Minnesota , a rural city northwest of Twin Cities. The search was focused on an apartment building construction site Huisentriut pictured anchoring the 6am morniing news Huisentruit was in the parking lot of her apartment complex in Mason City, Iowa on the morning of July 27, 1995 on her way to anchor the morning news Huisentruit's apartment in Mason City, Iowa On the morning of her disappearance, the station's producer called her apartment and woke her up. She said she would be there soon for her 6am live news cast. The station was about a mile away from her home. Her co-workers grew concerned when hours passed and she did not arrive. They called police requesting a welfare check. When officers arrived to the Key Apartments in Mason City, Iowa they found red high heels, a blow dryer, earrings and hairspray scattered by her car. 'She was abducted about 20 minutes after leaving her apartment building,' as per the site. 'She was next to her car that was parked approximately 12 steps from the entrance of her apartment building.' 'During the struggle with her abductor, the key to Jodis red 1991 Mazda Miata was slightly bent.' Police said there 'was evidence of a struggle outside the apartment building.' They also found a 'partial palm print' on the car. However, there no eyewitnesses to the abduction and no surveillance cameras to record what happened. Some neighbors had reported hearing a scream around 4.30am, but no one called police. There was very little forensic evidence found at the crime scene, and the case eventually went cold. In 2001, Huisentruit was legally declared dead. Huisentruit was 27 years old when she was abducted in June she would have turned 56 Huisentruit was from Long Prairie, Minnesota and described a 'hometown girl.' One of the local merchants decorated their store window for Christmas in 1996 with a painting of the young TV anchor Two years later, friends and former colleagues Josh Benson and Gary Peterson created the non-profit FindJodi, Inc. to keep the young woman's memory alive and help in solving the case Huisentruit's case became one of Iowa's biggest mysteries. In April 2023, co-founder Gary Peterson died at 81. His co-founder Josh Benson wrote a tribute about Peterson on the FindJodi webpage, and shared how heartbroken he was of his passing. 'I met Gary all the way back in 2002 in Austin, Minnesota. He was my first boss in TV News at KAAL-TV. We hit it off immediately,' Benson wrote. 'We both discovered we shared a passion for missing person cases and within six months were were diving in to the disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit.' Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mason City Police Department at (641) 421-3636, the Iowa DCI Special Agent Ryan Herman at rherman@dps.state.ia.us or contact FindJodi.com A Trump supporter was beaten to a pulp in an upstate New York supermarket on Friday in the latest incident of election mania sweeping the US. According to police, author Robert Yott attacked the unnamed MAGA faithful in the Tops Friendly Market in Bath, near Buffalo. Police say he attacked the unnamed victim so violently that he smashed out the person's teeth. Blood was pouring from the shopper's mouth when police got to him at 10am. The small police department that oversees the village where it happened described the altercation in question in a statement, saying it 'appears to be a random act of violence'. Robert Yott, 60, was arrested following the incident at an upstate supermarket Friday, charged with assault The incident happened around 10am at this Tops Friendly, where Yott ran into the victim and allegedly beat him down after confronting him because of their Trump 2024 cap 'On [November 1], around 10:00am, the Village of Bath Police Department was dispatched to a fight at the Tops Friendly Markets,' the press release from The Village of Bath Police Department said. 'It was determined that [Yott]... initiated [the] confrontation with [the] stranger inside Tops, after becoming aggressive over the fact that the stranger was wearing a Trump 2024 hat. '[Yott] punched the victim in the mouth and head several times, causing the victim's teeth to be broken and mouth bloody,' the Saturday statement continued. 'It was determined that [Yott]... initiated [the] confrontation with a stranger inside Tops, after becoming aggressive over the fact that the stranger was wearing a Trump 2024 hat,' cops said '[Yott] was not known to the victim and this appears to be a random act of violence.' Yott is charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief. The latter is a misdemeanor, warranting a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The assault charge, however, is much more severe, and could see the author spend the next several years in prison. Among Yott's books is one that pushes a conspiracy that 'political leaders manipulated events [that] led up to the Civil War, the war itself and the Reconstruction era which followed.' 'It is not by accident that the reader will notice similarities between political events of 150 years ago and today,' an online synopsis reads. 'And just like today, by capitalizing on the patriotism of the American people elected officials of yesteryear had fought to keep the country divided in order to ensure party preservation and push through their own agenda.' Yott's posts on social media are riddled with critiques of the former president, along with his fanbase A former servicemen himself, he's seen here speaking at a presentation for a Vietnam Navy veteran last year in Pittsford New York He and his wife Mona were joined by Democrat Joseph D. Morelle for the occasion. Morelle is the US representative for New York's 25th congressional district, which includes Rochester A 2016 book by Yott surrounds a conspiracy that 'political leaders manipulated events [that] led up to the Civil War, the war itself and the Reconstruction era which followed' The book also discussed how government officials at the time supposedly 'capitalized on the patriotism of soldiers, veterans, and the American public to keep the country divided.' and 'used the Divide and Rule tactic to ensure their own political existence. A reader review published on Sunday slams Yott's understanding of history as 'Questionable... at best,' and a 'deliberate misrepresentation of history at worst.' 'The author truly believes their conclusions of historical events and parallels they see, which is irresponsible,' it continues, awarding one star. 'There is a reason they self published this.' Another slams the 240-page work as 'inaccurate drivel', and questions whether it was the work of AI. 'Do better,' the reader concluded - also granting one star. As for Yott, he was in a cell at The Steuben County Jail over the weekend, waiting on his arraignment. Cops confirmed he was being kept without bail, though it remains unclear as of Monday if he's since been released. The incident is not the first time someone has been assaulted for imagery associated with the former president, seen here sporting a black version at a Georgia rally this past Sunday. The recent physical altercation is under investigation, cops said DailyMail.com has reached out to the The Steuben County Jail for an update. When contacted Monday morning, the Bath Police Department could not immediately provide an update. The incident is not the first time someone has been assaulted for imagery associated with the former president, With assaults happening in Massachusetts and New Jersey in June and April, respectively. It remains unclear how many times Yott punched the victim, who police have yet to identify as their probe continues. A 2012 petition filed by Yott showed that he was fired from an unspecified post within the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2007. It remains unclear why. A former servicemen himself, he appeared alongside Democrat Rep Joseph D. Morelle and wife Mona at an event honoring a Vietnam vet in Pittsford, New York, in May 2023. Many of the posts found on his social media are critical of the former president. An ousted veteran CBS reporter has written a lengthy expose claiming to reveal details about how the network squashed a Hunter Biden story. Writing on her newsletter, Catherine Herridge described the broadcaster's investigation into the laptop as a 'missed opportunity for CBS News', suggesting the broadcaster failed to properly report her findings. Herridge said she told company executives the laptop contained material about 'a million dollar retainer from a Chinese energy firm' along with Hunter's business texts and emails in early October 2020. But later that month, during a 60 Minutes interview with then-President Trump, correspondent Lesley Stahl said the laptop 'couldn't be verified', according to Herridge. 'As I watched the broadcast, I felt sick,' she wrote. It comes after two IRS whistleblowers sat down with Herridge for an interview and told her they were banned from investigating Joe Biden amid the government's probe into his son. Ousted CBS reporter Catherine Herridge has described the broadcaster's investigation into the Hunter Biden laptop as a 'missed opportunity' Herridge said she told company executives the laptop contained material about 'a million dollar retainer from a Chinese energy firm' along with Hunter's business texts and emails Now, Herridge is suggesting that CBS failed to properly report on what she found on the laptop. 'I had been tasked with vetting the laptop and its contents after multiple platforms had suppressed the story,' Herridge wrote, adding that she was commissioned by CBS News executive Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews for 'confirmed reporting' on Hunter Biden for Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnel in October 2020. 'Due diligence included working the phones, reaching out to people on the Hunter Biden emails for corroboration and cross-referencing court records. 'The vetted documents I collected also indicated the laptop belonged to Hunter Biden. 'I told Ciprian-Matthews the vetted materials included a million dollar retainer from a Chinese energy firm, emails with Hunter Bidens former business partner Tony Bobulinski as well as Hunter Biden text messages. 'Asked by Ciprian-Matthews if there was a Hunter connection, I responded, Yes, all of them. 'I then provided some of the vetted records directly to Ciprian-Matthews. We did speak briefly on the phone. I dont know at this point what happened next. 'Based on my reporting, and as the networks senior investigative correspondent, the CBS News investigative unit was not tasked in October 2020 to develop more reporting on the laptop. That would have been standard practice.' Herridge said she was commissioned by CBS News executive Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews for 'confirmed reporting' on Hunter Biden for Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell (pictured) in October 2020 Gary Shapley And Joseph Ziegler sat down with veteran journalist Catherine Herridge for an interview where they claimed the IRS looks the other way when it comes to the country's powerful elite, which they call 'sensitive persons' Herridge said that a 60 Minutes interview with then-President Trump later that month made her 'feel sick' as CBS anchors told him the laptop 'can't be verified'. 'I knew the laptop records could be vetted and confirmed,' she said. 'I was confused by what seemed a disconnect between the CBS News division and 60 Minutes. 'It took an additional two years for the network to broadcast a forensic review of the Hunter Biden laptop data. 'I advocated for the report which determined that both the data belonged to Hunter Biden and it had not been tampered with. 'Our report was broadcast in November 2022, after the midterm elections.' DailyMail.com has contacted CBS News for comment. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon's wife Judy has been out knocking on doors for Kamala Harris in the must-win swing state of Michigan. Judy's canvassing comes after her husband quietly backed Kamala Harris too, having avoided a public statement to keep on the right side of Trump should he win. Judy Dimon, a longtime Democratic donor, has taken the exact opposite approach to her husband, knocking on doors for Harris in a very public display of support. 'Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are fighting for a hopeful, optimistic future for all Americans,' Judy Dimon said in a statement provided to The Wall Street Journal by the Harris campaign. 'I'm proud to be a supporter and to spend time talking with voters and encouraging them to turn out to vote for the Harris-Walz ticket.' JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and wife Judy Dimon are taking opposite approaches to the 2024 presidential election, even though they both support Kamala Harris Judy Dimon has also donated $250,000 to Harris and the Democratic National Committee Judy Dimon has also donated $250,000 to Harris and the Democratic National Committee, Axios reported. 'The stakes are high in this election for our country, our core principles, our security and our economy,' Judy Dimon said in that same Harris campaign-circulated statement. 'The freedoms, rights and opportunities that have benefited many of us should be there for more not fewer of our children and grandchildren.' Jamie Dimon, a registered Democrat, is thought to be a possible pick to replace Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary for both Harris and Trump. The Harris campaign has discussed Dimon as their pick more privately, while Trump has publicly said he would consider him for the role. 'I have a lot of respect for Jamie Dimon,' Trump told Bloomberg in July. 'He is somebody that I would consider, sure.' Dimon, who has an estimated net worth of around $2.4 billion, would consider a role in Harris' administration, the NYT reported. Harris dodged a question last month from reporters asking whether she wanted Dimon in her cabinet. 'We have 11 days to go. We do not have a cabinet yet,' Harris said in Houston. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns are reportedly weighing Dimon as a possible Treasury Secretary if they win Dimon was then forced to publicly deny that he had endorsed Trump earlier this month, after the presidential candidate made the false claim on his social media site Truth Social Social media began to spread rumor that the billionaire had endorsed the former president, with Trump even sharing the supposed news on Truth Social. He re-posted, without any comment or accreditation, an X post saying Dimon endorsed him Dimon's thoughts on serving in a second Trump White House are unknown. But the New York Times reported that he's told his associates that Trump's behavior on January 6 2021 has deterred Dimon from ever working for him. During the Republican primaries, Dimon reportedly backed Nikki Haley because he thought she could save the US economy. Then in January, he faced fierce backlash after he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that Trump had been 'kind of right' about some economic issues such as tax cuts. Dimon felt trapped and hurt to be tied to the Trump agenda, according to the NYT, and tried to go back on the statement by saying it reflected his respect for Americans who voted for the former president. Dimon was then forced to publicly deny that he had endorsed Trump earlier this month, after the presidential candidate made the claim on his social media site Truth Social. Dimon has also reportedly flirted with running for office himself 'I'm not endorsing anyone at this time. I spend more of my time on policy. What's the policy we need that can really help both the world, foreign policy, and domestically?', Dimon said via a spokesperson at the time. Dimon, who has been chief of the largest bank in the US for nearly two decades, has typically been vocal on many topics - including immigration and economic inequality. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns have reportedly sought Dimon's public support. Two anonymous people told the NYT that Dimon has also flirted with the idea of running for office himself - reportedly discussing it with JPMorgan subordinates and family members. A lodger chillingly confessed he had planned to murder his landlady for a 'few weeks' before suffocated her to death with a pillow and dismembering her body. Video shows Scott Paterson nonchalantly admitting to police he had killed Annette Smith at their shared home in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, and claiming he thought he could 'get away with it' by disposing of her body. The 45-year-old trained butcher, who was heavily in debt and had secretly been selling his victim's jewellery, callously took her life on November 8, last year. He then carved up her body and stuffed it into a suitcase, before leaving her remains in a storage unit where they remained for months as he used Moonpig cards and her emails to trick family and friends into thinking she was still alive. But he was hauled in by police after a private investigator found personal belongings including her mobile phone at her house, and confessed to murdering her in a harrowing interview with officers. Today he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after admitting to murder, with Ms Smith's family saying they would 'never forgive' the 'evil' killer. Scott Paterson has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after murdering his landlady Paterson suffocated Annette Smith (pictured) with a pillow on November 8, 2023, and then dismembered her body In his police interview Paterson can be seen nonchalantly admitting to dismembering Ms Smith in a bid to get away with the murder Now Bedfordshire Police has released footage showing the moment the killer admitted to officers he had taken her life, saying it 'just felt like what I should do'. In a police interview, the lodger can be seen answering 'yes' when asked if he is responsible for Ms Smith's death, adding: 'I suffocated her in her bed with a pillow.' He then explains that he killed her on November 8 the previous year, saying: 'It happened in the evening at night, after Annette had fallen asleep. 'I put the pillow over her face until she stopped breathing and left her in bed for the night.' The murderer then chillingly reveals his reasoning for committing the heinous crime, telling officers: 'I just wanted to get out of the situation, and as I say in hindsight there are obviously better ways to have done that, but it just felt... I don't know... I sort of snapped I suppose. It just felt like what I should do.' Paterson claimed he had thought about killing Ms Smith for a 'little while beforehand - maybe a few weeks'. He then described the moment he went through with the act, saying: 'I did for a split second [think about stopping] when I realised what I was doing was wrong but then I kind of thought... I just decided to carry on.' He added that he had dismembered her body and tried to hide it because 'I thought if there wasn't a body I'd get away with it'. Jailing Paterson for life with a minimum 20-year-term, Mr Justice Murray said: 'You told her friends and family an elaborate lie. 'Because of your lies, the police concluded there was not sufficient evidence at that time to say she was genuinely missing.' Ms Smith's stepson, Jason Smith, said after the hearing: 'She was one of the kindest and most caring people. I can't understand why anyone would want to harm her. 'I have to try very hard not to think about what he did to her. He seemed a nice, friendly guy but he was a murderer. I'll never forgive him.' A cousin of the victim added: 'Paterson took her away from us in such a cruel way. We are going through pain every single day endlessly worrying about what she went through.' Paterson who had completed a butchery course while working at a farm shop and Ms Smith became friends in 2010 when he was working in a local restaurant. Annette Smith, 74, vanished in November last year and Bedfordshire Police first appealed for information on April 15 after concerns were raised by relative He moved into her spare room when he split up from his girlfriend in 2012 after being invited by Ms Smith to live lived there rent-free. Although it started as a temporary arrangement, they began hosting dinner parties and going to the theatre together. Paterson became Ms Smiths carer when she suffered a mini-stroke in 2018 which left her without the use of her right arm. The arrangement continued despite her estranged husband Peter Smith becoming 'concerned that having Scott Paterson there wasn't a good thing for her' and the house a modern housing estate in the grounds of a former Victorian asylum - was not being looked after properly. Ms Smith was last seen by friends in November last year, Luton Crown Court heard, and Paterson told neighbours she had gone to live with a friend. After killing her on November 8 last year, he rolled her body in a rug and placed it in cupboard under the stairs. Following the estate agents visit on November 14, he cut up the body and placed it in a black suitcase. He also used her email account to start sending messages and gifts to her loved ones to deter them from checking on her. But suspicions were raised as some messages 'didn't ring true', as they were signed off with 'multiple kisses'. Mr Smith, reported her missing on January 10 but 'wasn't satisfied with the police response' and hired a private investigator who found her passport, phone and other items at her house. Paterson made a full admission when he was arrested and directed police to a storage unit where he had hidden Annette Smith's remains Bedfordshire Police launched a high-risk missing persons enquiry on April 8 and arrested Paterson on April 30 after they found there had been no activity on her bank account and her clothing was also at the house. They made the grisly discovery of her remains at the storage locker days later. Paterson told officers he had suffocated her with a pillow on November 8 and hid her body in the house although he moved her after an estate agent visited the property the following week. The killer, who admitted murder, claimed the demands of caring for the pensioner had caused him to 'snap'. But investigations revealed he had entered into an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) after racking up 30,000 in debt and had sold 5,000 worth of his landlady's jewellery before and after her death. Sentencing him, Mr Justice Murray said: 'You had been contemplating killing Annette Smith before you had finally killed her. 'This shows you had been thinking about and planning her death for some time.' Detective Chief Inspector Katie Douglas, who led the investigation, said after the hearing: 'While in a position of trust, Paterson cruelly took advantage of Annette's vulnerabilities which culminated in him not only ending her life but taking abhorrent and deceptive steps to conceal his crimes. 'This was compounded by his efforts to make a financial gain by selling Annette's belongings. 'There is nothing that will ease the impact this will have had on those that knew Annette but the hope is that today's sentencing provides some solace to her family and friends and puts an end to what has no doubt been an horrific ordeal for her loved ones.' Bedfordshire Police said the Independent Office for Police Conduct had not been informed of the case as the initial complaint went no further than a call handler, who had been 'dealt with internally' by way of enhanced training. Rudy Giuliani is mulling another run for Mayor of New York City as his legal woes continue to mount. Giuliani, 80, was the well-liked Republican mayor of the Big Apple between 1994 and 2001 and is now said to be considering a third term. The former Trump attorney was nicknamed 'America's Mayor' for his handling of the 9/11 terror attacks, but his career and reputation have since tanked after he began working as Donald Trump's fixer. Speaking to the New York Post over the weekend, Giuliani said 'There are a lot of people who want me to run for mayor.' He added: ''Its unlikely. I'm not going to say never, ever, ever.' He is currently facing sexual assault, harassment and unpaid wages claims from a former assistant. Giuliani has also been ordered to hand over his Manhattan penthouse and classic Mercedes to Georgia election workers who he defamed after contesting Donald Trump's 2020 election loss. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani revealed he would considering running for the office again in 2025 Giuliani is facing mounting legal problems including being charged for allegedly pressuring Arizona election officials to change the results of the 2020 election 'Anyone who knows Mayor Rudy Giuliani knows that he's not the type of guy to shy away from a fight, and he's not the kind of man to sit idly by while New York City continues to flounder and sink further into the abyss,' Giuliani's spokesperson and political advisor Ted Goodman told DailyMail.com. 'I am with the mayor on a regular basis, and when we are in New York, he is stopped each and every day by New Yorkers of all backgrounds begging him to come back to save the city.' Giuliani's legal and criminal woes come despite him being credited with helping clean up the Big Apple from its crime-ridden 70s and 80s nadir. Under his leadership, overall crime was cut by 56 percent, murder was cut by 66 percent, and and the city that was once considered the crime capital of the country became the safest large city in America according to the FBI. However, the former mayor experienced a fall from grace as he continued to push lies about Trump's 2020 election loss and was disbarred by a New York court. He was indicted in Maricopa County, Arizona, for allegedly pressuring election officials to change the results of the 2020 election. Giuliani was in court Wednesday for a hearing on the case by Noelle Dunphy, who has accused him of sexual assault, harassment and unpaid wages. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Moyne yelled at the disgraced lawyer multiple times, asking him to stop talking as he ranted against Dunphy, whose lawyer called the situation 'outrageous.' 'Mr. Giuliani, youre going to cause yourself harm by doing this, OK? So Im going to protect you from yourself at this time,' Judge Moyne eventual said, as reported by the Daily News. The Republican served as mayor of the Big Apple from 1994 to 2001 and was once named Person of the Year by Time Magazine for his leadership during the September 11 terror attacks He is being sued by former assistant Noelle Dunphy (left) who has accused him of sexual assault, harassment and unpaid wages 'These are not legal arguments that youre making right now... These are personal attacks, and this is not the time for that, OK? Im not going to allow it, Im sorry. I tried to treat you with respect and with deference, but you have to follow my rules.' On October 28, he made racist comments about Haitian migrants in an unhinged rant during an appearance on the Flyover Conservatives podcast on Rumble. Giuliani said that Haitian migrants 'shouldn't have been taken out of the jungle and placed in the middle of a small town America,' and claimed that Haitians 'lived back 200 years ago.' A federal judge previously ordered Giuliani to give all his valuable possessions to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, a mother and daughter who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in December, days after the former election workers won their defamation case. Current New York City Mayor Eric Adams was recently indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting foreign campaign donations. Giuliani has been ordered to hand out the keys to his Manhattan penthouse to the Georgia election workers he defamed Giuliani was ordered to give all his valuable possessions to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss (pictured), a mother and daughter who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Adams is also accused of defrauding NYC taxpayers of $10million through allegedly fraudulent campaign funds. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and claimed he has done nothing wrong after becoming the first mayor in the city's history to face criminal charges while in office. The Democrat has refused to stepdown and said he still plans to run for reelection in 2025, according to New York Daily News. 'Everyone running for mayor looks like they're from Red China. They don't look American,' Giuliani said. 'I'm concerned about the city becoming a Democratic dictatorship.' 'The only time since Fiorello LaGuardia a century ago that city government was honest was under me and Mike Bloomberg. If you don't have a Republican or independent mayor, you will have corruption at City Hall.' Parents in Hawaii have reacted angrily to revelations that students at a middle school are studying biased class materials that disparage former Republican president Donald Trump. The controversy erupted after sixth graders at Kapolei Middle School, in Kapolei, some 25 miles west of Honolulu, received a slanted two-page document about the 2024 presidential candidates. The handout for students aged 11 and 12 focused on negative characterizations of Trump, including how he 'tried to overturn the 2020 election,' and takes immigrant 'children away from their parents.' Meanwhile, his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris is praised in the lesson for working to 'keep our country a democracy.' Parents have criticized the school for embedding politics into their lesson plans, but Hawaii's Department of Education (DoE) has defended the 'simplification' of the 2024 White House race. Angel Morales, a mother at Kapolei Middle School, on O'ahu, Hawaii, said she was 'very upset' by the loaded characterization of presidential candidates. Angel Morales, a mom of students at the school, said she was 'very upset' about the crude characterization. 'I think teachers should do their job as teachers: stick to education and not politics,' she told Hawaii News Now. Natasha Heffernan, another local public school mom, said the lesson plan 'was a little biased.' 'I don't think that it is right, especially at that age level,' said Heffernan. Still, other parents praised the teachers for trying to get schoolkids engaged in politics. 'It doesn't bother me,' said Christine Russo, a mom at nearby Ewa Elementary. 'I actually value that because it's important to teach students how do we make informed decisions when we go to the ballot box.' The document was put together by a group of teachers at the school. They had simplified the information in a candidate comparison article from the New York Times along six thematic issues. On tackling crime, Harris is described as giving 'money to police,' compared to Trump, who 'sends soldiers to cities.' Harris is presented as a politician who 'wants to keep our country a democracy,' while Trump 'tried to overturn the 2020 election,' says the document. On immigration, Harris is said to have plans to hire more border guards and limit 'how many people can move to the US.' Trump, however, 'finds and catches people in the US illegally' and 'takes children away from their parents,' says the document. Hawaii education chiefs defended the teachers from criticism, saying the lesson would 'help students understand the candidates' positions on key issues.' The teachers simplified the information in a candidate comparison article from the New York Times. Kapolei Middle School, in Kapolei, is some 25 miles west of Honolulu. Hawaii's Department of Education (DoE) has defended the 'simplification' of the 2024 White House race. The lesson says Donald Trump 'tried to overturn the 2020 election,' and takes immigrant 'children away from their parents.' 'Teachers simplified this information to make it accessible for young students, striving to remain factual and unbiased,' said a DoE statement. 'The intent was to encourage independent thinking and discussion among students, not to promote any particular view.' Still, officials acknowledged that 'simplification of complex issues can sometimes result in perceived imbalances, particularly when presenting nuanced political topics to younger audiences.' Hawaii teachers are expected to be 'objective, and factual' when planning lessons, according to state guidelines. The DoE has not said whether and teachers faced disciplinary action, or whether their policies will be changed. The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) also defended the controversial lesson. In a statement, the association said it supports 'student discussion of issues that may generate opposing points of view as an important part of the learning process.' 'Age-appropriate civic education helps students develop a meaningful awareness and respect for the US Constitution and individual rights,' said an HSTA statement. 'It fosters students' recognition of individual freedom and social responsibility to vote.' Lessons with political content 'allow students to study, investigate, process, and develop their own opinions about the world and themselves,' added the statement. Worth just four out of 538 votes in the electoral college, Hawaii has garnered little attention during this year's presidential contest. The state of 1.4 million people has not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1984. President Joe Biden's 64 percent vote tally in 2020 soundly defeated Trump, with 34 percent. A Brazilian influencer had her psychology registration revoked after it was revealed that she had obtained a fake diploma. Maria Sayago is said to have received the diploma in February 2023 from Funorte University Center in Montes Carlos, a city in the west-central state of Mato Grosso, local news outlets reported Monday. The Sao Paulo Regional Psychology Council found that the diploma was not valid after it discovered multiple discrepancies after she was registered in September 2023. 'The Funorte University Center has already passed on all information about the issue to the Regional Psychology Council of Sao Paulo, proving that the diploma is fake and that the person was never a student of the institution,' the university said in a statement. Brazilian influencer Maria Sayago was recently notified that her registration to practice psychology was revoked after the Sao Paulo Regional Psychology Council found that her diploma was forged The Brazilian influencer advertised herself as a psychologist on Instagram, where she offered private sessions and lectures On Instagram, Sayago promised to help her followers 'help themselves' Sayago advertised herself as a psychologist who offered private sessions, lectures and online classes via her Instagram account, which was set private Monday afternoon. 'I help you help yourself!' her profile line read. In one of her posts to her 71,000 followers, Sayago claimed she was 'working with techniques that help people reinforce their positive points through self-knowledge.' The allegations shocked her followers. 'Influencers should be banned, like loan sharks,' one person commented. 'What you'll find most on these social networks are people who say they are one thing but are not,' another chimed in. 'All you have to do is not study and you'll become an influencer,' another Instagrammer said. DailyMail.com reached out to Sayago for comment. Brazilian influencer Maria Sayago claimed to have obtained a her psychology diploma from Funerte University Center in February 2023 The Brazilian influencer, who has more than 71,000 followers on Instagram, became a registered psychologist in September 2023. Now, her license is suspended The decision to suspend Sayago's license comes just two months after an investigative report from Brazilian news outlet Metropoles. It found that a criminal group was charging $450 to forge diplomas and documents that are required to practice law. The documents, according to the scammers, were acknowledged by the Ministry of Education. 'I'll turn you into a lawyer in 72 hours,' one of the fraudsters claimed when contacted by reporters disguising themselves as prospective buyers. Another mentioned that they had diplomas available for up to four different schools. 'We have four major universities spread across the country,' they claimed. 'You just have to decide which one you like best.' Anya Taylor-Joy and her rock star husband were subjected to a terrifying robbery after masked raiders forced their way into a London mansion, it can be revealed. The Hollywood actress and her musician partner Malcolm McRae had been staying in the capital along with his bandmate Kane Richotte when a gang of robbers burst in. Two alleged robbers even attempted to get into the bedroom where Taylor-Joy and McRae were staying, The Standard reports. One of the two suspects has been named as Kirk Holdrick, who was seen in 2022 on a string of dates with The Only Way Is Essex star Hannah Voyan, and is currently being held on remand. He has pleaded not guilty to burglary in relation to the incident which took place on February 12, 2023, and can now be reported for the first time after a judge lifted restrictions on journalists covering the case. Anya Taylor-Joy and her husband Malcolm McRae, pictured here in Los Angeles in February this year, were subject to a terrifying robbery last year it has been revealed The incident took place just a week before Taylor-Joy appeared on the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards 2023 in London Kirk Holdrick is accused of being one of the two robbers who raided the property. Pictured: Holdrick seen on a date with The Only Way Is Essex star Hannah Voyan in 2022 Holdrick (pictured) denies burglary and will face a trial in September next year over the incident The incident took place a week before the actress appeared on the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards in the capital. At the time the actress had been staying a property in north London with McRae and Richotte, who perform together in the rock band more*. The mansion in question is not owned by the couple, but by another well-known public figure whose name cannot be revealed for legal reasons, it is reported. The trio are believed to have been left shaken by the incident, although none of them were physically hurt. Holdrick, who is reportedly being held at Gartree Prison in Leicestershire, is set to face a four-day trial over the incident at Wood Green Crown Court in London on September 29 next year. The defendant, who is believed to deny any involvement in the incident, had reportedly dated TOWIE star Hannah Voyan on and off for around a year in 2022, with the couple seen holding hands leaving a restaurant in London. Judge Kalyani Kaul KC allowed for reporting restrictions on naming the victims in the case to be published after a legal challenge by The Standard. Taylor-Joy, who was born in the United States, has become one of Hollywood's most popular stars in recent years after getting her break in small budget horror film The Witch in 2015. Taylor-Joy and McRae were not injured in the incident, but are believed to have been left shaken. Pictured: The couple seen in Los Angeles in October 2022 Pictured: Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae watch the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo in May this year Taylor-Joy had been in the house with her husband McRae (right) and his bandmate Kane Richotte (left) Holdrick, pictured here with TOWIS's Hannah Voyan in 2022, is understood to deny any involvement with the incident The following year she starred in M. Night Shyamalan thriller Split alongside James McAvoy. Since then she has starred in hits such as animated film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, sci-fi blockbuster Dune: Part Two and the Mad Max prequel Furiosa. The actress has also appeared on TV with her credits including the supremely popular BBC show Peaky Blinders and The Queen's Gambit on Netflix. Taylor-Joy and McRae began their relationship in 2021, before eloping on April Fools day the following year to have a private wedding ceremony in New Orleans. They held a second lavish ceremony in September 2023 in Venice, Italy, attended by guests including Cara Delevingne and Julia Garner. Rock star McRae performs in the band more* with Richotte, with the pair also trying their hand at acting after appearing in Prime Video series Daisy Jones and the Six. Desperate pleas have been made for the release of an Iranian student who stripped to her underwear over strict hijab laws, as an activist has warned her life is now in danger. The unnamed woman was arrested and taken to a mental hospital by morality police on Saturday after being spotted walking around Tehran's Islamic Azad University in her underwear. Footage of the brave moment saw the student sitting and pacing back and forth with her arms crossed in front of stunned onlookers at the university's science and research campus before she was detained by security forces and forcibly put in a car. Following her arrest, there have been widespread calls from human rights activists on social media for her immediate release after she reportedly sustained severe injuries during her violent arrest. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist, activist and founder of the World Liberty Congress - a nonprofit organisation connecting freedom fighters around the world - said the woman's act was 'a powerful reminder of Iranian women's fight for freedom'. An unidentified female student was arrested on Saturday in Iran after she was spotted walking around the campus of Tehran's Islamic Azad University in her underwear The brave act was an apparent protest against the country's strict Islamic dress code The student reportedly sustained severe injuries during her arrest In an update she posted to X on Monday, Alinejad said: 'The authorities in Iran are now claiming that a young woman, who courageously removed her clothes in protest against harassment by the morality police at her university, suffers from psychological illness and has been admitted to a mental health hospital'. She claimed the accusation of mental instability is a 'familiar tactic' used by the Islamic Republic. Speaking about her own experience of courageously going against the regime, Alinejad recalled: 'In 2014, when I launched the My Stealthy Freedom campaign against compulsory hijab, the regime used similar lies against me, claiming I had a mental breakdown, undressed myself on the London subway and was raped by three men. 'This is how they attempt to undermine those who resist their oppression'. The activist went on to cite an eyewitness report made by a student who was also on campus the day the unidentified woman was arrested. The witness recounted the moment they saw the university's security and morality forces trying to 'drag' the female student into a security room 'under the pretext of her not wearing a proper hijab'. 'She resisted, and in the struggle, her hoodie was pulled off, leaving her with only her undergarments underneath,' the witness said, adding: 'Shocked, the security officers let her go, after which, in a moment of rage, she removed her pants and threw them at the officers'. Alinejad claimed the eyewitness account directly contradicted the regime's narrative and showed the extent of brutality Iranian women face for the 'most basic acts of defiance'. The unnamed student has now allegedly been forcibly hospitalised under psychiatric supervision 'marking the start of torture and, soon after, the cycle of forced confessions,' warned the activist. 'I believe her life is now in serious danger. I urge international media, human rights organisations, and the international community to support her before is too late. 'Let's be her voice,' she concluded. Mahsa Amini, 22, died in 2022 three days after falling into a coma following her arrest A woman takes part in the Freedom Rally for Iran demonstration against the Iranian regime on February 22, 2023 in Rome Mahsa Amini was arrested after failing to observe Iran's ultra-conservative dress code A newsletter by the student group Amir Kabir on Sunday wrote 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. 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 and ensure access to family and [a] lawyer,' it said in a post on X yesterday. 'Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during arrest need independent and impartial investigations. Those responsible must [be] held to account.' A growing number 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 arrested by morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death spearheaded mass 'Women, life, freedom' protests which continued for months in the country. A year later, in October 2023, an Iranian teenager named Armita Geravand was injured in an alleged encounter with police on Tehran's metro while not wearing a head covering. She later died in hospital. A triumphant Joe Scarborough celebrated a surprising poll from Iowa showing Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in the traditionally Republican state, calling it a 'canary in the coal mine.' The MSNBC host revealed he was in a media 'dark zone' over the weekend until his wife and co-host Mika Brzezinski called him up to reveal the news of pollster Ann Selzer's outlier survey showing Harris leading Trump in Iowa by three points. 'Im like, what?' Scarborough exclaimed. 'Then Im on the phone the rest of the night. John Heilemann... first of all, Ann gets it right every time. Just about every time.' Scarborough enthusiastically endorsed Selzer's poll, which was widely celebrated by Democrats as a sign that Harris is moving forward in a surge of last-minute momentum. The ex-president tore into the survey calling Selzer a 'Trump hater' and insisting that Iowa's farmers 'love' him. Joe Scarborough reflects on the latest polling out of Iowa The Trump campaign pointed to an Emerson Poll that shows the Republican nominee leading comfortably by 10 points in the deep red state. MSNBC analyst Heilemann called Selzer 'very accurate.' She has built a reputation as 'Iowa's Polling Queen' and the 'best pollster in politics.' 'She's been very accurate famously in the primaries and caucuses for years and years and years,' Heilemann agreed, noting that the poll correctly showed Trump leading in the state 2016. 'A lot of people Saturday night were saying the same thing, canary in the coal mine,' Scarborough said emphatically. The poll showed that Harris was leading 47 percent to Trump's 44 percent in the state of Iowa which was still in the margin of error. "No one, including me, would have thought that Iowa could go for Kamala Harris." -@jaselzer discusses new polling showing Harris leading Trump by three points in latest Iowa poll pic.twitter.com/qG5qsk45BD Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) November 4, 2024 Poll shows Kamala Harris edging out Donald Trump in the state of Iowa The Des Moines Register's new poll shows women backing Kamala HArris 'The data shows women, particularly those who are older or registered as independent, are driving the late shift toward Kamala Harris,' MSNBC noted co-host Willie Geist. Scarborough hosted Selzer onto his show to discuss her numbers in detail. 'No one, including me, would have thought that Iowa could go for Kamala Harris,' she said. Selzer said that her Iowa poll showed Trump comfortably ahead of Biden in the summer but after Harris took the nomination, she 'leapfrogged' over the former president thanks to motivated female supporters. Scarborough celebrated the news as a massive boost for Harris, citing Selzer's credibility. 'Ann trusted the data. She didn't have to play games with the numbers because she didn't have to adjust for past failures,' he said. Selzer emphasized her data showing a massive gender gap between Trump and Harris. 'Yes, the gender gap, you definitely see it here. Kamala Harris wins with women more than she loses with men,' she said, adding that Harris was outperforming women aged 65 and over. 'Her margin is more than 2-1 with that group.' Trump criticized the poll as 'skewed' on social media on Sunday night. '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. A British Airways pilot has died during a layover between flights at a resort on the island of St Lucia, according to reports. The 47-year-old Senior First Officer is believed to have collapsed at a luxury hotel in front of shocked tourists on the Caribbean island yesterday. His death meant that BA had to cancel Flight BA2158 from Vieux Fort, which was due to land at London Gatwick at 08.50 today. 'This tragedy has left British Airways staff stunned and deeply upset,' a source reportedly told The Sun. 'The Senior First Officer was very popular and his death was completely out of the blue.' The BA pilot reportedly collapsed at a hotel in St Lucia yesterday in between flights Devastated crew members are expected to return to the UK on another flight tonight. The crew who had flown with the pilot have been offered counselling by bosses. BA said in a statement to MailOnline: 'Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time.' Have you ever wondered why Election Day in the United States always falls on the first Tuesday of November? The answer to why this seemingly arbitrary date was chosen can be explained by the lifestyle of the average American farmer in the 1800s. States used to hold elections whenever they wanted within 34 days before the first Wednesday in December. But since states that voted earlier could sway opinions and affect turnout, Congress stepped in to standardize the process in 1845. Lawmakers had some things to consider before they chose any old date to hold the election. At the start of the nineteenth century, roughly 75 percent of Americans worked on farms in rural areas far away from their polling stations. Voters are pictured on October 31 waiting in line at an early voting location in Missouri Farmer in a vegetable field holding a box of produce, showing the productivity and diversity of his farm in northern Wisconsin circa 1895 That's a stark contrast to how the country's population is distributed today, with just 14 percent of people living in rural counties. Since most Americans lived so far out of the way of their voting site at that time, legislators wanted to give them at least a day or two to travel there and back. Weekends didn't work because religion was a supremely important part of American culture, with most people attending church on Sundays. Likewise, Wednesday wasn't ideal because it was the market day for farmers, when they'd travel into the nearest town to sell their produce, meat and eggs. Tuesday was eventually selected as the most convenient day of the week to hold elections, and in 1845, Congress passed a law declaring the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November to be Election Day. But why November? Again, lawmakers were catering to the agrarian-dominated labor force. Spring and early summer were planting season, and then in late summer and early fall, farmers would be busy harvesting their crops. Winter was obviously not a good time to hold elections, as it was much more difficult to travel in the cold in an era without cars and well-paved roads. Now, 179 years and 44 presidential elections later, voters will head to the polls to pull the lever for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris on that exact same day in November that Congress designated So November, which fell right after the fall harvest, was chosen as the most optimal time for Election Day. Now, 179 years and 44 presidential elections later, voters will head to the polls to pull the lever for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris on that exact same day in November that Congress designated. Plenty of other changes to American elections were enacted after 1845, the most consequential of which came through amendments to the Constitution. For instance, black men were officially given the right to vote in 1870 through the 15th Amendment, though Jim Crow laws in the south were notorious for suppressing African American turnout. Women would later win the right to cast ballots when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. And before 1913, the average American voter didn't choose their senators. Rather, state legislatures picked who would represent the state in the US Senate. The 17th Amendment changed this and also allowed governors to appoint senators in case they die or leave office before their term is up. Keir Starmer today dodged stripping the Labour whip from an MP who reposted a message suggesting Kemi Badenoch was linked to 'white supremacy'. Dawn Butler had appeared to share a message describing 'Badenochism' as 'white supremacy in blackface'. Ms Butler swiftly deleted her retweet of a post from Nigerian-British author Nels Abbey about the prospect of Ms Badenoch becoming Tory leader. But amid demands for the whip to be removed, Sir Keir merely stressed that she should 'not have said what she did'. Speaking to journalists at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow, he said: 'She shouldn't have said what she did and she has deleted it and quite right too.' The comments came after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the contents of the post as 'clearly appalling'. Ms Cooper said she had not seen the post, but when read excerpts from it, she told LBC: 'I clearly strongly disagree with that.' Dawn Butler had appeared to share a tweet describing Ms Badenoch as a 'member of white supremacy's black collaborator class' Ms Butler swiftly deleted her retweet of a post from Nigerian-British author Nels Abbey about the prospect of Ms Badenoch (pictured yesterday) becoming Tory leader Ms Butler has been strongly criticised by Conservative figures, with several calling for her to lose the Labour whip. Ben Obese-Jecty, who was elected as MP for Huntingdon in July, said Ms Butler was 'not alone on the Government benches in holding this view of Kemi'. He said: 'This will be a test to see whether Keir Starmer removes the whip, or effectively condones Butler's abhorrent approval of this smear.' The Home Secretary was pressed on why no action had been taken against Ms Butler. She said: 'As I said, I haven't seen the post and I think those sorts of issues around party issues, those are always ones for the whip.' Asked whether the words in the post had a 'racist sentiment', Ms Cooper said: 'The words that you have read out are clearly appalling and I would strongly disagree with them. 'So, I haven't seen the post. I don't know the circumstances around it but I think we should congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election. 'I will continue to disagree with her on all sorts of issues, but, nevertheless, I congratulate her on her election.' Sir Keir has previously suspended the whip from Labour MPs in response to comments about senior black Conservative politicians. In 2022, he suspended Rupa Huq from the party for describing then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng as 'superficially' black. Speaking to journalists at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow, Sir Keir said: 'She shouldn't have said what she did and she has deleted it and quite right too.' Ms Huq apologised and had the whip restored six months later. Other Labour figures, including Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, hailed Ms Badenoch's election as the first black leader of a major UK party as a historic moment. In later posts, Mr Abbey said his original comments had been 'clearly satirical' and 'intended as a sketch', but defended Ms Butler saying she 'may not welcome the ascendancy of an extremely right-wing reactionary black person'. He added: 'Because of stuff like this, which is vehement political disagreement, it is both fair and to be expected that many black people may not view Badenoch as (leader of the opposition) to be a 'proud moment for our nation' in the same way as, say, Keir Starmer does (or is politically mandated to).' He also wrote: Yvette Cooper should have found out the context of the piece before passing judgment. Otherwise she risks creating a chilling effect on ethnic minority voices. There were also fresh calls for the PM to take action over Ms Butlers sharing of the post. Conservative MP Saqib Bhatti told GB News: Its a real shame that the Left cant accept that there are people who think differently to them, and that ethnic minority MPs dont always conform to the ideals that they want us to. We are independent thinkers and we can get far in life based on our own merit. I think this is really damaging not just to the fabric of society but also to the basis of trust in our politicians and I think Keir Starmer should really investigate this and follow due process and be consistent. Italian police have reopened the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the former Lady de Rothschild in an Italian snowstorm in 1980. Jeanette Bishop May, the former Lady de Rothschild and a former model, and Gabriella Guerin, her secretary, disappeared in a freak snowstorm in Italy's northern Marche region in November 1980. The subsequent search for the pair, involving choppers and dogs, failed and it wasn't until 14 months later that hunters discovered their heavily decomposed bodies near Lake Fiastra in the Sibillini mountains. An autopsy revealed that wild boars had ravaged their corpses, erasing any chance that the cause of their deaths would be fully understood. An initial inquiry said they died of hypothermia. As a result, the story of the deaths of the socialite and her secretary have taken on a life of their own, leading to wild speculation, including that they were allegedly linked to the mafia, an art theft in Rome, the murder of an Italian antiques dealer and the 1982 death of an Italian banker in London. This week, cops in the town of Macerata said they would be hearing testimony from a dozen witnesses who knew both women. Jeanette Bishop May, the former Lady de Rothschild and a former model, (pictured) went missing in 1980 The former Lady Rothschild went missing with her secretary Gabriella Guerin (pictured) They disappeared in the Italian region of Marche in 1980 Sir Evelyn De Rothschild attends the 10th Annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards at Sheraton New York Times Square on September 19, 2016 in New York City While chief prosecutor Giovanni Fabrizio Narbone declined to reveal why he had reopened the cold case, he confirmed that a double murder investigation into the women's deaths had been reopened. 'We reread all the records, to see if there were any glimmers to assess the existence of contradictions, and we felt that there was a chance of getting to the bottom of it,' Mr Narbone told local media. 'The more time passes, the more people who might have been involved in this story, or who knew of it, are bound to disappear.' Jeanette Bishop May was married to Sir Evelyn De Rothschild, the financier who was part of the international dynasty, between 1966 and 1971, before she divorced him and married businessman Stephen May. At the time of her disappearance, she was in the Marche region renovating a home she had recently purchased, and was last seen driving in a Peugeot up a mountain road in poor weather conditions. The car was found three weeks later. Investigators found no sign of struggle or force. Surveyor Nazzareno Venanzi, one of the last people to see the former Lady de Rothschild alive, told local media at the time: 'In the morning she showed me a gate she liked for the cottage she was renovating. 'We drank an aperitif before lunch, then she asked me if I wanted to accompany them both in the mountains that evening, but I declined because I was busy. When I learnt they did not return to their hotel, I was worried and notified the police. 'She was enchanting, a former model with fine manners,' he said. 'It was only after her death that I learned she was well-known in England, the former wife of the banker, Rothschild.' Donald Trump kicked off his final day of campaign rallies and predicted victory if his MAGA fans make it to the polls but revealed his hoarse voice is an issue and again defended the speaking style that he calls 'the weave.' If we get our vote, theres nothing they can do, he told a crowd in North Carolina. 'I hate the expression, actually but its ours to lose,' Trump said. Speaking for 90 minutes despite the time pressure, Trump riffed on all manner of subjects, then revealed a bit of family advice near the end of his remarks. 'Ivanka called me a little while ago she sends her love to everybody. Shes terrific,' he said of his daughter, who advised his White House but has not been joining him on the campaign trail. 'And I have a guy whos home with the first lady. Hes very smart ... Hes 18 years old. And he gives me good advice.' Then Trump did a quick impression of his son, a college freshman. 'Dad: take it easy, now. You just take it easy dad, alright? You dont have to go too much here. He gives me good - hes very wise,' Trump said. Last day to rally: Former President Donald Trump rallied supporters in North Carolina, and indicated son Barron tells him to 'take it easy' He has been projecting optimism even while occasionally admitting the possibility of defeat. Hopefully everything will work out well. Were way leading. All we have to do is close it up, Trump said, after polls showed one of the closest races in years. But as he wraps up his campaign, Trump acknowledged his voice was failing, veered off script to attack Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama, and revealed his desire to 'get out of here fast' even as he riffed for 90 minutes. Trump also noted how sometimes things dont turn out as expected for Republicans. Youd watch it like a racehorse and sometimes theyd get there and sometimes they wouldnt, Trump allowed. My only purpose in even being here today: get out and vote. You know that, he said. Trump sounded hoarse on Sunday during an extended rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania where he said he shouldnt have left the White House and spoke about how somebody would have to shoot through the fake news to get him. On Monday, his voice was back, and he was going on and off the teleprompter, threatening to tell Mexicos new president he would impose a 25 percent tariff. He previewed a potential shakedown in a show of strength. If you dont give us $3 billion, Ill impose the biggest friggin tariff Trump said, stopping himself short on the last word. Trump hammered Nancy Pelsoi, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and other rivals Trump said he 'loves dogs,' and spoke about the advice he got from son Barron At one point he told the crowd he loves dogs, in a campaign that has featured more pet commentary than most. Trump notably became the first president in years not to have a pet in the White House. He made the comment after a high-pitched noise came out from the crowd. I love dogs. We love dogs, Trump said, before Then he swerved to talking about his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. She would come into the office and she loves dogs and pets. And she would get me to do things for doggies that you wouldnt believe, Trump said. Dad we have to make the cages larger. We have to provide air conditioning, he said Lara told him. I said do we have to give them a steam bath? With every minute counting, Trump is endeavoring to stay on schedule and sharing the time management strategies with his crowd, while claiming rival Kamala Harris sleeps and isn't working hard. I was going to get out of here fast. Im doing four of these things today. And the voice is holding up, just about barely, he said after making several long digressions. He defended his speaking style. The press will say, Oh he rambled. No, you know what that is? Thats genius. Thats the weave. That was the ultimate weave.' But he was watching the clock. I gotta go a little quicker now. I took Marcos place and I took Sarah Huckabee Sanders place and Im going to ask them to come up right now, he said. He brought up Sen. Rubio and his former press secretary. He praised their brevity. What they just did was better and appreciated, it brings us a little bit into schedule, Trump said. He took time to put in a plug for former First Lady Melania Trump's book. 'She loves you. She says hello,' Trump said. Then he defended the digression, which he called a weave. 'And I said first lady. First lady. See, this is a little bit of a weave ... First lady book, boom. But you gotta always bring it back. When it comes to a time when it doesn't meet at the bottom, then it's time to say: Let's not do this s*** anymore. We won'd do this anymore. But what happens is, Van Jones was crying,' he continued, bringing up a favorite story about the CNN commentator. Trump returned to his refrains about Kamala Harris surrogates who have gone after him. Among them is popular former first lady Michelle Obama. She took some shots at me. I said, Woah, woah, woah. He called Barack Obama the great divider, then called him by his full name, Barack Hussein Obama. He came out the same way for Hillary, how did that work out? Trump added. Then he called former Speaker Nancy Pelosi a disgrace. He also blasted her husband for selling stock in Visa two months before the DOJ announced an investigation. They impeached me on no evidence, I did nothing wrong. Fortunately, the Republicans stood up for me 100 percent, he said. Trump was acquitted 57-43, short of the necessary two-thirds majority, with seven Republicans voting to convince. Trump continues to criss-cross battleground states, with his final rally set for Grand Rapids tonight. Britain will seek a fundamental renegotiation of its Brexit deal with Brussels in a bid to tackle the Channel crisis, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister wants to reinstate the UKs ability to lead investigations into people trafficking and other crimes on the Continent. It opens the prospect of a major change to Britains relationship with the bloc and will prompt questions about what Brussels may demand in return. For the first time, Sir Keir revealed the scope of his aims to secure a new security pact with Brussels, five years after the historic EU withdrawal agreement was hammered out during Boris Johnsons premiership. During a visit to an Interpol conference in Glasgow today, Sir Keir said: I do think when it comes to security we can do better than do we've got, and that's what we are pursuing. An EU flag flies outside the UK parliament in London. Britain will seek a fundamental renegotiation of its Brexit deal with Brussels in a bid to tackle the Channel crisis The Prime Minister wants to reinstate the UKs ability to lead investigations into people trafficking and other crimes on the Continent So I don't think the deal we got was a particularly good one. I don't think we did as well as we should have done when it came to the question of cross border, crime and security, and that's why I want to improve upon it. And that can be done at the EU level. I think there are additional things that we can do bilaterally with our partners, which we should be pursuing in parallel. Sir Keir added: I'll give you one example - before the deal when we were in the EU we could lead on operations. At the moment, we can't. We're very good, the UK. We've got very good intelligence, we've got very good law enforcement. We should actually be really proud of what we're doing. I'm very keen to get the UK to a leadership position when it comes to the actual operations, particularly in relation to smuggling and putting people into boats across the Channel. The PM insisted his Government would retain red lines in any renegotiation with Brussels. 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 We're not going back in, we're not going to join the single market, the customs union, we're not going to have freedom of movement, he said. But I'm absolutely clear that when it comes to cross-border, crime, particularly people smuggling, the more we can share, the better, the more we can work together, the better. Sir Keir suggested that countries on the Continent are ready to see a new era of co-operation with the UK. There is an appetite to work more closely with us on this because these are shared challenges, he said. Theres no country in Europe that is immune from the problem of illegal immigration. The way its operated through gangs is exactly the same in different countries. Therefore, all of the European countries and beyond have a shared interest in tackling this, because its very significant for all of them. The PM, a former top lawyer, said he wants a joint agreement with Europe on where arrests are going to take place, where prosecution is going to take place, where evidence is gathered, what the rules of inadmissibility are. He added: We need to know which country is going to do what. That's the sort of arrangements I want to get back to. In a speech to the international policing organisations annual conference, the PM said people traffickers should be treated like terrorists. He plans to introduce laws which will make it easier for police to strike earlier against smuggling gangs. But he ruled out leaving international agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which Tory leadership runner-up Robert Jenrick said he would abandon if he won power. Sir Keir said: We will never withdraw from the ECHR. Those that say, pull out of the ECHR are going to make the job of our law enforcement when it comes to people smuggling much, much more difficult. The PM, who scrapped the Tories Rwanda asylum deal as one of his first acts in power, refused to set a timescale for any reductions in small boat numbers, which are up 16 per cent so far this year compared with the same period last year. I want to be clear, nobody but nobody should be making the journey across the Channel in small boats, he said. That is not to be tolerated. And that is why we are doing so much work in this area. I'm not going to put an arbitrary date or number on it, but we are absolutely gripping this. In a further move, ministers are examining plans to fast-track asylum applications and deportations, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said. One of the things we're doing is getting the decision-making speeded up right across the board, she said. We are also looking at ways in which we could develop a fast-track approach for predominantly safe countries, so that can be linked to much swifter returns as well. Because the longer cases get stuck in the system, the more damaging that is and the more costly the system is, as well. Asked which migrant nationalities would face a fast-track process she said: We are still developing that approach. A police officer has apologised for describing Novichok victim Dawn Sturgess as a 'well-known drug addict' in an email after her poisoning. Temporary Superintendent Kerry Lawes, who was a detective sergeant at the time of the poisoning, also suggested emergency services 'panicked' following the incident. In an email sent to the coroner on July 1, before Ms Sturgess' death, she said the police had received a report of a possible nerve agent poisoning, which she believed was a drugs overdose. Ms Sturgess, 44, died on July 8 2018 after she was exposed to the nerve agent, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire. It followed the attempted murders of former spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and then-police officer Nick Bailey, who were poisoned in nearby Salisbury in March that year. Dawn Sturgess, 44, died after she was exposed to the Russian nerve agent Novichok, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire, in July 2018 Police officer Kerry Lawes wrongly described Ms Sturgess (pictured) at the time as a 'well-known drugs addict' in a case she believed was an overdose. The temporary superintendent apologised to the inquiry on Monday The packaging for the counterfeit bottle of perfume which poisoned Dawn Sturgess and her partner All three survived, as did Ms Sturgess's boyfriend, Charlie Rowley, who had unwittingly given her the bottle containing the killer substance. Previously, the Sturgess inquiry heard that paramedics who attended to Charlie Rowley formed a view he was suffering from nerve agent poisoning, but the police disagreed with them. The inquiry heard Mr Rowley was known to Wiltshire Police as a drug user. Ms Lawes wrote the ambulance and fire brigade who attended the scene had 'panicked somewhat', adding that Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley were 'two well-known drug addicts'. However, it has since come to light that there is no evidence that Dawn Sturgess was a drug user, and they had indeed been subject to nerve agent poisoning. The police officer, who could not attend the inquiry in person, apologised for these comments in a statement read out on her behalf. 'I have stated the ambulance and fire panicked somewhat, this was an unprofessional comment to make and I would like to take the opportunity to apologise for it,' she said. She said her belief that the incident was drugs related was influenced by information she had received from the police. She also apologised for writing that Ms Sturgess was an addict. 'I now know there is no intelligence to support the assertion that Dawn Sturgess was herself a user of illegal drugs or an addict,' she said. She added that she had always acted in good faith and based on what she thought was in the best interests of the individuals involved. Detective Sergeant Eirin Martin also gave evidence to the inquiry. She received a handover on the case from then-detective sergeant Lawes on July 2. She said the police's initial hypothesis was that Ms Sturgess and Mr Rowley had ingested drugs cut with pesticides, and this had caused them to overdose. Because of this hypothesis she asked Wiltshire Police's media team to send out a press release on July 2 warning of a potential 'bad batch' of drugs. 'At the point I made the press release in relation to the contaminated drugs that was, at that point, the primary hypothesis,' she said. Charlie Rowley unwittingly handed his girlfriend Ms Sturgess the perfume bottle containing the killer nerve agent Dr Stephen Jukes, who treated Ms Sturgess when she was first admitted to the intensive care unit, also gave evidence to the inquiry. He was asked about a quote from Dr James Haslam, previously heard by the inquiry, that he had a 'niggling' worry that some Novichok could still be present in the area. Dr Jukes said: 'I think every one of the intensive care unit consultants at Salisbury hospital who were involved with the Skripals during their admission shared the same worry.' However, he said the passing of time made them believe the area had been cleaned. The inquiry continues. A Jewish man has been executed in Iran for murder after defending himself against a knife attack, as the knifeman's family refused to accept 'blood money' when they learnt his religious background. Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani was executed today following a two-year battle by his family to save his life. The 20-year-old was hanged at the central prison in the western city of Kermanshah after being convicted of murder following a savage street fight against Amir Shokri in 2022. Shokri's family, who have ties to senior Tehran officials, had originally accepted blood money, as according to Iran's Islamic law of retribution which permits a financial alternative to execution. When Mr Ghahremani was arrested, he was originally identified as a Shia Muslim and the family agreed to accept money to pardon him. Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani (pictured) was executed today following a two-year battle by his family to save his life The 20-year-old was hanged at the central prison (pictured) in the western city of Kermanshah But they later demanded Mr Ghahremani's execution when they became aware of his Jewish heritage, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights. The director of the charity, Mahmood Amiry-Moghadam, said: 'In the midst of the threats of war with Israel, the Islamic Republic executed Arvin Ghahremani, an Iranian Jewish citizen. 'However, in addition to this, Arvin was a Jew, and the institutionalized antisemitism in the Islamic Republic undoubtedly played a crucial role in the execution of his sentence.' Human rights organisations claim Mr Ghahremani was acting in self-defence following the deadly altercation. Mr Amiry-Moghadam told The Telegraph: 'There are so many flaws in the case. 'It was a group brawl in which one person was killed and Arvin was the only one who remained at the scene and waited for the ambulance to arrive and to help. 'It was not a premeditated murder.' In Iran's religious-based laws, a non-Muslim who kills a Muslim can receive capital punishment. But if a Muslim kills a non-muslim, they are only required to give financial compensation to the family. Ynet reported earlier this year that Shokri's family came under pressure from a close aide of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the intelligence division of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps not to accept the financial settlement. According to the defence, it was claimed Mr Ghahremani and Shokri were working out at a gym. Shokri owed Mr Ghahremani money and a fight broke out. Mr Ghahremani was stabbed by Shokri with a knife but the Jewish-Iranian man was able to wrestle the weapon from him and inflict a fatal back wound. His family said the trial ignored key aspects of the defence including efforts to get Shokri to a hospital and save his life - details missing from court papers. The director of the charity, Mahmood Amiry-Moghadam (pictured), said 'there are so many flaws in this case' Iran's Islamic regime is widely accused of antisemitism which critics claim prevents fair trials in the religious despotism. Many Jewish people fled Iran following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Jewish citizens are a small minority in Iran, a country of 85million, with only 20,000 estimated to remain. Iran executed at least 834 people last year, the highest number since 2015 in the Islamic republic. The number of executions, which Iran has carried out by hanging in recent years, was up some 43 percent on 2022. At least 22 women were executed, marking the highest number in the past decade, the report said. Fifteen of them were hanged on murder charges and NGOs have long warned that women who kill an abusive partner or relative risk being hanged. It marked only the second time in two decades that over 800 executions were recorded in a year, after 972 executions in 2015, according to a join report by Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both towering figures politically, but what's the lowdown on their actual stature? The candidates' heights first surfaced as a talking point back in September, when it emerged Harris had stood behind a smaller podium at the presidential debate. Days before, Trump took to social media to speak up about Harris' height, saying no accommodations should be made to make any discrepancies between the two less obvious. An official from the Trump team would later mock the smaller podium produced days later, labeling it 'the kids' table at Thanksgiving.' The podium adjustments were made to make both candidates look more equal in split-screens - but what's the real scoop on the candidates' standing? Scroll down for video: he candidates' heights first surfaced as a talking point back in September, when it emerged Harris had stood behind a smaller podium at the debate. The podium adjustments would succeed in making both look more equal in split-screens How tall is Kamala Harris? A few months before replacing Joe Biden on the ballot, Harris joked with famed journalist Katie Couric about both of their heights being incorrectly listed on Wikipedia. She actually stands at a modest 5'4". At the time, the website erroneously pegged Harris's height at 5-foot-2 - leading her to issue a correction. 'That is absolutely incorrect,' Harris said with a smile toward the start of the January interview after Couric had told her she was relieved to find 'Kamala [was] short like [her].' Couric - usually seen sitting - stands at about 5-foot-3. 'With heels, which I always wear, Im 5-7, thank you very much,' Harris said earlier this year. She is seen here dwarfed by a 5'11' Michelle Obama In actuality, the vice presidents stands at 5'4. She's seen next to a 6-foot Joe Biden at the White House in 2022 'With heels, which I always wear, Im 5-7, thank you very much,' Harris clarified, inflating the figure that many in recent months have gotten wrong. In actuality, she stands at a slightly less modest 5'4", she revealed - jokingly adding to the number further. 'I am 5'4" and a quarter - sometimes 5'4" and a half,' she said. The statement seemingly put to bed then-swirling speculation. How tall is Donald Trump? In contrast, Trump is one of the tallest presidents in history. Bested only by literal and figurative giants like Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon B. Johnson, the conservative measures in at an impressive 6-foot-3 - though there is some skepticism surrounding that fact. Despite this, the number has appeared consistently across the ex-commander-in-chief's medical reports and mentions in the media - with photos show him standing slightly taller than old rival Joe Biden, who is 6-foot even. Height also runs in the family, with son Baron now standing at an eye-watering 6-foot-nine and father Fred famously being described as a tall, imposing figure. In contrast, Trump is one of the tallest presidents in history, standing at an impressive 5-foot-3 - almost a full foot taller than his Democratic counterpart His supermodel wife Melania, meanwhile, measures in at 5'11" - making it all the more believable Trump's claims about his height are true, given their height discrepancy. The difference between the two, however, is negligible when compared with that of the two candidates - an almost footlong gulf that seemingly caused Trump to speak up this past September. Days before the debate, he said any accommodations to make Harris look taller would be tantamount to 'cheating' - showing how he values his physical size just as he does his larger-than-life persona 'No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris,' he wrote on TruthSocial at the time, pointing out how former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg was denied such an allowance. 'We had this out previously with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he was in a debate, and he was not allowed a "lift,"' Trump wrote. 'It would be a form of cheating, and the Democrats cheat enough. "You are who you are," it was determined!' Will Harris be the shortest-ever president if elected? If voted into the Oval Office this week, Harris will find herself tied for the dubious honor of being the shortest president in US history. The other party to share the accolade is James Madison, a Founding Father who served as the fourth-ever president, after his much larger contemporaries George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. That said, Harris is still above the average height of women in the US according to the CDC - who put the median measure at 5-3. Harris eclipses this only slightly, but if her word is bond, still makes the cut. A heroic teenager saved a family from a gunman who opened fire inside a Washington State mall on Halloween night. Bronwyn Cruden, 16, was working at Twisted Escaped Rooms when rounds of gunfire and screams took over. After rushing to lock the door, she quickly noticed a group of people frantically trying to take cover outside. Cruden quickly ushered the family inside as they all ducked down in the shop as bullets continued to ring out. 'How many kids that was their first Halloween? And they'll probably be traumatized for the rest of their life,' the teen told KATU. The shooter, Travis L. Ward, 32, killed one man and left two injured after opening fire around 7.30pm in the food court. He was arrested Saturday by the Vancouver Police Department. Harrowing footage showed the moment a teenage employee at Vancouver Mall quickly saved a family from a gunman on Thursday night Harrowing surveillance footage captured the moment Cruden's fast thinking saved adults and children. The intense clip showed Cruden sitting at the front desk inside the store as loud gunshots took over. People outside quickly started to scramble and scream before the teenager got up to lock the door. She started to make her way to the back of the shop to take cover as a family pulled on the doors to get in. A man holding a small child in his hand, a woman and three other children, all holding candy bags for trick-or-treating, gathered outside. Cruden ran back, unlocked the door and motioned them inside as they huddled in the back while she locked it again. 'They went straight to the back of my store. They knew what they were doing, they were out of there. Their kids were crying,' Cruden recalled. Bronwyn Cruden, 16, ushered the family inside the store as loud gunshots rang out in the hallway Despite saving the family from gunfire, the teenager said she's unsure if she considers herself a hero. 'I dont know if I would call myself, like, a hero for sure,' she said. The mall was hosting a Halloween event that night as families came out to enjoy the holiday. Witnesses told police that Ward donned a clown mask and wore an all black outfit as he ran toward the JC Penny store. One woman, Dusty Belair, told Oregon Live she was eating in the food court with her family when shots rang out. 'I got a few bites in and all of a sudden there were several gunshots. 'We were confused and people started screaming and running. We didnt know what to do so we hid under the table,' Belair said, adding that the sound of the gun shots 'were very close' and 'echoed so loud.' Belair, her husband, 23-year-old daughter, five-year-old grandson and three-year-old niece all ducked under a table as chaos ensued. The shooter, Travis L. Ward, 32, killed one man and left two injured after opening fire around 7.30pm in the food court. He was arrested on Saturday by the Vancouver Police Department The mall was hosting a Halloween event that night as families came out to enjoy the holiday All five of them made it out alive and unharmed, but the mother knew that wasn't the case for everyone. 'I really feel for those families that were affected,' Belair said. Police located Ward at a Vancouver residence over the weekend, along with the help of SWAT officers. According to police, they were able to track him down through numerous tips given on Facebook. Ward surrendered and was taken into custody. He has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault. He is being held without bail, according to jail records reviewed by DailyMail.com. Ward is expected to appear in court Monday. Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, but have not identified the victim. The two injured men are said to be in their 30s and 40s, according to authorities. Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, believes America will know the result of the 2024 election on Tuesday night as momentum shifts toward the Republican ticket 'My strong guess is that we're in a good spot, that we're going to win,' he told DailyMail.com aboard his jet as flew between campaign stops. 'I think that we'll know by Tuesday night. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but you never really know until you know.' With the race between Trump and Harris still razor-thin, pollsters have indicated that a final result could take days - or even weeks - to tally. If any of the seven battlegrounds are close, counting mail-in ballots could drag on well into November 6 and beyond. In 2020, the race was officially called for Joe Biden four days later. And although Trump is only up over Harris by 0.1 percent nationally according to polling averages, he has captured a strong 12-point lead in the betting markets, giving him momentum going into Election Day. Vance is on a four-state swing as he tries to close out the 2024 race by persuading voters to get out on Election Day. Sen. J.D. Vance , Donald Trump 's running mate, believes America will know the result of the 2024 election on Tuesday night His first stop was Wisconsin, before Michigan and then Georgia and Pennsylvania later in the day as the campaign uses his blue-collar credentials in the states where they believe he can make a difference. Last week, the final DailyMail.com/J.L.Partners poll showed the Trump/Vance ticket with a three-point lead over Harris/Walz. Vance sat beside his wife Usha at the front of the campaign's chartered 737 on the final day of the race. He said he was skeptical about other polls that showed Harris momentum. 'I think if you look at the early numbers, our base is very enthused,' he said. 'Theirs is not.' And he said the ups and downs of recent American political life meant that polling was 'I don't think pollsters actually know how to poll the American electorate. It's not even criticism,' he said. 'I don't know that it's possible to poll the American electorate anymore. I think, you know, polling is more like election forecasting than real polling.' He also had fun on his final day, stopping at the 'world's biggest six' pack, outside a brewery in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to pick up some beer. He recorded a video promising to 'make six packs great again.' 'I don't think pollsters actually know how to poll the American electorate. It's not even criticism,' he said He said he was skeptical about other polls that showed Harris momentum And onboard he joked with staff about an aide who won a cool $8,000 on the slots during a campaign stop in Las Vegas. On stage he is all business. The campaign's closing message is that Kamala Harris broke it; Donald Trump will fix it. 'To try to just, you know, hammer home the idea that Americans don't have to live under such financial duress,' he said, unpicking that message 'We don't have to have an economy that makes people like to feel like they can't afford the basic necessities. 'And that's pretty much, I think that's that's the thing that I think people care most about.' A family has learned the rare gold coins they held onto for over 100 years weren't worth $50,000 like they thought, but rather a staggering $2 million. The 19th century collection, put together by historic coin collector Henry Chapman in 1899, was taken out from a Philadelphia bank vault earlier this year, where it had been safely stored for decades. There were 51 Liberty Head and Indian Head gold dollar coins minted between 1849 and 1889, as well as eight US commemorative gold dollars made in the early 20th century. The Philadelphia-area family who owned the set, now deemed 'The Henry Chapman Collection of $1 Gold,' thought it was worth $50,000 before they had it appraised. Luis Martinez, founder and president of Matador Rare Coins, told CoinWorld that he was working with the owners, who were 'astonished' when they found out the real value of the collection: $2 million. Pictured: One of the Indian Head coins from the $2 million collection 'When I shared the results with the owners, they were astonished and filled with disbelief. A collection they would have sold for about $50,000 could now potentially bring in well over seven figures at auction!' Martinez said. The coins were graded and certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service after Martinez inspected them. The grading results, he said, exceeded his expectations and reached 'the finest known tier.' Pictured: Luis Martinez, founder and president of Matador Rare Coins 'When I received the coins, I carefully reviewed each example. Housed in the original envelopes from Henry Chapmans shop in Philadelphia, a number of the coins carried exuberant eye appeal,' he said. 'I was truly in awe as I reviewed each coin one at a time. I knew then that this collection could truly be a national treasure.' The Professional Coin Grading Service agreed with Martinez's assessment. 'This historic collection boasts not only magnificent rarities and grades, but also hails from the cabinets of renowned collector Henry Chapman. Preserving the coins themselves and their history is an honor,' said PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. Martinez explained that the United States began making $1 gold pieces in 1849, just one year after California's gold rush sent speculators scrambling westward to strike it rich. 'A little smaller than a modern US dime, the gold dollars were struck over the years with three different designs,' he said. Pictured: A stock image of a Liberty Head Gold Dollar. These were minted from 1849 to 1856 Pictured: A stock image of a Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar. These were minted from 1856 to 1889 The first kind, Liberty Head (also known as the Coronet design), were manufactured from 1849 to 1856. Small Indian Head, also known as Indian Princess, were made from 1854 to 1856, and the Indian Princess Large Head type were minted from 1856 to 1889. Some of the notable commemorative coins in the collection included the McKinley version of the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar and the Lewis and Clark Exposition Gold Dollar. John Albanese, founder of Certified Acceptance Corp., which also looked at the coins, said the collection gave him hope. 'Ive been around the numismatic block a few times since the 1970s and thought weve seen probably everything there is to see in great collections,' Albanese said. 'I almost fell off the chair when these coins came in. Its nice to know there are still great coins out there. It gives us hope.' The terrified subway passengers who were on a New York City train with Marine veteran Daniel Penny when he placed a homeless man in a chokehold told his manslaughter trial today how scared they were before he stepped in. Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator with mental health issues, was telling passengers he was prepared to go 'back to Rikers' and 'someone will die today' when 24-year-old Daniel Penny dragged him to the floor and put him in a six-minute chokehold. Penny's defense says he never intended to kill the man and that it's not definitive that he is to blame for his death. Neely was still alive on the train when police arrived but was pronounced dead in the hospital afterwards. On Monday, two witnesses took the stand on Monday morning at Manhattan Supreme Court to testify about what they saw in the lead up to Neely's death on May 1, 2023. High school student Ivette Rosario called 911 telling the operator she was 'terrified' of 'angry' Neely. She said Daniel Penny 'stepped in' to protect other passengers Marine veteran Daniel Penny is on trial for manslaughter in Manhattan's Supreme Court A 19-year-old high school senior, Ivette Rosario, revealed she buried her head in her friend's chest and 'prayed' the doors would open when Neely began ranting on the train. When the train finally reached Broadway Lafayette she was one of a handful of passengers to call 911. Audio of the call was played for the jury. The young girl, who was on her way home from school at the time, told the dispatch operator that 'there was a guy saying he was going to harm people on the train.' Speaking of Penny, she said: 'This guy stepped in and is holding him down.' In court, as that audio was played, she described Penny's actions as 'stepping up' for those around him. The May 2023 incident sparked uproar in America - BLM says it was the racist killing of a mentally ill black man by an overzealous white military faithful. In the 911 call, she described the offender's appearance as 'black.' 'The one making the harm is black,' she said. 'They're pinning him down.' Rosario told the court that Neely's outburst on the train made her so nervous she thought she would 'pass out.' Instead, she buried her head into her friend's chest and attempted to stay calm until they reached the next stop. During this time, Rosario said she never saw Neely approach any passengers on the train directly, and she understood that he was not aiming his frustration at any singular passenger in particular. Defense lawyer Thomas Kenniff noted that her head was buried most of the altercation, meaning she may have missed key physical moments. But she did recall hearing the threats and comments Neely was making. 'It was the tone,' she said. Penny, left, waited for police to arrive. He told them: 'I put him out,' when asked how Neely ended up unconscious New bodycam shows two police officers checking Neely for a pulse - and finding one 'It was scary. It was angry I was very shaky.' Rosario recalled Neely telling passengers he was homeless and thirsty. He then began telling people he was willing to go 'back to jail.' She also heard him say someone was 'going to die today.' Rosario said she rides the subway between her home in the Bronx and high school every day, and is no stranger to witnessing outbursts on public transport. 'I've been on the train before where I've heard stuff,' she said. 'But nothing ever like this.' Rosario also filmed a small clip when she got off the train at Broadway Lafayette, moments before calling authorities. In the clip, which was played in court for the jury, Neely appeared to no longer be moving as Penny kept his arm firmly around his throat. Prosecutors claim an onlooker shouted 'he's dying, you've got to let go,' but Rosario said she did not hear that warning. A second witness who was riding on the train, 59-year-old Mexican journalist Juan Vasquez, told the court that Neely did begin fighting back after he initially stopped moving. 'Almost for a moment, they didn't move much, and then the struggle began,' he said via a Spanish interpreter. 'Neely tried really hard to break free, desperately moving his legs to try to get loose.' Black Lives Matter protesters outside the Manhattan courthouse on Friday Vasquez provided almost six minutes worth of footage showing this struggle to authorities, and revealed on the stand on Monday that he is seeking a U visa for his cooperation. The U visa allows a pathway for non-Americans to remain in the country if they are the victim of a serious crime, or assist in solving a case. He said he learned of the visa in 'April or May of this year and contacted an immigration attorney about what I had seen.' That immigration attorney is now working to help Vasquez secure the visa. He said the District Attorney's office must 'certify' his assistance, but said he has not received any promises that he will be allowed to live in America long term in exchange for his cooperation. Vasquez has been in the United States for seven years and working as a freelance Spanish-language journalist. He said he sold his footage on one occasion after filming the altercation, and was made two other offers but 'could not reach an agreement' with the prospective buyers. Prosecutors on Friday described his video footage as the 'most critical piece of evidence' that jurors will see. Despite being a little further from the fray on the train and not speaking much English, Vasquez said he immediately 'went on alert' when he noticed Neely's tone on the train. He picked up certain phrases that Neely was hungry, thirsty and something else I understood was he did not care if he would be thrown back in jail.' 'He sounded violent and desperate. The tone of his voice was loud,' Vasquez told jurors. 'I was a bit nervous and entered alert mode a state of alert.' He said after it became apparent that Neely was no longer moving or fighting back six minutes after the altercation began Penny got to his feet, picked up his cap and tried to move one of Neely's arms to 'place it like a pillow' underneath him. Like Rosario, Vasquez did not have a clear view of the altercation. He heard bodies smack to the floor, and the sound of a struggle. But he didn't see Penny approach Neely, nor did he see Neely threatening specific passengers. Last week during opening statements, Penny's attorney said the then-24-year-old Marine veteran only intervened when Neely made his way toward a woman who was sheltering her son with his pram, making threats about 'dying.' Penny stands accused of manslaughter and negligent homicide. But body worn footage from police officers who first responded to the scene was played on the opening day of the trial revealing Neely had a pulse when they arrived. NYPD officers arrived on the train at Fulton Station at 2.33pm. Two police officers confirmed that Neely still had a pulse when they arrived. 'I got a pulse,' one said. A second police officer confirmed that he too felt a pulse. Neely was unconscious, lying on the subway car floor. When asked how Neely ended up there, Penny replied: 'I put him out.' Despite initially detecting a pulse, they issued Narcan - the drug used to reverse opioid overdoses - to Neely - and started CPR at 2.38pm. Police did not attempt to perform mouth-to-mouth rescusitation because Neely was 'an apparent drug user... very dirty' and could have vomited on officers if he woke up, NYPD Sergeant Carl Johnson said when called to the witness stand. A 33-year-old social worker who posed as an abused teenage orphan and went back to school has blamed a psychic for her behavior. Shelby Hewitt, also known as 'Ellie Blake', 13, and 'Daniella Blake Herrerra', 16, allegedly conned her way into three high schools and an eating disorder treatment center, even tricking a therapist and her partner into becoming her foster parents. Hewitt's close friend Andria has revealed the alleged fraudster is claiming she was advised by a psychic to return to her childhood in order to heal past traumas. Andria said she was duped by Hewitt for years. The social worker even made a heartwarming speech at her wedding as maid of honor before her shocking apparent double life came to light. Andria told the Boston Globe it was actually her idea for Hewitt to go a psychic, after her mother passed away in May 2018 at the age of 65. Andria thought it would help her cope with the loss. Prosecutors say Hewitt conned her way into three high schools and an eating disorder treatment center, even tricking a therapist and her partner into becoming her foster parents 'I had met with a few different mediums after my father passed away,' Andria said. 'I found that it helped with grief, trying to connect with a loved one who passed on, whether it was real or not.' Hewitt and Andria met with a psychic called Ruthie Larkin - named as one of the top 100 in America - and they sat in on each other's sessions. Andria told the Globe Larkin would often speak of Hewitt 'witnessing something traumatic as a child', but at the time the friends appeared to think little of it. But after Hewitt's disturbing double lives were exposed, Andria said her old friend told her she had also gone to see another psychic alone who told her she had to find a way to return to her childhood in order to heal past wounds. She also began revisiting other memories in a different light - including an occasion when Hewitt sent her a photograph of herself eating an ice cream sundae in Cabot's asking her: 'Don't I look like a kid?' Hewitt is charged with criminal forgery and identity fraud, and after she pleaded not guilty in December, she is set to stand trial at the end of the year. According to prosecutors, she began her elaborate plot by pretending to be troubled 16-year-old Daniella Blake Herrera in mid-2022, shortly after she returned to work at the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Graduating with her master's degree in school counseling from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 2016, she was initially hired by the DCF right out of graduate school on a $50,000 salary. Andria told the Globe Larkin would often speak of Hewitt 'witnessing something traumatic as a child', but at the time the friends appeared to think little of it Hewitt (seen in a court appearance) is charged with criminal forgery and identity fraud, and after she pleaded not guilty in December, she is set to stand trial at the end of the year She left in 2018, around the same time her mother and maternal grandfather passed away, leaving her with a large inheritance speculated to be as much as $1 million. It is unclear what exactly Hewitt was doing for around three years, until prosecutors say she began the fraud in December 2021 by registering an email domain - @masstate.us - intended to look like a legitimate Massachusetts DCF email. She then allegedly created emails for two fake social workers who would claim to be working for her - Michael Kornetsky and Michelle Delfi. Prosecutor Ashley Polin alleged in court that while 'posing behind the keyboard as one of these DCF workers', Hewitt 'had herself admitted as a child patient at the Walden Behavioral treatment center and enrolled herself in the Boston Public Schools.' The treatment center helped youngsters with eating disorders, with Hewitt having long-suffered anorexia. From there, she quickly began attending classes at Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, where she stayed for around seven months before transferring to Brighton High for two months. Switching to the name Ellie Blake and claiming to be 13, her alleged con unraveled a week after she transferred to English High School in Boston. The scheme was busted after she complained about being bullied by actual-teenagers taunting her for looking like an adult. At some point, Hewitt had also purchased a $350,000 apartment, paying for the property in cash rather than needing a mortgage. Despite committing to the facade by even having braces put on her teeth, as well as regularly wearing baggy clothes and ponytails to give her a younger look, classmates ridiculed Hewitt for appearing to look more like their parents. The school was predominantly black and Hispanic students, who reportedly told Hewitt, 'White cracks early.' Hewitt spend the majority of her time at Jeremiah E. Burke High School (pictured), but also worked her way into two other high schools and a treatment center Rebecca Bernat and her partner John Smith took Hewitt into their home as a foster child, and claim that they were duped by her Posing as fake social worker Michelle Delfi using the bogus Massachusetts state email Hewitt created, she emailed the school's guidance counselor to notify them about the bullying she claimed Ellie was suffering. 'Elle has a really bad day at school yesterday, cried all evening and doesnt want to go back,' the message said - with Hewitt allegedly writing about herself in the third person. '(Ellie) is really sensitive about people commenting on her face and how she looks older,' Ms. 'Delphi' wrote. 'It's a huge trigger point for her.' Delphi said that Ellie suffered from a genetic medical condition that prematurely aged her, and claimed she was a vulnerable victim of child trafficking that now lived with a foster family. After school staff worked out a plan for her return, principal Caitlin Murphy realized certain aspects of the troubled student's story didn't add up - most notably, Delphi's email domain didn't match the correct DCF address. In an email seen by the Boston Globe, Murphy urgently requested staff members 'look at the documents that Ellie was registered with to be sure that we are confident that there is not something amiss here.' 'Something feels like its not adding up,' she wrote. They were later disturbed at being unable to find her birth certificate. While allegedly pretending to be a high schooler, Hewitt was living in a $350,000 apartment (pictured) she paid for in cash and was working as a full-time social worker Claiming that her parents were dead, Hewitt was also able to enroll under a false identity at Walden Behavioral Care, which specializes in eating disorders. At some stage, she began living with a social therapist at the center, Rebecca Bernat, and her partner John Smith, seemingly without documentation as the couple now claim they were duped along with everyone else. Other classmates also claimed she exhibited strange behavior, including randomly bursting into tears in class and hallways, and driving herself to school while saying her family were so poor they were struggling for food. China's Hong Kong strives to strengthen ties with Middle East Xinhua) 10:56, November 04, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Worries are emerging among Republicans that voters will not trust the outcome of the election in the swing state of Nevada after a ballot counting court ruling last week. Republicans were handed a loss in the left-leaning battleground when the Nevada Supreme Court ruled just eight days before the 2024 election that un-postmarked mail-in ballots received on the third day after November 5 may still be counted. In many states, mail-in ballots must be postmarked to be validated and prove that they were sent by a certain date to be valid in the vote count for a presidential election. 'This infringes on and dilutes the right of every voter who exercised the constitutional right to vote,' pollster Craig Keshishian told DailyMail.com. 'And in legal terms, it's an impingement on due process and equal protection of those who play by the rules.' 'Try mailing your tax returns after the deadlines without a postmark and expect no penalties!' he lamented. Registered voters in Nevada are mailed ballots automatically that they can mail back or place in drop boxes around the state Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) sued to block the Nevada Secretary of State's Office policy from holding up in this election cycle. But the seven justices on the Battle Born State's highest court upheld a lower court ruling against the former president's team and the RNC. '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 court's majority stated. This law has prompted complaints from those who insist the results should be called on Election Day and from Republicans who claim it gives the other side an opportunity to cheat and flood in fake ballots. RNC spokeswoman Claire Zunk shared a statement with DailyMail.com that declares the ruling undermines the 'critical election security safeguard that ensures ballots mailed after Election Day are not counted.' 'By allowing Nevada officials to ignore the law's postmark requirement, the state's highest court has undermined the integrity of Nevada's elections,' Zunk said. A former FEC member and current manager of the Heritage Foundation's Election Law Reform Initiative told DailyMail.com: 'This is a foolish and unwise ruling from the court, although they were upholding a foolish and unwise state law.' 'By allowing ballots to be counted that come in after election day with no postmark, they are allowing individuals to potentially vote after Election Day and after they are able to see early returns,' Hans von Spakovsky added. 'This will provide an incentive to political consultants, campaigns, fraudsters, and party activists to gather up unused absentee ballots so they can be completed and used to bolster the voter totals for losing candidates.' In Nevada, the state mails out absentee ballots to every single registered voter. This is abnormal compared to most other states where voters only receive mail-in or absentee ballots when they request them. Voters line up to cast their ballots in early voting in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 21 Nevada's Supreme Court ruled that ballots received on the third day after Election Day can be counted even if they are not postmarked Some concerning reports found that ballots are even sent to nonresidential addresses. Von Spakovsky noted this includes 'strip clubs, casinos, gas stations, and bars.' The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank ranks Nevada 50th in their Election Integrity Scorecard with a 28 out of 100 points. 'This latest court decision will just increase the skepticism that already exists over Nevada's election process and certainly will not inspire confidence,' von Spakovsky noted. Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer reacted Sunday to Donald Trump labeling her an 'enemy' for producing a poll that suggested Kamala Harris had taken a lead in the solidly red state. Trump reacted with rage at his rally Sunday in Lititz, Pennsylvania, over the Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey conducted by Selzer & Company that showed Harris at 47 percent support to Trump's 44 percent. Iowa has gone red for Trump the last two election cycles after twice voting for Democratic President Barack Obama - and hasn't been considered a battleground state this cycle. 'There is no upsides,' Selzer told CNN's Anderson Cooper, explaining, 'I can't see that there's any advantage to me or my career in messing with the numbers to make it look a particular way.' Trump charged that Selzer over-polled Democrats to make it look like Harris, the Democratic nominee, was in the lead. Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer (right) reacted Sunday during an appearance on CNN with Anderson Cooper (left) to former President Donald Trump labeling her an 'enemy' for producing a poll that suggested Vice President Kamala Harris was ahead in the Hawkeye State Your browser does not support iframes. 'I got a poll, I'm 10 points up in Iowa,' Trump said. 'One of my enemies just put out a poll, I'm three down.' 'Why do they announce a poll that's highly skewed toward Democrats and liberals. Why do they do that? When you read it they interviewed far more Democrats than Republicans,' the GOP nominee complained. 'Why do they do that? Why did they do that?' During her CNN appearance, Selzer explained how that happened. 'When former President Trump said we interviewed more Democrats, well that's what came out of our data. We did nothing to make that happen,' she said. In order to discern likely voters, pollsters ask voters how likely they are to vote and try to create a model of the electorate. In the date being collected by Selzer it found more Iowa Democrats were motivated. The Selzer poll also showed that older women were breaking for Harris in a way that other surveys this cycle potentially hadn't picked up on. Former President Donald Trump on Sunday in Lititz, Pennsylvania called Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer an 'enemy' over a survey that showed him three points behind Vice President Kamala Harris in a state that hasn't been considered a battleground 'I'm a big believer in keeping my fingers off, my dirty fingers off the data. So we did it the way, we did it when he won in our final poll twice, in two election cycles, very same method,' Selzer said. She noted that the 'best news' she can deliver to any of her client is good data. 'The best news that I can deliver is my best shot of what's true, because then you know what you're working with and you can make adjustments as you need to,' she said. Selzer's final two polls of the 2020 and 2016 showed Trump leading President Joe Biden and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton respectively. Trump ended up winning the state. The last time a final poll was wrong was in 2004 - as her survey showed Democrat John Kerry beating President George W. Bush in Iowa, though Bush narrowly won the state. Americans are braced for civil unrest amid scary predictions of 'blood' during Tuesday's knife's-edge presidential election that appears to hinge on the results in just seven swing states, reviving painful memories of recent assassination bids and chaos after the 2020 vote. Businesses in Washington, DC were on Monday boarding up their windows as security fencing went up around the White House, US Vice President Harris's residence, and other key buildings in the capital. Fights have broken out at polling stations and election workers have prepared for gun attacks, amid a flurry of threats to blow up political offices and other sensitive sites ahead of election day. Washington state has activated some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by, while a Democratic congressman has warned 'there may be blood' resulting from clashes between angry voters. Police and guardsmen are on standby for election chaos in Portland, Oregon, with its record of Antifa violence, and where Mayor Ted Wheeler warns of 'uncertainty and tension' during polling. A Trump supporter, left, gets into a confrontation with a Harris fan outside an event for Tim Walz in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, last week. Workers erect anti-scale fencing and other security measures around Howard University in DC where Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris will spend election night The 2024 race has already seen bloodshed, with the July 13 shooting at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which grazed the former president and left one attendee dead and two more wounded. The contest has also been marred by damning rhetoric between the rival campaigns. A speaker at a Trump rally spoke recently of the 'slaughter' of Democrats, and Trump himself has spoken of 'shooting at' former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney. Meanwhile, Harris has called Trump a 'threat' to democracy who must be defeated at the ballot box, while her boss the outgoing President Joe Biden has called the MAGA Republican's supporters 'garbage.' Meanwhile, the specter of January 6, 2021, when supporters of Trump stormed the US Capitol, seeking to overturn the former president's election loss to Biden - has cast a long shadow over US politics. This time round, Trump has repeatedly refused to state whether he will accept the election results, and is already alleging fraud and cheating in neck-and-neck swing states such as Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for what many fear will be more unrest. Trump supporter Bill Robinson, 65, of North Carolina, says some kind of violence now looks likely. 'It's a horrendous possibility, because it looks like there's no other option than some kind of extreme unrest,' Robinson told USA Today. Tensions mounted on Monday as Trump and his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, made their final bid to woo voters, hours before polling stations open on Tuesday in a close-call contest that hinges on a handful of electoral battlegrounds. The election prediction website 538 slightly favors Trump to win the White House, with a 52 percent chance against 48 percent for Harris but for many commentators the race is more or less a dead heat. Tennessee congressman Steve Cohen, a Democrat, Warned on Thursday that 'there may be blood' if Harris beats Trump at the ballot box, saying the Republican's supporters may not accept a defeat. 'I think Kamala's gonna win the popular vote by 5, 6 million votes at least,' he told NewsNation. 'I think she gets the electoral vote, but I think Trump won't stop at anything. It will be in court; it will be in litigation. He'll be telling people, again, to go to the Capitol if you want to have a country and fight like hell.' Cohen added: 'There may be blood, and there's some concern.' Workers are seen boarding up ground level storefronts and buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House 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 Former president Donald Trump was injured during an assassination attempt at a rally in July. Those shocking sentiments have been manifest in the nation's capital in recent days, where rings of fencing now envelope the White House, the US Capitol building and the Vice President's residence. Workers have been hammering fresh-smelling plywood into place at several businesses along Pennsylvania Avenue and Treasury Department complex. Some are reinforcing windows and entrances at street-level in case there's any looting or rioting. City authorities there have warned of a 'fluid, unpredictable security environment' in the days and possibly weeks after the polls close, as many do not expect a clear winner to be declared on Election Day. 'There is concern around the city,' said Eric J. Jones, a local official told The Washington Post. But he added that this was mostly a precaution in case of social unrest, saying: 'We're not expecting full-fledged pandemonium like we saw after January 6.' A survey of 1,003 likely voters, conducted with J.L. Partners, shows that a shocking number of Americans believe the election could quickly become violent and even snowball into a full scale conflict. More than 25 percent say they believe 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) said a Democratic victory would lead to a repeat of January 6, and 21 percent said election sites or Democratic officials would 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. 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. Passers-by stand in front of a fence on the grounds of the White House Workers erect anti-scale fencing around the White House and the Treasury Department on Sunday US Secret Service agents will form part of the security force in the US capital from Election Day and beyond Donald Trump supporters face off with police inside the US Capitol during a protest meant to stop the transfer of power to Joe Biden, on January 6, 2021 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. A man allegedly attacked a poll worker who asked him twice to remove his MAGA hat in San Antonio, Texas, where political clothing is banned from polling places. In Oregon and Washington, the FBI and police are still hunting for an arsonist who set three ballot boxes alight. The governor of Washington state on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by after information and fears about election violence. Ballot boxes were set on fire earlier in the week in the state, where Harris is easily expected to defeat Trump there, polls show, Hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed by the use of the incendiary device in the drop box in the city of Vancouver, said Gov. Jay Inslee . 'Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond,' Inslee said on Friday. Scotland is stuck in reverse gear after nearly 20 years of regressive nationalism and change has never been so badly needed. Now there are new Tory leaders on both sides of the Border, pointing the way to a possible renewal of conservatism. True, it is battered and bruised - but the disgraceful Labour Budget last week underlined the necessity of a functioning opposition. The Tories are now edging ahead of Labour in the polls at a UK level, something which only a few months ago would have been almost unthinkable. Its a solid foundation, and theres every sign that Kemi Badenoch promises a fresh start for the party - drawing a line under the turmoil of the past few years. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will not shy away from criticising Scotland's SNP government Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, who voted for Ms Badenoch, said she understands why people feel disillusioned, and she understands that there is a real need to reconnect with people. The disconnect is real, but we may now have a dream team who can turn the tide against the insularity and defeatism of the SNP - and the discredited, time-warp socialism of Sir Keir Starmers Labour Government. There is more common ground between them than either would like to admit, including their inability or refusal to grasp that putting a chokehold on business with an ever-growing tax burden can only succeed in keeping the moribund economy in the doldrums. There are indications that Scottish Labour may pay a price at the polls for the Budget - creating another opportunity for Tory advances. Labours support in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since Nicola Sturgeon stepped down as First Minister, while the Scottish Tories are up three points in the constituency vote to 15 per cent, remaining at 14 per cent in the regional list. Both the SNP and Labour talk a lot about growth - but they are only interested in growing the state to the point where the private sector is eclipsed by a bloated bureaucratic class, as Ms Badenoch has called it. In an essay spelling out her beliefs, prior to being elected party leader, she warned that a new progressive ideology is on the rise. It is based on the twin pillars of constant intervention on behalf of protecting marginalised, vulnerable groups, including protecting us from ourselves and the idea that bureaucrats make better decisions than individuals, or even democratic nation states. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay backed Ms Badenoch's leadership bid This ideology is behind the rise of identity politics, the attacks on the democratic, sovereign nation state, and ever-more government, via spending and regulation. She said it was driven by a new class of people, a new and growing bureaucratic class, with more and more jobs related not to providing goods and services in the marketplace, but focused around administering government rules. Then there are the reams of new legislation created by the devolved administrations to interact with UK rules. It must be clear to anyone reading her analysis that it applies in Scotland more than anywhere else in the UK. The bureaucratic class is firmly established - and misspending your money on a breath-taking scale. Its obsession with identity politics led to botched transgender reform which paralysed and poisoned political debate for months. Devolution, as Ms Badenoch suggests, has become a job creation exercise for politicians and its highly-paid civil servants. They are sheltered from much of the pain inflicted on the private sector, enjoying generous salaries and the prospect of gold-plated pensions. Business is booming in quangoland - but the rest of the country is taxed to the hilt, while investors and entrepreneurs give us a wide berth. On the BBCs Question Time last week, tycoon Sir Tom Hunter said no economy in the world has ever taxed its way to economic growth. He was commenting on Rachel Reeves National Insurance hike for employers, which will lead to lay-offs and wage cuts. But his critique is also relevant to statist Scotland, run by a government which doesnt understand business - and often appears to hold it in brazen contempt. As the Mail reported last week, struggling Scots firms face a punishing double whammy from the SNP after it signalled they will again miss out on vital funding support. Businesses will be hit by an increase in the amount they pay in National Insurance as a result of Labours 40billion tax raid. But the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are also set to be denied a business rates relief package being offered south of the Border. Ms Reeves said firms in these hard-hit areas would get 40 per cent relief on their business rates bill next year, following the 75 per cent relief they received this year. But SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison refused to commit to similar support - saying only that it already provides enough backing for small businesses. Mr Findlay has already been highly critical of John Swinney's SNP administration That will be news to many of the firms which went to the wall during the lockdown years, and the others which have been clinging to survival ever since. Sky-high business rates, the highest income tax in the UK and now a National Insurance hammer-blow from Labour will doubtless lead to more of them pulling down the shutters for good. SNP finance minister Ivan McKee tells us that he and his colleagues will think long and hard about the potential impact of further tax hikes ahead of the Scottish Budget in December. Its almost as if its only just occurred to them that opening up a cross-Border tax disparity might have been a bad idea. In reality, they are likely to be held hostage by the high-tax, anti-growth Greens - as the Nationalists will need to rebuild bridges with their old partners in government to get approval for their Budget plans. No one can have any faith in either party to get this right tax-and-spend is the only language they speak, and tax cuts dont feature in their vocabulary. Labour has set the mood music for further pain to come next month when Ms Robison unveils her spending plans, and she and her predecessors have serious form for ramping up taxes in the name of supposedly progressive reform. This is a government well past its sell-by date - but we are stuck with it until 2026, assuming no early election is triggered by the SNPs failure to secure parliamentary approval for its Budget. Ms Badenoch is a straight talker and her rejection of the SNPs grievance-filled agenda will resonate with thousands of Scots. Neither she nor Mr Findlay are afraid of a fight - and the Nationalists are squarely in their crosshairs. Lets hope they can free us from the death grip of narrow-minded nationalism before yet more irreversible damage is done to Scotland and its ailing economy. Harrods has appointed Dame Jasvinder Sanghera as an advocate for survivors of alleged abuse by its late former owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The department store said 'over 290 individuals' were engaged in its claims process, as it announced the human rights campaigner's appointment as independent survivor advocate. Justice for Harrods Survivors said 'only a truly independent, robust and transparent process' could address the needs of survivors. Harrods said Dame Jasvinder would 'play a central role in ensuring a trauma-informed approach to the claims process'. It said the appointment was an extension of its claims process which 'includes counselling as well as payment of all reasonable legal fees incurred by claimants'. More than 290 individuals are engaged in Harrods' claims process relating to abuse accusations against the department store's former boss Mohamed Al Fayed (pictured) Dame Jasvinder Sanghera has been appointed as an advocate for survivors of Mr Al Fayed's alleged abuse Harrods said the appointment was an extension of its claims process which 'includes counselling as well as payment of all reasonable legal fees incurred by claimants (file photo) Harrods said Dame Jasvinder's appointment was communicated to survivors in the Harrods process on Monday, adding she would be 'meeting with and hearing from as many of the survivors as possible and offering support'. Dame Jasvinder said she was 'honoured to be a part of this project' as she believed 'Harrods wish to get this right'. Justice for Harrods Survivors, a group of barristers representing alleged victims of Al Fayed, said: 'We share the concerns over the Harrods process highlighted in the Financial Times article on October 25. 'We stand firmly with our survivors and believe that only a truly independent, robust and transparent process can begin to address their needs.' Dame Jasvinder was a survivor of a forced marriage and is widely recognised for bringing the problem to public attention. In a statement, Dame Jasvinder said: 'Throughout my career and lifelong work, I have consistently highlighted the significance of centring the experiences of vulnerable women who have faced abuse within institutions and organisations. 'As a survivor, I have shared my personal journey to advocate for meaningful change. A trauma-informed approach, which provides comprehensive support and access to resources for women who have experienced trauma, is essential for their recovery. Al Fayed led Harrods for over two decades after acquiring the department store for 615million in 1985 Al Fayed pictured in 1996. The Egyptian tycoon died aged 94 in 2023 'Crucially, this support includes offering these women an independent advocate who can represent their experiences and speak on their behalf. 'I firmly believe that survivors deserve representation from someone who genuinely understands and prioritises their best interests. 'It is clear that Mohamed Fayed was a predator who exploited his position and power to systematically abuse women in various settings. 'I am honoured to be a part of this project as I fundamentally believe Harrods wish to get this right'. Al Fayed acquired Harrods for 615 million in 1985 and after 26 years in charge sold it to the Qatari royal family for a reported 1.5 billion in 2010. He died in 2023, aged 94. Western officials fear Russia has plans to plant bombs on passenger planes flying to the US and Canada after electronic massagers exploded in a warehouse. The comments come after two incendiary devices were shipped via a DHL logistics centre on July 22 to Birmingham, England, and Leipzig, Germany, resulting in a fire. Four people were arrested in connection with the blaze and charged with participating in sabotage or terrorist operations on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency. No injuries were reported, with the incident dealt with by staff and the local fire brigade, but investigators believe there could have been far more serious consequences had the devices ignited while in flight. The terrifying episode took place at the DHL centre in Birmingham on the ground of the depot. The suspect package exploded in a DHL logistics centre in Leipzig before it could be loaded onto an aircraft The parcels were sent from European locations to other locations on the continent via freight service providers and caught fire on the way, German news agency dpa reported, citing a message sent to airlines and logistics companies (stock image) The Wall Street Journal reports that Poland's prosecutor's office has now said: 'The group's goal was also to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada.' Head of Poland's foreign intelligence agency, Pawel Szota, blamed Russia, although the prosecutor's office statement did not name a foreign government suspected of directing the operations. The secretive weapons were electronic massagers modified with a flammable magnesium-based substance, according to the WSJ. Delay of the plane was referenced as fortunate, with experts warning there could have been a very different outcome had it taken off on time. Concerns over Russia's suspected involvement come as Western officials are increasingly fearing the country may be responsible for similar sabotage acts. German intelligence service chief Thomas Haldenwang previously said Russian 'aggression' was 'putting people's lives at risk' as well as affecting 'all areas of our free society'. German intelligence service chief Thomas Haldenwang warned of an increase in 'aggressive behaviour' from Moscow Mr Haldenwang told a Bundestag committee that had the package ignited after the flight had taken off, the plane would have crashed. Kremlin aggression is 'putting people's lives at risk' as well as affecting 'all areas of our free society', he said. The suspect package is believed to have been sent from Lithuania, before it exploded at the logistics centre, setting an entire freight container alight. Foreign intelligence service chief Bruno Kahl added Putin was likely to further 'test the West's red lines', amid the increase in tensions between Russia and Nato over the invasion of Ukraine. He said there was now a willingness at a 'previously unknown level' to attempt sabotage from the Kremlin. A warehouse in London belonging to a company with links to Ukraine caught fire in a a suspected deliberate attack in March. Meanwhile in Germany a military base was the target of a suspected attempt to contaminate its drinking water in August. US intelligence also uncovered a plot to murder Armin Papperger, the CEO of weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall, which has supplied vehicles and ammunition to Ukraine. And Russia was accused of being behind a fire at a shopping centre in Warsaw by Polish prime minister Donald Tusk. Police are investigating a possible hate crime after a gay model was assaulted and called homophobic slurs at a Washington, D.C. McDonald's. Sebastian Thomas Robles Lascarro, 22, was attacked at the McDonald's at 14th and U streets around 1 a.m. on October 27 after going out to the bars in the Logan Circle area with friends. His husband, Stuart West, told Fox 5 the Colombian model was trying to leave the restaurant when a woman confronted him for allegedly not saying 'excuse me' as he moved through the line and called him a f****t. A group joined in on attacking Lascarro and video shows people dumped liquids on him as he was left bloodied and bruised, waiting for help. 'While he was walking toward the exit, a group of possibly her friends, most likely, told him, "Did you not hear what she said you stupid f-word,"' West told NBC Washington. Sebastian Thomas Robles Lascarro (pictured), 22, was assaulted and called homophobic slurs inside a Washington D.C. McDonald's A group joined in on attacking Lascarro and video shows people dumped liquids on him as he was left bloodied and bruised, waiting for help 'He tried to ignore and they repeated it again: "We're going to teach you how to apologize you stupid f-word." As they were blocking the door, the only thing he wanted to do was get out. 'So he raised his hand to try to get out, and as soon as that happened, about 10 of them jumped him. They started punching him all over his face, his body.' Lascarro called 911 for help and then called his husband on FaceTime while he waited, which captured people throwing drinks and trash at him while he sat on the sidewalk bleeding. Photos show the horrific cuts and bruises on Lascarro's face as well as his busted lip. He was taken to Howard University Hospital for treatment, but West said his husband felt dismissed by EMTs at the scene. According to West, it was not until he contacted the D.C. police LGBTQ liaison that the incident was flagged as a hate crime and the police report was updated to reflect the use of homophobic slurs. D.C. police told The Washington Post officials reviewed the body-camera footage of the officer who took the initial report and said 'there was no mention of a hate or bias comment.' The report was updated when the victim mentioned the slur during a follow-up interview a day later. 'The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating this offense as potentially being motivated by hate or bias,' police told DailyMail.com. The Colombian model was trying to leave the restaurant when a woman confronted him for allegedly not saying 'excuse me' as he moved through the line and called him a f****t Lascarro, 22, was attacked at the McDonald's at 14th and U streets (pictured) around 1 a.m. on October 27 after going out to the bars in the Logan Circle area with friends Lascarro's husband, Stuart West (pictured), said while his physical injuries are healing, he has been left with emotional trauma 'The designation can be changed at any point as an investigation proceeds and more information is gathered. A designation as a hate crime by MPD does not mean that prosecutors will prosecute it as a hate crime.' A GoFundMe set up for Lascarro's recovery said while his physical injuries are healing, he has been left with emotional trauma. 'Many of you know Thomas as a light hearted, loving, sweet young man,' West said on the fundraiser page. 'Unfortunately, after this incident, hes battling with many emotions including anxiety, depression, fear of leaving the house and worse, questions whether DC is the right fit for him.' Metropolitan Police Department crime data shows there have been 21 hate crimes based on sexual orientation in the nation's capital reported this year, as of September 30. A victim of alleged child sex abuse has compared her experience of the plodding legal system to the trauma of the attacks after her case was delayed by four years. The trial was originally due to take place in 2022 but was adjourned to 2023 and then to this year, each time with just a few days notice. The case was finally due to start today but was again shelved because of the scarcity of court space, the lack of a judge and a dearth of barristers. The woman, who is in her 30s, has now been told the case at Ipswich Crown Court in Suffolk will not take place until 2026. Furious at the delays, she said: Being a victim of childhood sexual violence comes with its own trauma but the court process feels like another trauma in itself. Trials at Ipswich Crown Court (pictured) where the defendant is on bail are facing 19-month delays at present, with cases being listed for May 2026 The woman who insisted she would see the process through to the end despite the problems - also revealed the mental anguish she has suffered as a result. After the delay in 2023, I fell hard and so this year I decided to seek our therapy to help before the trial in 2024, she said. When I started therapy, my depression and anxiety scales were moderate. These, in time, improved to become mild but once the trial was put off for a third time, these became severe. The impact of these delays has been unimaginable on both my mental and physical health. Being a victim of sexual violence, you have had control taken away from you and the court process feels like it mirrors this. You use all of your energy building yourself up, preparing for trial, only to get totally knocked and it feels like you fall down lower and it is harder to come back up. Pressures on the legal system, exacerbated by a huge backlog created during the Covid-19 lockdowns, led to the crown court open caseload reaching a record 67,573 cases in August 16,031 of which had been outstanding for a year or more. By last week this had soared to 71,000, prompting the chief inspector of the watchdog which monitors the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service to warn it could spiral to 100,000. Anthony Rogers said victims were being let down every day as the backlog rises, with up to one in three pulling out of trials. Mr Rogers added it was time to stop tinkering around the edges of the criminal justice system and consider fundamental reforms such as judge-only trials and magistrates handling more cases instead of crown courts. Prosecutors are handling nearly 200 cases in some instances and there were 17,662 suspects on remand in prisons awaiting trial or sentence at the end of September, accounting for 20 per cent of the prison population in England and Wales. Barristers have also revealed criminals are increasingly refusing to plead guilty in the hope their cases will collapse due to delays. The proportion of defendants admitting their offence at the first court appearance has plummeted from 85 per cent ten years ago to 36 per cent now. Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove recently warned: These are systemic issues and it is causing victims real and undue distress. Trials at Ipswich Crown Court where the defendant is on bail are facing 19-month delays at present, with cases being listed for May 2026. Attempts to reduce the backlog have included judges hearing cases at Colchester Magistrates Court and west Suffolk cases being transferred to Cambridge Crown Court. Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove recently warned: These are systemic issues and it is causing victims real and undue distress Rachel Almeida, assistant director of Victim Support, said: Long waits for trial are causing considerable stress and anxiety for victims in Suffolk and across the country. Many tell us that they feel like their life is on hold and that they find it hard to move on while they are awaiting justice. We are calling on the government to tackle these delays as a matter of urgency and get waiting times under control. Victims deserve nothing less. Ginny Ryan of Brave Futures, a support service for children and young people who have suffered sexual abuse, added: The sad reality is that so few child sexual abuse cases make it to court but, for those that do, the long wait for a hearing can cause immense distress and anxiety for the child. These delays mean that children often live in constant fear of encountering their perpetrator and face the uncertainty of not knowing what the outcome will be. When court dates are postponed, its especially devastating for a child who has been preparing themselves emotionally for the trial. These setbacks can lead to children losing trust in the system and the professionals supporting them and risking disengagement from the services they so desperately need. The Department of Justice was contacted for a comment. A longtime aide to former President Ronald Reagan has named three factors he believes will sink Kamala Harris and cause her to lose to Donald Trump. Kenneth L. Khachigian, who got his start in presidential politics when he was drafted into the 1968 Nixon presidential campaign, said the base Harris is aiming to win over will abandon her in droves. He also thinks she is 'propped up' by popular Democrats and the media, while also saying she isn't different enough from President Joe Biden to convince voters to stick with the party in power. Khachigian penned his thoughts in The Wall Street Journal opinion section on Halloween, days before the election. 'Ms. Harriss lack of stature, unreadiness for prime time, and content-confused narrative are why voters will opt for a former president with a proven record over an untested swimmer without a life vest,' he wrote. Kamala Harris will be unsuccessful in her bid for the White House, wrote Wall Street Journal columnist Kenneth L. Khachigian Khachigian believes voters will ultimately go with former President Donald Trump because he has a 'proven record' Khachigian kicked off his brief, yet skewering analysis of Harris by saying she will never rise to the occasion like past Democratic icons did: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson among them. 'A historic Democratic voting bloc will desert her in margins the polls havent anticipated,' Khachigian wrote. 'Hundreds of thousands of traditional Democrats who came of age in postwar America cant visualize Ms. Harris walking in the footsteps of their legendary party leaders who preceded her.' He claimed that the approximately $1 billion she's raised in the months since Biden dropped out in July won't matter in the end. 'The vice president had nearly four years to rise to levels of national and international prominence - to expand her vitae beyond being Bidens choice to fill a designated slot,' he added. 'She squandered that opportunity, or perhaps Mr. Biden and his inner circle didnt loosen the leash. Either way the result is the same: She isnt the person who matches the moment.' Khachigian's second point was that Harris hasn't made a graceful 11th hour entrance to national politics, even though he believes she has had former President Barack Obama, his operatives and the national media in her corner from the very start. Ken Khachigian is pictured with then-President Ronald Reagan as they work on an upcoming speech Ken Khachigian is pictured holding his book 'Behind Closed Doors,' a book he released this year that tells readers what it was like to be a speechwriter and confidante in both the Nixon and Reagan administrations 'Ms. Harris is a victim of her own success through moving up the political ladder without being fully tested by challenge and conflict,' Khachigian argued. He believes that's proven by how she's stuck to delivering teleprompter-aided speeches, while avoiding hard-hitting, adversarial interviews. Harris has rejected interview requests from Bloomberg News, CNBC and Time Magazine. Under pressure to show she could handle pushback, Harris sat down with Bret Baier of Fox News in mid-October. The appearance devolved into a shouting match, as each tried to get their point across on the issue of immigration. Khachigian also pointed to Harris' tendency to resort to 'word salad' when she's asked questions. The most recent notable example of this phenomenon came three weeks ago when a taped interview of her and Roland Martin dropped. One Harris' most tough interviews was with Fox News' Bret Baier, who grilled her repeatedly on the immigration issue Martin asked her to react to Trump's frequent derision of big cities with large black communities like Detroit, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Her response was: 'I talked with somebody once who said, "You know, if you just look at where the stars are in the sky, don't look at 'em as just random things."' 'If you just look at 'em as points, look at the constellation - what does it show you?' When asked by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle in late-September about the housing shortage in the US, she repeated the word 'holistic' three times in just 23 seconds to emphasize her point. One of Harris' most confusing outbursts was to burst into laughter after uttering the phrase 'you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?', while giving a speech on equality and advancement for Hispanic people. Harris' third and final blunder that will lose her the election, according to Khachigian, is not differentiating herself enough from Biden Harris' third and final blunder that will lose her the election, according to Khachigian, is not differentiating herself enough from Biden. The most emblematic moment of this strategy choice from her came when she told the hosts of 'The View' that there wasnt a thing that came to mind that she would 'have done differently than President Biden.' Biden is a deeply unpopular lame duck president, languishing at a 38.7 percent job approval rating, according to Five Thirty Eight. And when Biden was the candidate going up against Trump, he was down multiple percentage points in all of the crucial swing states needed to get to 270 electoral votes. 'Either she couldnt find a way to escape her baked-in California Bay Area political culture, or she was flummoxed by her own slippery evasions from left-wing orthodoxy,' Khachigian wrote. 'There is an empty hole where potential leaders of the free world must have a strong message. She has filled it with the bizarre notion that if she loses, Mr. Trump would establish fascism in America.' Khachigian also took issue with Harris calling Trump a fascist, something she did during a CNN panel, pictured During her closing rally of the campaign at the National Mall, pictured above, Harris described Trump as a 'petty tyrant' obsessed with 'revenge' and 'grievance' Harris has now called Trump a fascist on numerous occasions, once when asked about it directly by Anderson Cooper during a CNN town hall and again during a speech at the vice presidential residence. And in her closing speech on the National Mall last Tuesday, Harris described Trump as a 'petty tyrant' obsessed with 'revenge' and 'grievance.' In Khachigian's view, Harris is an 'unserious person' for hurling these sorts of accusations. 'That makes for an unserious person seeking to navigate an uncertain world and fragile economy. Last-minute crazy charges and celebrity parades of Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Beyonce and Michelle Obama merely reinforce the Potemkin village front of the unraveling Harris-Walz campaign,' he wrote. A skydiving instructor died while speed flying in Brazil on Sunday. Dramatic footage showed Jose Lima surrounded by several people while he was checking his equipment on Pedra Bonita, a cliff in Rio de Janeiro. The 49-year-old Army veteran began to run and appeared to lose his balance just as the parachute began to open. Lima immediately plummeted to the ground as a woman in the background could be heard saying, 'Guys I am worried.' Another person told her to be careful as she approached the edge of the cliff. The body of Lima, a former military paratrooper, was found four hours after authorities were alerted. Jose Lima, a 49-year-old Brazilian military veteran, died while attempting to speed fly from a cliff in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday A bystander recorded the moment Jose Lima appeared to have lost his balance as he jumped ran off the edge of Pedra Bonita, a cliff in Rio de Janeiro, a fell to his death The Ro de Janeiro Civil Police recovered the parachute and equipment as part of the investigation. Lima arrived at the national park by himself and hiked up a trail to the edge of the cliff, where it is prohibited to jump from. An instructor who works for the Sao Conrado Hang Gliding Club, which administers paragliding flights at Pedra Bonita, said in a social media post that Lima failed to use the designated jumping ramp. 'The pilot did not use the ramp to take off. No one knows the pilot, and we don't even know how much technique he had,' the instructor said. 'The place he chose to take off is bad and even prohibited. The (Sao Conrado Hang Gliding Club) is not responsible for the incident.' Bruno Menescal, vice president of the Sao Conrado Hang Gliding Club, told G1 news outlet that Lima's accident was caused by a 'failed' takeoff attempt. 'You can question several things there, but you can see that this is not a person who has mastered the practice,' Menescal said. 'This was the result: a fall from almost 250 meters high that caused the death of the (Lima).' The Sao Conrado Hang Gliding Club said Jose Lima jumped from an area on the cliff where divings are prohibited Jose Lima was recorded checking his equipment just moments before the fatal accident In a statement, the Sao Conrado Hang Gliding Club said that Lima performed 'a clandestine practice that is not monitored by the Club, the Brazilian Hang Gliding Confederation and competent bodies. (He) attempted to take off from the top of Pedra Bonita, but was unsuccessful and died.' Lima's sister-in-law told G1 that he had recently arrived from Germany, where he lives part-time, was going to spend part of the summer with his family in Rio de Janeiro. 'We have no idea what could have happened,' she said. 'But he was a professional skydiver for many years. He was experienced. What happened was an accident.' A friend of the family said Lima was awaiting his visa to be issued to travel to Dubai. 'Nobody can believe what is happening, because he was very experienced,' the friend said. 'He had almost 20 years of diving experience. 'He also taught the sport.' A forensic search for William Tyrrell in and around Kendall in late 2021 uncovered animal bones but there was no trace of the three-year-old, an inquest has heard. William's disappearance from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall on the NSW Mid North Coast in September, 2014, is the subject of an inquest before the NSW Coroner's Court. The long-running inquest before Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame has resumed and is due to conclude following a final block of hearings. The inquest is examining a police theory that William died in an accidental fall and that his foster mother disposed of his body in nearby bushland. It's an allegation that has been persistently and vehemently denied by the foster mother. The inquest on Tuesday is expected to hear from Dr Jennifer Menzies, an expert in skeletal remains, and Senior Constable Jost Preis who will give evidence about the search. THE SEARCH The police theory prompted a renewed forensic search around Kendall, including the crossroads of Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd, in late 2021. William Tyrrell disappeared in September 2014 'It's beyond any argument now that William Tyrrell has not been found,' counsel assisting Gerard Craddock told the court on Monday 'It's beyond argument that no forensic evidence has been located at 48 Benaroon Drive or anywhere else that provides a clue to William's disappearance.' Police and volunteers sifted through leaf litter and soil by hand during the search, as well as draining creeks and searched for any signs of William with cadaver dogs. Water science expert Professor Jon Olley was brought in by NSW Police as a consultant during the dig having also been involved in the search for Daniel Morcombe and other high profile missing person cases. He told the court that the search was 'extremely thorough'. Professor Olley told the court that a polyester suit similar to the Spider-Man outfit William was wearing on the day he disappeared would have taken centuries to degrade. 'The estimate is hundreds of years,' Professor Olley said. The court has heard that no traces of William have ever been found, however the search did uncover animal bones including kangaroo limbs. The court heard that Professor Olley also sent an email to a wildlife expert at the Department of Primary Industries asking if any bones could have been taken by pigs and wild dogs. He said that the expert replied 'absolutely'. Professor Olley said that if William had been dumped in a creek around the search area, his body would have been caught up in one of the dams. ACCIDENTAL FALL The court was told police believed that William died in an accidental fall and his foster mother disposed of his body in nearby bushland at the corner of Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd. William's foster mother and father (pictured) have denied any wrongdoing Mr Craddock SC told the court that according to the police theory, the foster mother then returned to her mother's Benaroon Drive home and phoned triple-0. 'Police assert that (the foster mother) must have quickly resolved that if the accidental death of Williams were to be discovered, she might lose (another foster child in her care),' he said. He said that police further theorised that the foster mother 'drove her mother's car to Batar Creek Road and placed William's body somewhere in the undergrowth'. The court was told that the inquest would hear evidence from a truck driver who was driving in the vicinity of Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd on September 12, 2014. The foster mother's evidence to the NSW Crime Commission will also be played to the court. Mr Craddock also noted that police theories could be wrong. 'A coroner can't act on the express belief of a police investigator.' The hearing continues. Republicans are furious over California's law that randomizes how the candidates appear on the election ballots because Donald Trump's name does not appear on the first page. Some of Donald Trump's supporters are posting details on how to make sure others know how to cast their ballots for the former president on Tuesday. A voter who cast their early ballot in-person in California on October 30 posted an image of the screen with the presidential candidates, which noticeably did not include the Trump ticket with running mate Sen. J.D. Vance. Voters have to press 'more' on the screen to be able to view and select Trump's name. 'If you wanted to vote [red] you had to click an extra button to even select the candidates on the Republican ticket, you had to click 'more' to do so,' Twitch streamer Darth Caul posted on X. A voter posted an image of the screen at their early voting location in California that did not include Donald Trump on the first screen In California, the order that candidates appear on ballots is determined by a randomization of the alphabet and then rotating the positions based on the California State Assembly district. This gives each candidate an equal chance to appear at the top of the ballot across the state. This year, the random drawing determined that the order goes as such: IFLTDEHQMJGAYRPCBVXKUNOWSZ. This means that in some California assembly districts the order goes Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., libertarian Chase Oliver then Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Then the former president appears last when the positions are rotated in some other districts where the order is: Harris, RFK Jr., Oliver, Stein and then Trump. Still, pro-Trump voters in areas where his name appeared last didn't like that an additional step needed to be taken to be able to see his name. And some even alleged this was a way to try and get less people to vote for him. 'Here's my voter ballot from California. Never have I seen a Republican candidate so far down on the list,' a user on X posted with an image of their absentee ballot. A user on TikTok also posted a video over the weekend explaining to voters how they can cast their ballot for Trump if they are confused when going to the polls on Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. Another user posted to X an image of their mail-in ballot, which showed Trump's name near the very bottom of the list of presidential candidates A voter in Beverly Hills, California explained that to vote for Donald Trump voters need to press 'more' on the screen at their voting locations on Tuesday 'So, I just got back from voting, see?' the user said, panning down to their 'I voted' sticker. 'Here's a public service announcement,' she explained, 'You can't find the name Donald J. Trump on the ballot. So this is what you do: When you get to the presidential section, you gotta hit the 'more' button and on the second screen, halfway down the page, you'll find his name.' 'So, that's what you need to do to vote for Donald J. Trump,' she concluded. A private schools leader has warned VAT on fees may be literally impossible to implement within six weeks in some cases. Philip Britton, the incoming chair of the HMC, said he was concerned for finance professionals having to register schools for VAT before the January 1 implementation date. The HMC, which is now known as The Heads Conference, represents Britains most prestigious private schools including Eton, Harrow and Westminster. Mr Britton pointed out there will only be six working weeks after the details were confirmed in last weeks Budget before private schools break up for Christmas. He said: Let us just take a moment to recognise the task lying ahead for the heads, bursars and finance departments who now have around six working weeks to ready their systems for the implementation of VAT. Private school fees will be subject to VAT from January when Labour ends an exemption for the provision of education, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed Eton College in Windsor. Private school chiefs have called for the start date for VAT to be pushed back until September 2025 They are all professionals wanting to do the best job possible. These are not political or principled issues, as those discussions lie elsewhere. Instead they are deeply practical challenges, and in some cases perhaps literally impossible ones. Mr Britton warned the guidance from HM Revenue and Customs still left many basic questions to be answered and was contradictory. The educationalist, who is also head of foundation at 14,000-a-year Bolton School, also said feedback from the sector has not apparently been absorbed by HMRC. He added: Our concern has been and is for the children. But this half term it must also be for the finance professionals - has any other industry absorbed fundamentally different VAT law in six weeks? And it really is six weeks, not the five months we keep hearing about or that it was a manifesto pledge as you cant do financial systems based on political soundbites and hearsay. Mr Britton warned there would be a tsunami of VAT registrations from private schools in the coming weeks and added: We can only hope the system is robust enough. It comes after the Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA) said the implementation date should be extended until September 1 2025. The ISBA pointed out it had been advised by HMRC not to even register for VAT until after the budget on October 30. Independent schools... will therefore have only a very short window in which to implement labyrinthine new rules and regulations, the ISBA said. It was also claimed that the ISBA tried to warn HMRC that its guidance on complying with the tax was inadequate and incoherent, but was ignored. Labour says the controversial tax will pay for 6,500 extra teachers for the state sector. It says private schools should absorb some or all of the cost so that it is not passed on to parents via fee rises. However, many schools have already said they will have to raise fees, and many families will not be able to afford it. Tens of thousands of pupils are expected to be forced from their schools to find places in the state sector, creating added cost for the taxpayer. A spokesman for HMRC said: 'Since the announcement on 29 July, we have taken action to support private schools, making available detailed guidance and allocating additional resource to process VAT applications. 'We continue to engage with schools and organisations that represent them. We have also updated the guidance in response to feedback, this includes creating a new interactive tool which allows schools to check when they need to register for VAT.' Donald Trump said on his final day of campaigning that he will dial up Mexico's new president on his first day in office to inform her he will slap a 25 percent tariff on imports from her country. Trump referenced new Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo who 'I suppose is a very, very nice woman, they say.' 'I haven't met her, and I'm going to inform her on Day One or sooner, that if they don't stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country, I'm going to immediately impose a 25 percent tariff on everything they send into the United States of America,' he said he would threaten. The remark earned cheers from his rally crowd in North Carolina. Former President Donald Trump rallied supporters in North Carolina and threatened to slap tariffs on Mexico 'if they don't stop this onslaught of criminals and drugs coming into our country' Your browser does not support iframes. Trump, who back in 2016 said he would build a wall and that Mexico would pay for it, said the plan had a '100 percent chance of working.' 'They wanted $3 billion to meet,' Trump said, in a possible reference to the Department of Homeland Security's request for $3 billion from Congress to combat the migrant surge. 'They wouldn't have said that with me. I would have said, okay, you want $3 billion to meet? I'd do the opposite. If you don't give us $3 billion, I'll impose the biggest friggin' tariff ...' Then he threatened to ratchet it up even higher. 'If that doesn't work, I'll make it 50, and if that doesn't work, I'll make it 75. Then I'll make it 100.' He described the tough language he would use. 'You stop letting people come in through our border, and come in through your southern border, and you stop it' perhaps acknowledging that many of the migrants had also crossed illegally into Mexico. Then Trump claimed he wanted to wait until Monday, the day before the election, to roll out the idea, saying it was to prevent rival Kamala Harris from stealing it. Your browser does not support iframes. He called her a 'low IQ individual' and said 'I don't want to have her say, you know, I had an idea last night while I was sleeping and turning, tossing, sweating,' Trump said. 'If that doesn't work, I'll make it 50, and if that doesn't work, I'll make it 75,' he said. 'Then I'll make it 100.' Trump himself helped negotiate a new trade deal with Mexico that replaced NAFTA during his first term with one of Sheinbaum's predecessors. Trump kicked off his final day of campaign rallies and predicted victory if his MAGA fans make it to the polls but revealed his hoarse voice is an issue and again defended the speaking style that he calls 'the weave.' 'If we get our vote, there's nothing they can do,' he told a crowd in North Carolina. 'I hate the expression, actually but it's ours to lose,' Trump said. Trump said he would phone Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on his first day in office Speaking for 90 minutes despite the time pressure, Trump riffed on all manner of subjects, then revealed a bit of family advice near the end of his remarks. 'Ivanka called me a little while ago she sends her love to everybody. She's teriffic,' he said of his daughter, who advised his White House but has not been joining him on the campaign trail. 'And I have a guy who's home with the first lady. He's very smart ... He's 18 years old. And he gives me good advice.' Then Trump did a quick impression of his son, a college freshman. 'Dad: take it easy, now. You just take it easy dad, alright? You don't have to go too much here. He gives me good - he's very wise,' Trump said. He has been projecting optimism even while occasionally admitting the possibility of defeat. 'Hopefully everything will work out well. We're way leading. All we have to do is close it up,' Trump said, after polls showed one of the closest races in years. But as he wraps up his campaign, Trump acknowledged his voice was failing, veered off script to attack Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama, and revealed his desire to 'get out of here fast' even as he riffed for 90 minutes. Trump also noted how sometimes things don't turn out as expected for Republicans. 'You'd watch it like a racehorse and sometimes they'd get there and sometimes they wouldn't,' Trump allowed. 'My only purpose in even being here today: get out and vote. You know that,' he said. Trump sounded hoarse on Sunday during an extended rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania where he said he shouldn't have left the White House and spoke about how 'somebody would have to shoot through the fake news' to get him. On Monday, his voice was back, and he was going on and off the teleprompter, threatening to tell Mexico's new president he would impose a 25 percent tariff. Trump hammered Nancy Pelsoi, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and other rivals Trump said he 'loves dogs,' and spoke about the advice he got from son Barron At one point he told the crowd he 'loves dogs,' in a campaign that has featured more pet commentary than most. Trump notably became the first president in years not to have a pet in the White House. He made the comment after a high-pitched noise came out from the crowd. 'I love dogs. We love dogs,' Trump said, before Then he swerved to talking about his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. 'She would come into the office and she loves dogs and pets. And she would get me to do things for doggies that you wouldn't believe,' Trump said. 'Dad we have to make the cages larger. We have to provide air conditioning,' he said Lara told him. 'I said do we have to give them a steam bath? ' With every minute counting, Trump is endeavoring to stay on schedule and sharing the time management strategies with his crowd, while claiming rival Kamala Harris sleeps and isn't working hard. 'I was going to get out of here fast. I'm doing four of these things today. And the voice is holding up, just about barely,' he said after making several long digressions. He defended his speaking style. 'The press will say, 'Oh he rambled.' No, you know what that is? That's genius. That's the weave. That was the ultimate weave.' But he was watching the clock. 'I gotta go a little quicker now. I took Marco's place and I took Sarah Huckabee Sanders' place and I'm going to ask them to come up right now,' he said. He brought up Sen. Rubio and his former press secretary. He praised their brevity. 'What they just did was better and appreciated, it brings us a little bit into schedule,' Trump said. He took time to put in a plug for former First Lady Melania Trump's book. 'She loves you. She says hello,' Trump said. Then he defended the digression, which he called a weave. 'And I said first lady. First lady. See, this is a little bit of a weave ... First lady book, boom. But you gotta always bring it back. When it comes to a time when it doesn't meet at the bottom, then it's time to say: Let's not do this s*** anymore. We won'd do this anymore. But what happens is, Van Jones was crying,' he continued, bringing up a favorite story about the CNN commentator. Trump returned to his refrains about Kamala Harris surrogates who have gone after him. Among them is popular former first lady Michelle Obama. 'She took some shots at me. I said, 'Woah, woah, woah.' He called Barack Obama 'the great divider,' then called him by his full name, 'Barack Hussein Obama.' 'He came out the same way for Hillary, how did that work out?' Trump added. Then he called former Speaker Nancy Pelosi 'a disgrace.' He also blasted her husband for selling stock in Visa two months before the DOJ announced an investigation. 'They impeached me on no evidence, I did nothing wrong. Fortunately, the Republicans stood up for me 100 percent,' he said. Trump was acquitted 57-43, short of the necessary two-thirds majority, with seven Republicans voting to convince. Trump continues to criss-cross battleground states, with his final rally set for Grand Rapids tonight. Edinburgh Zoo staff believe they can now present a rival to Thailand's internet sensation Moo Deng after announcing the birth of their own pygmy hippo. The zoo has settled on the name 'Haggis' for the Scotland-born animal whose arrival was declared on Monday. She follows in the footsteps of Khao Kheow Open Zoo's Moo Deng - but it is yet to be seen whether Haggis will amass as many fans as the Thailand inhabitant who went viral on social media over her personality and charm. Edinburgh Zoo posted to X on November 4: 'Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing... Haggis. 'Otto and Gloria have welcomed an adorable pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but we'll be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.' Photo of Haggis the pygmy hippo, whose birth was happily announced by Edinburgh Zoo on Monday The 'incredibly rare' animal was born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday October 30 Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: 'Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already. 'The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time. 'While Thailand's Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare. 'It is great to have our own little ambassador right here in Edinburgh to connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species face in the wild.' The female calf was born on October 30. Native to forests and swamps in West Africa, it is estimated that only 2,500 are left in the wild due to habitat loss. Moo Deng (pictured) was born on July 10 this year and went viral on social media over her personality and charm Shockingly, some fans of Moo Deng earlier claimed last month she was actually 'mean' and would become 'dangerous' as she grows older. To celebrate Haggis's arrival Edinburgh Zoo is offering people the chance to meet her, with funds raised to go towards animal care. Edinburgh Zoo's X account playfully apologised for pitting Haggis and Moo Deng against one another later on Monday, posting: 'Sorry guys this is our official notes app apology. 'We were wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other. 'There is space in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all. 'Sorry to Moo Deng. Let's work it out on the remix.' Moo Deng, which literally means 'bouncy pork' in Thai, is a type of meatball. The sensation was born on July 10 this year to parents Jonah and Tony. Shockingly, some fans of Moo Deng earlier claimed last month she was actually 'mean' and would become 'dangerous' as she grows older. A viral clip uploaded by staff at the Chonburi province zoo and reposted by @ask_aubry on X shows the baby hippo 'waking up moisturised and choosing violence'. In the footage, Moo Deng can be seen being rinsed down with a hose by a male zookeeper in her enclosure, with her mother stood only a metre away. Baby Haggis. Native to forests and swamps in West Africa, it is estimated that only 2,500 are left in the wild due to habitat loss Time will tell whether Haggis will match the fame of Moo Deng but it seems the Edinburgh Zoo staff adore her in any case Moo Deng appears to react strongly to being sprayed with the water - and retaliates by charging at her handler and nipping at his leg. The member of staff laughs while shooting content on his phone, before he attempts to pull the slippery calf away - at first, with little success. Moo Deng is relentless as she doubles back for another mouthful, this time aiming for the handler's back as he turns his body away from the calf's sharp developing teeth. In the end, the handler forces the baby hippo to retreat into nearby trees after lightly tapping her bottom with his hand. Khao Kheow Open Zoo is located around 100km southeast of Bangkok and Moo Deng has doubled the number of visitors at the site. The hippo's miniature frame and podgy proportions helped inspire a fervent following. Even the Royal Thai Embassy featured the baby hippo on its social media channels. Fans have made artwork and cakes in her image with one cosmetics chain also telling its customers to 'wear your blush like a baby hippo'. Moo Deng's fame started when zookeepers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo started posting videos of her on their TikTok account which now has 2.5million followers. She now has dozens of Instagram and Facebook pages documenting her daily life on social media. It emerged in September that some visitors at the zoo were filming themselves throwing objects at Moo Deng, with one even pouring water on her to wake her up. This led to stern words being issued by the zoo's director Narongwit Chodchoi who warned those involved could face legal consequences, adding that the treatment is not only 'cruel' but 'dangerous'. And later that month - perhaps even more surprisingly - makeup moguls across the internet began swiping their cheeks with vibrant pink and charcoal grey as they attempted to recapture the swampy look of the popular hippo. Ukraine will be given 14 rigid hull boats to bolster its maritime defences against Russia's invasion. The inflatable boats are worth $14million and come just after Australia donated 49 Abrams tanks as part of a $250million aid package. 'Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to thwart Russia's continued attacks from the Black Sea,' Defence Minister Richard Marles said. 'We are proud to contribute to these vital maritime defences with this new package.' The boats would be useful on the front lines including in areas like Kherson, which was liberated in November 2022 but where Russian forces remain on the other side of the river, Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said. 'These are very good, they're very fast, rigid - I tested them in Tasmania and they can do some magic in terms of manoeuvrability and speed,' he told AAP. Inflatable boats have previously been given to Ukraine as part of a $100million package announced in April. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) met with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy (right) on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Lithuania last year Australia has contributed more than $1.3billion in military support in total, including 120 Bushmaster protected infantry vehicles, artillery and ammunition. Ukraine has requested Tiger helicopters that are set to be retired by Australia. The Australian Defence Force previously dismantled its faulty Taipan fleet and buried the parts in an undisclosed military location, despite Kyiv asking for the choppers. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the defence force was working through the Tiger's disposal plan and the federal government was in contact with Ukraine about continuing support. Thousands of North Korean troops are being prepared to fight on Russia's behalf in Ukraine and some North Korean officers have already been deployed there, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says. The United States and other allies of Ukraine have long accused North Korea of sending weapons to Russia, and in recent days Zelenskiy has said North Korean personnel are being sent as well. 'We have information from our intelligence that... some officers of the North Korean army are already on Ukrainian territory temporarily occupied by the Russian enemies. So they joined the Russian army,' Zelenskiy told a news conference in Brussels. He said he could not give the exact number that were already on the ground. Smoke rises in the sky over Kyiv (pictured) after a Russian drone strike on November 3 The North Korean troops being prepared to fight in Ukraine include land forces and 'other technical personnel', Zelenskiy claimed. Ukraine's allies have yet to back the Ukrainian assertion that North Korea is sending troops although they say they are studying it. White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said on Tuesday any North Korean troop involvement in Ukraine, if true, would mark a significant increase in the North Korea-Russia defence relationship. Zelenskiy said Russia needs to fill the gap in mobilisation and cover its own personnel losses. Ukraine and its allies say hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting in Ukraine while Ukraine's own military losses - a closely guarded secret - are also high but smaller. Russian forces have advanced over the past several months in Ukraine's east. Ukraine has called on allies to respond firmly to North Korean aid for Russia, including by imposing new sanctions and further isolating North Korea. Fears of a new bloody gang war on the streets of Melbourne have reached boiling point following the public execution of a young rapper. Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name 'Peezy', was shot in the head at point blank range in front of witnesses on Saturday night after he attended a a Halloween rave. But now his murder has sparked speculation the dead rapper's associates will seek revenge on those they believe had anything to do with their mate's death. Bidong's body was found by members of the public on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, about 3.15am on Saturday. The discovery immediately sparked a furious reaction, with a violent brawl breaking out on the street in the middle of the night. The incident has caused tension beyond the streets, with South Sudanese community leaders also taking aim at each other in the fallout from the tragedy. Rising star lawyer and former chairman of the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria, Kot Monoah, took to social media on Sunday to warn community members of impending reprisals. 'We have been credibly and reliably informed that there is a potential for a revenge attack overnight or in the next few days,' he wrote. Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name 'Peezy', was shot dead in North Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning A violent brawl erupted after the fatal shooting in North Melbourne 'We have been informed by leaders in the eastern suburbs to spread this message. 'Please tell young people to be home overnight and not be moving. Lock your doors and call triple 000 for safety. 'If your children's houses are marked and known, please seek alternative accommodation.' The respected community leader has tied the bloody murder to an 'east versus west' gang beef. Bidong had no known links to any gangs, and those who knew him said he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. But social media posts by the deceased rapper show he often posed alongside masked men making hand gestures traditionally associated with gang activity. Daily Mail Australia can also reveal Bidong had several upcoming court matters listed for hearing later this month. They include allegations of failing to answer bail, affray, and contravening a community corrections order. Scenes captured by television cameras after Bidong's death showed wild scenes on the streets when scores of locals took to the streets. A 7News camera operator was also allegedly assaulted when the young crowd turned on the TV news crew. Tributes have flowed for the aspiring rapper Mr Bidong was found with at least one gunshot wound But Pal Deng Pur, leader of the Nuer Community in Victoria, has now hit back at claims a bloody war was imminent. 'We must come together in compassion and solidarity,' he said in response to Mr Monoah's warning of a looming gang war. 'Unfortunately, in the wake of such loss, we have seen false allegations and rumours suggesting revenge or retaliation by yourself instead calling for calm as a leader for south Sudanese community as a whole. 'We have a leadership in place in Victoria which can oversee our affairs and they should be the right people to send out that statement. 'We want to make it clear that these allegations are unfounded and only serve to deepen the pain for those who are grieving. 'Instead of allowing fear and division to take root, let us focus on offering our support and love to the family in their time of need.' On Monday, a Victoria Police spokesperson said the gunman remained at large and the investigation was ongoing. Victoria Police Crime Command Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble described the shooting as a 'horrific incident'. 'It's something that none of us want to experience, police or the local community,' Mr Rumble said. 'Our real goal here today is to ensure that the family of the victim are supported at this horrible time, ensure the offenders are brought to account and give the local community assurance that Victoria Police take this seriously and we are here to support them. 'We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know that there were a lot of people in the area at the time (and) we urge those witnesses to reach out and contact police.' Tributes continue to flow for Bidong, who was regarded as an up-and-coming rap star on the Melbourne scene. 'I found out he lost his life late last night. Cannot believe it,' one person said. 'Love you my brother One of a kind,' another wrote. 'Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy)' one post read. Anthony Albanese's Labor government is so radical it wants to introduce a tax no other country in the world has. And chances are you haven't even heard about it. Australia's most left-wing government - since Gough Whitlam ran up public debt in the 1970s - is quietly seeking to introduce a tax on 'unrealised gains'. In layman's terms, Australians would be paying tax on the increased value of an asset they still own and have yet to sell - namely superannuation savings above a certain threshold. That's an unprecedented departure from the usual approach where someone pays capital gains tax on an investment property or shares only once they have sold those assets - and not before. The proposed tax has flown under the radar, having been overshadowed by Labor's plans to raise taxes for Aussies with more than $3million in their super. The press gave it scant mention early last year and it has gone virtually unreported ever since. A Google search for 'unrealised gains' yields a single news result from a mainstream media outlet and a handful of blog posts - remarkable given the ramifications for people planning their retirement. And the proposed tax isn't just secretive - it's confusing, too. Professor Robert Breunig, the director of the Australian National University's Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, says Labor's policy is very confusing - and he has been a tax expert for 26 years. Anthony Albanese 's Labor government is so radical it wants to introduce a tax no other country in the world has. And chances are you haven't even heard about it 'I don't think they've fully thought through the implications of how difficult this is going to be,' he tells me. 'Frankly, we are in a world where the government keeps introducing policies that they haven't thought very hard about how they're going to implement them. 'They just leave the mess for the people on the ground to sort out.' There are fears Labor's system could be so complicated even the Australian Taxation Office would struggle to administer the new laws. Professor Robert Breunig, the director of the Australian National University's Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, says Labor's policy is very confusing - and he has been a tax expert for 26 years 'Making things overly complex makes things expensive, makes the system hard to run, makes it hard for the ATO to do compliance checks,' notes Prof Breunig, widely considered Australia's most respected expert on public finance. 'You want to avoid those things.' Prof Breunig has contradicted Treasurer Jim Chalmers - who last year argued a tax on unrealised gains would apparently be simple. 'That's the advice of Treasury, working with other relevant agencies, that that is the most efficient, simplest and best way to go about it, and so that's what we intend to do,' Dr Chalmers told reporters in Brisbane. Dr Chalmers, who has a PhD on former Labor prime minister Paul Keating, in June acknowledged crossbench senators had concerns around the policy. 'We're in discussions obviously across the parliament to try and legislate it,' he said. 'And this is one of the issues that has come up the issue around unrealised gains.' He didn't acknowledge how Keating, as treasurer before becoming PM, only applied the capital gains tax to assets once they were sold, when Labor introduced that policy in 1985. While the Greens want the threshold for unrealised gains reduced to $2million, Teal MPs are concerned the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions bill is too complicated and will backfire. The federal government early last year announced a plan to double the tax to 30 per cent for Australians with superannuation balances of more than $3million. But hidden in the detail was a plan to tax unrealised gains on self-managed super funds. This clause, known as Division 296, will make Australia the only country that taxes unrealised gains on retirement savings. 'It's pretty unusual around the world to tax unrealised gains,' Prof Breunig says. From July 2025, should Labor's legislation pass through parliament, anyone with more than $3million in retirement savings would be taxed on the super savings above that threshold. That means someone with close to $3million in superannuation savings would have to divest part of their retirement savings to fall under this threshold. In layman's terms, Australians would be paying tax on the increased value of an asset they own and have yet to sell, namely superannuation savings above a certain threshold (stock image) This would create a new level of complexity if assets were hard to sell and an individual suddenly had retirement savings of more than $3million. 'It could potentially be very complicated if people have very illiquid assets,' Prof Breunig tells me. 'So, if you had large blocks of property - it's hard to sell one two-hundredth of your property to pay your tax bill. 'It's going to be pretty confusing - people have small businesses inside of their self-managed super funds.' Giving an example of how complex the proposed tax could be in practice, Prof Breunig says someone with a self-managed super fund who owned a farm would have difficulty calculating just how much the asset was worth in a financial year if there weren't other similar farms in the area that had recently sold to compare it to. 'It's a pretty crude approximation, often,' he adds. 'Valuing those things is going to be difficult and then for people who do not have liquid assets, paying them is going to be difficult.' Sweden and Germany during the 1970s and 1980s taxed unrealised gains on wealth, but the policy was notoriously difficult to administer. And France still has a wealth tax that applies on assets worth more than 1.3million (AU$2.1million). But even the European nations, renowned for having higher income taxes to fund more services, do not touch retirement savings in this way. One of Australia's most respected experts on tax has contradicted Treasurer Jim Chalmers (pictured), who last year argued a tax on unrealised gains would apparently be simple U.S. Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris is campaigning to tax unrealised gains on wealth - but only for the ultra rich with assets worth US$100million (AU$151million) or more. But again, the vice president hasn't gone after retirement savings in her campaign against Republican Donald Trump. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor likened the tax on unrealised gains on super to something you'd find in a dictatorship. 'It's why governments around the world have always been very reluctant to go after unrealised capital gains, unless there's some kind of crazy, left-wing Communist dictatorship,' he said. 'So this is really, seriously, crossing the line. It's absolutely crossing the line.' Taxing unrealised gains is a policy so radical for Australia that even the Whitlam government's treasurer Jim Cairns, a self-described socialist and former academic, didn't even go there, preferring to fight unsuccessfully for higher income taxes and price controls. At least this former Labor deputy prime minister, who had once applied to join the Communist Party, acknowledged the electorate was generally distrustful of his side of politics. 'History is not on the side of the left,' he said. If only the Albanese government had the same political self-awareness. She was born in a vast castle on the banks of the Rhine and grew up in Kensington Palace, while he was born over the family fish shop in Perth, Scotland. But when they met in France during the First World War, they formed such a passionate bond that, against all royal protocol, they pledged to marry. Princess Louise of Battenburg came from one of Europe's noblest families. Her brother, Louis, was created Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the 'honorary grandfather' of King Charles III, and her sister, Alice, became mother to Prince Philip. Her lover, Sandy Hill, on the other hand, was a penniless artist who made ends meet by selling his paintings to anyone who would buy. Their worlds could not be further apart. Yet, in a field-hospital in Nevers where they both worked as volunteer nurses during the First World War, they fell in love. 'He is the person I have always looked for and thought I should never find,' sighed Louise. 'He understands love and marriage in the same way I do.' From left (seated): Princess Louise, later Queen Louise of Sweden; Marshioness of Milford Haven holding her two granddaughters, Princess Margarita and Princess Theodora, and their mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. Seated on the ground are Lord Louis Mountbatten (1900-1979) and George Mountbatten. Standing is Prince Louis of Battenbergand his son-in-law Prince Andrew of Greece, husband of Alice A self-portrait of Scottish portrait and landscape artist, Alexander Stuart-Hill (also known as Sandy) who studied at the Edinburgh College of Art and was secretly engaged to Lady Louise for two years Lady Louise Mountbatten, later Queen Consort of King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden, pictured on the front cover of the Illustrated London News shortly before her marriage to the widower Crown Prince of Sweden in 1923 Louise had no hopes of ever marrying, when at the age of 34 she met Crown Prince Gustav of Sweden, a 41-year old widower and became engaged Princess Louise of Battenburg's sister was Alice, Princess of Greece and mother to Prince Philip Sandy, whose father Willie Hill ran a successful fishmongery business in Perth's High Street, had been a talented student at Edinburgh School of Art, winning a travelling scholarship which allowed him to travel extensively across Europe. Paris became his home and Louise joined him there as the First World War came to an end. At first, her mother Princess Victoria granddaughter of Queen Victoria was charmed by her daughter's unusual choice of boyfriend. 'Witty and shy, a thoroughly good fellow,' she wrote. 'The quaintest of men Scotch by birth, affected in manner, with head like a picture of Shakespeare.' But not everyone thought it would make an ideal match. Sister Princess Alice remarked: 'He is quite well-known, and a great future is predicted for him. But he looks so odd and eccentric - I went around London with the two of them, but everyone turns in the street and laughs at him. She is madly in love with him, but he is so incredibly affected.' It didn't stop the oddly-matched couple from becoming secretly engaged an engagement which was to last for two years before Louise had the courage to admit to her parents that Sandy was the one for her. The painter, now calling himself Alexander Stuart-Hill presumably to fit in better to his fiance's social milieu was invited to stay with Louise's parents. The initial introduction went off pretty well but, when he paid a return visit, Louise's father a former First Sea Lord who'd been forced to ditch his German titles and become Marquess of Milford Haven realised he had to call a halt to the romance. 'He finally was forced to tell Louise that she could not marry him because he was homosexual,' writes Hugo Vickers in his biography of Louise's sister Alice. 'In those unsophisticated times, Louise had grown up unaware of what homosexuality was, or indeed that such a possibility existed.' Her mother had, indeed, remarked upon Sandy's hands - 'He will do the most prosaic and dirty work in spite of beautiful, long, manicured nails on his white hands' - while completely missing the point. But even she must have been startled at his rouged lips and be-ringed fingers. The breakdown of the relationship, writes Vickers, was 'traumatic' and left Louise, now aged 29, convinced she was on the shelf for ever. Sandy eventually moved back to London, set up a studio in Chelsea, and became part of the 1920s smart set, counting the author Evelyn Waugh among his friends. Louise became Queen of Sweden in October 1950 at the age of 61 when her husband ascended the throne King Gustav VI of Sweden, pictured far right with his second wife, Lady Louise Mountbatten, at a banquet at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich in 1955 with her brother Earl Mountbatten and Countess Mountbatten Princess Louise Louise married Crown Prince Gustav Adolf of Sweden in 1923, following the death of his first wife, Princess Margaret of Connaught, in 1920. Louise reigned as the Gustav Adolf's consort in Sweden for twenty-three years and was the aunt of Prince Philip Louise Alexandra Marie Irene Mountbatten (previously Princess Louise of Battenberg) became Queen consort of Sweden in 1950 and served as such until her death in 1965 He became much sought-after as a portrait painter, his subjects coincidentally including Arthur Lupton, whose sister Olive Lupton Middleton was great-grandmother of the current Princess of Wales. He never married. Louise meanwhile had no further hopes of ever marrying when at the age of 34 she met Crown Prince Gustav of Sweden, a 41-year old widower. 'Her engagement took everybody by surprise, not least Louise herself,' writes Vickers. 'But she had found a rare man.' She became Queen of Sweden in October 1950 at the age of 61 when her husband ascended the throne, and proved to be immensely popular as a royal consort both at home and abroad. She became delightfully dotty. When travelling abroad she'd use the pseudonym 'Mrs Olsson' and take with her a platoon of Pomeranian dogs which she attempted to hide under her clothes when going through Customs, causing endless problems. Indeed Queen Louise remained eccentric to the last, a carefree jaywalker who'd blithely ignore the traffic as she wandered across London's streets. On one occasion she was nearly hit by a double-decker bus and thereafter - just in case she ever got knocked over - she kept in her purse a small piece of card to identify herself. It said, quite simply, 'I am the Queen of Sweden'. Prince William still misses his beloved childhood pet Labrador Widgeon, according to a new book. The loyal Labrador, who passed away in 2010, was more than just a pet; he was a beloved member of the royal family who provided comfort and companionship to William and his brother Harry during their childhood. Now James Middleton discloses in his new book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, that he gave his sister Princess Kate and William their latest dog, Orla, a black English cocker spaniel in 2020. William's love for dogs was shown during a recent engagement at the Duchy College Stoke Climsland in Cornwall. While mingling with the crowd of well-wishers, the Prince of Wales fussed over a woman's puppy and told her that he and Princess Kate allow their pooch to sleep in their bed. '[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog,' Louise Harland told Hits Radio Cornwall. 'Jacks came and met him.' '[He] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate,' she added. Prince William greeting a dog at the Duchy College Stoke Climsland in Cornwall during a recent visit James Middleton with four of his dogs - Luna, Inka Ella and Mabel - pictured in 2020 But Orla isn't the first pooch Mr Middleton has given to his sister's family - Lupo was the first. Mr Middleton revealed in his new book how he tried to get his own dog Ella to breed with another cocker spaniel named Spartan. His attempt was successful and nine weeks later, Ella gave birth to five male pups, including Lupo. Mr Middleton recalled how he asked William and Kate if they would like one, 'as a belated wedding present'. 'All you have to do is choose your favourite,' he said to the couple. 'There in the box nestled the glossy black pups. Catherine and William bent down to stroke their tiny muzzles,' Mr Middleton wrote in his bestselling book. The couple were soon set to move to Anglesey for William's work as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot and had to carefully consider the new addition. Princess Kate and Prince William walking with their dog Orla in 2022 The Prince of Wales stroking a dog during a walkabout outside a pub in London in 2023 'I reasoned that a puppy would be company for Catherine on the nights he was away on duty,' Mr Middleton added. They eventually chose one of the puppies, and named him Lupo, who joined the growing family when he reached eight weeks old. Lupo would become a key part of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's home. The couple were photographed with the six-month-old cocker spaniel at a charity polo event in Gloucestershire in 2012. When the match was over and William had dismounted, he swept Lupo into his arms and showered the pup with kisses. Other royals turned out for the event including Zara Phillips and her husband Mike Tindall as well as Peter Phillips' former wife Autumn with their daughter Savannah. The 18 month old took a shine to Lupo and was given an early lesson in dog training from Kate, who showed her how to hold his leash, while the dog stood obediently. William holding cocker spaniel Lupo after a charity polo match in 2012, Mike Tindall can be seen behind the prince Kate holding Lupo's lead with Savannah Phillips, Peter Phillips' former wife Autumn stands next to them Lupo is also believed to have helped them pick a name for Prince George. The couple are said to have written names on various pieces of paper and scattered them on the floor. Lupo wandered through them, but stopped when he reached the prince's name. The cocker spaniel even featured in a photo of the couple with new-born George and would go on to spend time with all three of the couple's children. Speaking shortly after Prince George's birth in 2013, Prince William said: 'For me Catherine and now little George are my priorities, and Lupo. 'He's coping alright, as a lot of people know who've got dogs and bringing a newborn back, they take a little bit of time to adapt, but he's been alright so far, he's been slobbering around the house, so he's perfectly happy.' Sadly, Lupo passed away at eight years old in 2020. William and Kate shared the news on Instagram at the time and wrote: 'Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. Kate and William walk as Orla follows at a charity polo match in Windsor in 2022 The Princess of Wales, holding a therapy puppy, laughs while William pets the dog during their visit to Clitheroe Community Hospital in 2022 'He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much. - W & C'. Mr Middleton shared his own tribute to the dog and posted on During the pandemic, Mr Middleton managed to breed another of his dogs, Luna, and produced a litter of six puppies. Mr Middleton recalled how Kate chose one of the new pups and the family named her Orla. Another key member of the family, Orla even featured in a photo to mark Princess Charlotte's eight birthday last year. Just over 25 years ago, an internal Buckingham Palace report recommended steps the monarchy should adopt to rebuild trust after the catastrophic collapse in public support for the Royal Family that followed the death of Princess Diana. Many of the suggestions were practical less formality for official engagements and opening royal events to a wider cross-section of the population and approval ratings quickly rose. But buried in the report was a warning about one aspect that was not addressed the wealth of the royals and a need for what it delicately put as 'greater transparency'. Two and a half decades on, and the monarchy thanks to the dedication to duty of King Charles and a modern-looking Prince William is more popular than ever. But there is an Achilles heel, and it remains the thorny issue of their private finances. King Charles at Sandringham yesterday after the morning service at St Mary Magdalen Church in Norfolk Thanks to the dedication to duty of King Charles and Prince William - the monarchy is more popular than ever, writes Richard Kay In particular, the opaqueness and complexity that surrounds the running of the Duchy of Lancaster held by the King and the Duchy of Cornwall held by his son which provide both with vast sums. Now an investigation into these two private fiefdoms has uncovered some eye-raising details which, if not confronted, risk generating suspicion that will gnaw away at the hard-won public trust. For years, speculation about how rich the royals are has been just that, a guessing game. That they had stocks and shares was accepted but the nature of their investments and how much money they amounted to was obscured in secrecy. One justification was that public knowledge about where the King and his heir chose to invest might influence not just the market but also commercially disadvantage businesses because of the inevitable increase in scrutiny. Prising open the secrets of the two duchies, which are exempt from business taxes and are used to fund the royals' lifestyles and philanthropic work, has proved almost impossible. Two parliamentary committees have tried and largely failed. But revelations from Channel 4's Dispatches programme and The Sunday Times about the millions the duchies are raking in from public services, including hospitals, schools and even the hard-pressed Armed Forces, have provoked worrying questions that highlight potential conflicts of interest and strike at the issue of transparency. Revelations from Channel 4's Dispatches programme have provoked questions that highlight potential conflicts of interest and strike at the issue of transparency The investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and the Sunday Times examined the land and properties the two leading royals own through the duchies The feudal-sounding duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall are actually property companies with assets worth 1.8 billion and 5,410 landholdings, ranging from rental houses and flats to farmland, mining rights and drilling sites. And the investigation has thrown up some intriguing details. One 15-year deal will see the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London pay 11.4 million to store its fleet of electric ambulance in a warehouse owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. The King will also make at least 28 million from windfarms because the duchy retains an ancient right to charge for cables crossing the foreshore across a swathe of coastline in the northwest of England. William's Duchy of Cornwall has signed a 37.5 million deal to lease Dartmoor prison for 25 years to the Ministry of Justice, which is liable for all repairs. His estate also owns Camelford House, a 1960s tower block on the banks of the Thames, which has brought in 22 million since 2005 from rents. It is known as 'Charity Towers' because so many, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Comic Relief, have rented offices there. The King is patron of both Macmillan and Marie Curie, while William has promoted Comic Relief. A charity that has the King or heir as its patron, or a cause advocated by them, that pays rent to the duchy, must surely touch on a possible conflict of interest. A Member of Parliament in the same position would have to declare it. Shouldn't the Royal Family be held to the same standards? Elsewhere, William's duchy has charged the Royal Navy more than 1 million to build and use jetties that moor its warships at Devonport. On Dartmoor, where the Cornwall estate owns 67,000 acres, it is charging the military for the right to train troops there. Some will doubtless find the morality of charges relating to public services troubling. Can it be right that the monarch, who is head of the Armed Forces, appears to be benefiting financially from military contracts? Or that the cash-strapped NHS is helping to fund the royals' income? At a time when many households are struggling with the cost of living and Labour's higher taxes the findings are bound to provoke debate. There already have been calls for the two duchies to be folded into the Crown estate, which sends its profits to the Government. It should be pointed out that Charles and William do pay income tax on profits from their estates after business expenses have been deducted, but both refuse to say how much. The late Queen had a unique ability to divine the mood of the nation. After the Windsor Castle fire, amid public anger that taxpayers should be asked to meet repair costs, she funded the restoration herself. It would be a shame if her successors facing a potentially similar test of public confidence, failed to grasp the nettle. King Tutankhamun's death mask is one of the most iconic Egyptian relics, but researchers claim it may not have been intended for the late pharaoh. A team from the University of York in the UK say the holes in the ears of the mask suggest the mask was actually intended for a high status female or child rather, possibly King Tut's stepmother whose body has never been found. They hypothesize that Tutankhamun's sudden death at 18 may have saw the shape of his face grafted on top of the true owner of the mask. Professor Joann Fletcher said: 'This mask was not made for an adult male pharaoh when the gold was compared, [they found] the face is made of completely different gold to the rest.' The researchers arrived at the new theory after re-examining the historical records of the 1922 excavation, finding mentions of body modifications that did not align with ancient Egyptian tradition. One document in particular, caught the attention of Professor Fletcher, which read: 'Honed in on one long-overlooked feature... the decidedly pierced ears [on the death mask.' While pharaohs wore earrings, the modifications were not carried over to the death mask. Piercings have only been on those made for the masks of queens and children. Professor Fletcher made the revelations in a newly released History Hit documentary, saying she was sure the death mask was not specifically designed for King Tut. King Tutankhamun's death mask has pierced ears and is made of a type of gold that wasn't typically used for rulers The mask was likely made for someone else and was re-molded to more closely resemble Tut. It was found in his tomb in the Valley of Kings in 1922 The idea, however, was first proposed in 2015 by Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves who claimed the gold face covering was originally made for Queen Nefertiti - the young king's stepmother. Nefertiti married Akhenaten, Tutankhamun's father, but her tomb has yet to be discovered. King Tutankhamun ascended to the Egyptian throne at just nine years of age and ruled from 1332 BC to 1323 BC. In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the mask in Tut's lavish tomb in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile River. A death mask was made for both pharaohs and the everyday person to honor the deceased and establish a connection with the spiritual world. However, a pharaoh's mask was made of gold or silver, while lesser people's were fashioned from wood or clay. They were created in the likeness of the person's face to help the deceased's soul return to their body so they could be judged by the Egyptian god Anubis. In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the mask in Tut's lavish tomb in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile River Tut's mask featured a broad collar made of semiprecious stones and colored beads were inlaid throughout, and Tut was given a false beard made of gold. Professor Joann Fletcher combed through Carter's burial records of King Tut to see if more discoveries could be made more than a century later. The ear piercings caught her attention immediately as she is an Egyptologist who has been studying the ancient civilization for decades. Famed pharaohs like King Tut's great-grandfather, Amenhotep III, and Ramses II were also found buried in death masks, but neither featured ear modifications. And none of their statues were found with the piercings. However, placement for the jewelry has been found etched in statues of queens, such as Nefertiti, and the death mask of Sobekneferu. Professor Fletcher suggested that the clues on the mask meant King Tut's burial was rushed. The young pharaoh was plagued with health issues due to Akhenaten marrying his sister who gave birth to the boy king. Black blotches were found on the walls of the tomb, indicating that the paintings were rushed because of the pharaoh's untimely death King Tutankhamun died at just 19 years old from an infection that researchers believe stemmed from a broken leg While not proven, King Tut was believed to have a club foot, cleft palate, bone disease and scoliosis. Some experts have suspected he was murdered, while others believe the health issues took a toll. Not only are there clues in the death mask about a rushed burial, archaeologists have documented blotches of paint on the wall that suggested it hadn't dried when the tomb was quickly sealed. The size of the lavish burial was also much smaller than what was expected for a pharaoh of Tut's stature. 'This is the tomb that was intended for Tutankhamun, the tomb of Ay,' Prof Fletcher explained. 'To deepen the enigma, dark spots are scattered across the walls of King Tut's tomb marks that scores of experts point to as a sign the paint was still wet when the tomb was sealed, hinting at the hurried nature of its completion.' Asteroid mining might sound like something out of science fiction, but experts say it could be the path to out-of-this-world wealth. According to Matt Gialich, founder of space mining company Astroforge, companies will soon 'make a s***load of money' mining space rocks. As his company prepares to launch its second mission, Mr Gialach told Gizmodo that companies will be able to tap into an effectively 'unlimited' supply of resources. Estimates suggest some asteroids, such as the 124-mile-wide 16 Psyche, could contain more than $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion) in precious metals. If the resources from just that one asteroid could be mined, it would generate enough money to make everyone on Earth a billionaire. While the technology to do so is still a long way off, the potential profits have proven tempting enough for Astroforge to raise $40 million (31m) in funding. The company is keeping its target asteroid a closely guarded secret, but has revealed that it will be specifically hunting for rocks rich in platinum. Mr Gialich says: 'I want to dominate the world when it comes to ideal progression, and that's how we think about it. At the same time, in the short term, we're going to make a s***load of money.' Space experts say that mining asteroids could be the path to making 's***loads of money' as a single asteroid like 16 Psyche (artist's impression) could contain $10,000 quadrillion of metals According to Matt Gialich, founder of space mining company Astroforge, companies will soon 'make a s***load of money' mining space rocks Astroforge was founded by Mr Gialich and Jose Acain in January 2022 with the goal of becoming the first company to mine platinum from an asteroid. In 2023 the company launched its first satellite to demonstrate how metals could be refined in orbit using simulated asteroid material. While the launch suffered an array of technical issues including communication errors that prevented the metal refining demonstration from taking place, Mr Gialich was not daunted. In 2025, the company will launch the Odin mission to surveil a potentially metal-rich asteroid in deep space with the intention of one day mining the minerals found there. Odin will launch as a rideshare payload on Intuitive Machines' IM-3 lunar lander before slingshotting around the moon and out into space. Mr Gialich says: 'The point of mission two is to get to the asteroid and take a picture of it to show that we have found the correct asteroid that we want to go after.' However, Mr Gialich says that he will never reveal the name or location of the asteroid his company is aiming for. 'We keep some criteria under wraps, we spent a lot of capital making sure we're going after the right asteroid,' Mr Gialich says. US startup Spaceforge plans to send its Odin spacecraft (pictured) to a deepspace asteroid in 2025. Odin will take photos of the satellite to confirm it is the right one to mine 16 Psyche (pictured) is a giant metal asteroid made up of almost 85 per cent metal including iron and nickel which could be mined for its vast resources. NASA has launched the Psyche mission to reach the asteroid in six years HOW MUCH IS PSYCHE WORTH? If 16 Psyche is loaded with precious metals, it could be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion) according to Dr Linda Elkins-Tanton, a space scientist at MIT. The iron alone would be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). Assuming the market for asteroid materials is on Earth, this could cause the value of precious metals to plummet. Ultimately, it could lead to the collapse of the entire economy. Speaking to Global News Canada, Dr Elkins-Tanton said: 'Even if we could grab a big metal piece and drag it back here what would you do? Advertisement 'Why would I give any competitors information on what we're going after?' The only detail the company will share is that the asteroid in question is likely to be rich in platinum group metals. These metals are extremely rare on the Earth's surface but a single asteroid could potentially contain trillions of dollars worth of the valuable minerals. However, some asteroids identified could contain even larger hauls of mineral wealth. For example, NASA believes that the asteroid 16 Psyche contains vast amounts of iron and nickel. Dr Linda Elkins-Tanton, a space scientist at MIT, estimates that the iron in 16 Psyche alone could be worth $10,000 quadrillion (8,072 quadrillion). In October last year, NASA launched the 1.2 billion (988 million) Psyche spacecraft on a six-year, 2.2 billion-mile (3.6 billion-kilometre) trip to a space rock. NASA has said it has no intention to try to mine the asteroid but there are now a growing number of companies fighting to be the first to do so. Astroforge founder Matt Gialich says that Odin (pictured) will pave the way for a follow-up mission to land on the asteroid. However, he will not reveal the name of its target to avoid giving his competitors an edge As spaceflight has grown cheaper and rockets have become more powerful, deep space is now opening up as a possible field for private companies. 'I had a whole bunch of stupid ideas about what you could do if you got to deep space. The one that made the most sense was to go become a mining company,' Mr Gialich says. Astroforge's biggest step towards this goal came last month when it became the first company to receive a licence to operate in deep space. Astroforge was granted an experimental licence from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate a spaceship beyond two million kilometres (1.24 million miles) from Earth. This will give the company the legal clearance to stay in communication with Odin as it travels out to meet its asteroid target. Mr Gialich says: 'It's going to be the first time in human history that a private company launches into deep space to perform a mission. 'I think that's a really f****** cool thing to go after and do it.' Many have challenged the legal and ethical basis of a company taking ownership of an object in space. Astroforge was awarded the first commercial licence to operate in deep space. This could pave the way for more companies searching for asteroids to mind (stock image) Legal experts have pointed out that the ownership of objects in space enters a legal grey area, further complicated by the issue the main space treaties were not written with private companies in mind. Additionally, some have pointed out that the vast amounts of resources in a single asteroid could crash the prices for some commodities, leading to widespread economic chaos. However, Mr Gialich remains unconcerned and insists that space mining is both 'hugely lucrative' and more environmentally friendly than mining on Earth. 'In 2015, we passed the Space Act, and the Space Act says any commercial company in the United States can mine an asteroid for profit,' he says. 'If we are successful, there will be a lot of people that will try to regulate us out of existence. 'I think my job is to prove that it's f****** possible, and as soon as we prove that it's possible, we'll probably hire a lot of lawyers or something.' Microsoft has confirmed that its new Windows update is causing the blue screen of death for users attempting to install the software. The company issued a warning Friday, saying that its Windows Server 2025 is experiencing several bugs that cause the program to fail or at least three hours to restart. However, the bugs have caused the blue screen of death but Microsoft has said it's working on a fix that should roll out in the coming month. In the meantime, users should take precautions when downloading Windows Server 2025 by checking if your computer would be at risk. To determine if the update will cause the blue screen of death (BSOD), Microsoft encourages users to use the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys to open Windows Task Manager. Under the Performance Tab, users need to reduce the number of logical processors to 256 or under. Logical processors are a component in the computer that's responsible for carrying out instructions and coordinating tasks associated with the software. Microsoft first released Windows Server 2025 for its administrative staff in January, but opened it up to the general public over the weekend. Microsoft has issued a warning to users who want to download the Windows Server 2025 software update Microsoft users have complained about the issue on X, saying when they tried to install the Windows Server 2025, the BSOD appeared. One person wrote that they had tried to get into their PC for two hours after trying to download the software, but the blue screen kept blocking them from logging in. 'Im [for real] about to fight Microsoft,' the person wrote in frustration, adding: 'It wont accept my password, their customer support chat just sends me into a login loop, cant call cause I live in a dead zone.' Others threatened to switch from Windows to Mac, with one person saying that their five-month-old laptop suddenly showed the BSOD and refused to reboot, forcing them to send it out to be repaired. 'F*** Microsoft... I'm still waiting and waiting but nothing happening since four hours just Blue screen. What the #hell thing have you made up?' another person commented. Users who tried to download the server over the weekend encountered the blue screen of death when they launched, restarted or attempted to run an app. The BSOD is a critical error screen that pops up on Windows computers when the operating system becomes overwhelmed and encounters a critical problem it can't recover from. Microsoft said that the identified 'issues may not trigger consistently, for which it is also possible that the server will start and operate without problem.' Users have reported experiencing the blue screen of death when they try to download the software If a computer has too many logical processors, it can prove devastating to a software application that isn't designed to use a large number of them. This can cause the program to have a slower performance or cause instability - like the BSOD. When a software application has to switch between too many logical processors, the system ends up spending more time managing the transitions than processing the data. To adjust the number of logical processors, users should first restart their servers and open the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) setup. This lets you configure aspects of the computer's firmware and hardware and can be accessed by entering the F2 key when the computer boots back up. Moving through the menu options, you should locate the processor settings option and select 'enabled to display all logical processors,' or 'disabled to display only one logical processor per core' from the logical processor option. Then you'll have to calculate the number of cores per socket so it comes to a value of 256 or less. You'll have to first check how many cores per socket there are in your computer's logical processor - which is typically listed under the CPU details section or under the Performance tab in the Task Manager. Multiply the number of sockets found in CPU by the number of logical processors and enter that final number into the system before restarting your computer. This should fix the problem and ensure your computer isn't faced with the blue screen of death. DailyMail.com has reached out to Microsoft to confirm how many people were impacted by the Windows Server 2025 bugs, what steps the company is taking to update the software and when users can expect it to be updated. Storm Rafael is brewing in the Caribbean - and its effect could impact the US. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning Monday that the storm, currently labeled Tropical Cyclone Eighteen, could hit the Cayman Islands in the next 36 hours. The high winds could cause Rafael to reach a Category 1 hurricane status in the western Caribbean on Wednesday, but storm trackers said it should weaken to a tropical storm as it moves toward the US Gulf Coast states by the weekend. As a result, Louisiana, Mississippi andTexas could see heavy rainfall and flooding by Saturday, while the southwestern part of Florida could see minor impacts starting Thursday. 'Interests in the Florida Keys should closely monitor this system as tropical storm watches could be required for portions of these areas later today,' NHC shared. The agency noted that the system is predicted to venture into the Gulf of Mexico later this week but given significant uncertainties in the long-range forecast track and intensity, it is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts could occur.' November is the final month of hurricane season, but up to three more named storms could form before the end. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for parts of the Caribbean. The agency is also monitoring the path of the storm as it could cross Florida Meteorologists are tracking storm Rafael which is expected to reach the US by the end of the week AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: 'There have only been three hurricane landfalls in the US during the month of November since 1900. 'They all made landfall in Florida. Weve never seen a tropical storm or hurricane on record make landfall in Texas or Louisiana during the month of November.' The storm is currently a disturbance in the Caribbean, with a maximum wind speed of 35 miles per hour as it moves about nine miles per hour north. Once the wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour, it will be upgraded to a tropical storm but will need to reach 74 miles per hour to reach hurricane status. The NHC's data predicts that high speed wind from the storm will reach the western tip of Florida Wednesday morning and Louisiana, Mississippi by Thursday evening. Forecasters aren't sure whether the storm's intensity will remain the same as it reaches Florida later this week but said it could bring localized wind damage and flash flooding to some areas. 'The system is forecast to enter the western Gulf of Mexico later this week, but given significant uncertainties in the long-range forecast track and intensity, it is too soon to determine what, if any, impacts could occur,' the NHC said. The agency has placed Cuban under a hurricane watch and Jamaica has a tropical storm warning as of Monday morning. The storm was located about 220 miles south of Jamaica as of 7am ET on Monday. 'Rainfall totals between three to six inches with locally up to nine inches are expected. Flooding could occur over portions of Jamaica and Cuba, with mudslides possible,' the center noted. The storm will hit states along the Gulf Coast including Louisiana and Texas in November for the first time in recorded history The storm has currently reached speeds of 35 miles per hour but could be upgraded to hurricane status as it crosses over Jamaica and Cuba on Wednesday It also comes as AccuWeather meteorologists are tracking a second storm in the Atlantic Basin that's heading east toward Portugal. The tropical development, which formed on Sunday, is located to the north of the Caribbean and will be monitored through November 8 as it reaches the Bahamas. However, the high wind shear in the area means the storm will be less likely to develop, but meteorologists warned that it's close proximity to land 'warrants close monitoring.' A wind shear could slow down the storm as it enters the Gulf of Mexico by removing the heat and moisture from the center of the hurricane. Since 1900, only three hurricanes have made landfall in the US in November - all of which hit Florida - but this is the first time a tropical storm or hurricane will make landfall in Texas or Louisiana. Lead AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: 'We're in the final month of hurricane season, and we're expecting one to three named storms to develop this month.' This marks the 17th storm of this year's hurricane season which extends through November 30. 'This has been an extremely impactful hurricane season, and it's not over yet,' said DaSilva. 'AccuWeather experts estimate the total damage and economic loss from landfalling storms in the U.S. this year is approaching $500 billion.' On Tuesday, Americans will decide whether Vice President Kamala Harris will be the first female president, or former President Donald Trump will win a second term. The economy, abortion, January 6 and the southern border will influence how Americans will vote. But experts say another factor will play a big role in their decision: the weather. AccuWeather meteorologists have issued a severe thunderstorm and flood warning on Election Day for much of the central US, including in the pivotal swing state of Michigan. 'Torrential downpours, localized flash flooding and the risk of lightning strikes can cause trouble for workers and voters waiting in long lines at the polls, as well as travel delays,' the alert reads. Oklahoma is currently under a tornado warning after intense storms crossed the state Saturday night and Sunday. It's unclear whether the threat will extend into Tuesday, but it's possible that the rough weather could affect voting in this state. And it's not just the logistical barriers that the bad weather throws up. A political strategist told DailyMail.com that a stormy day can also impact voter mood and sway the undecided toward a particular candidate. When an undecided voter goes to the polls feeling pessimistic, they may be more inclined to vote for a candidate whose campaign is based on doom and gloom, Bradley Tusk explained. It's a general rule of thumb that rain benefits the Republican ticket, Tusk said. Storms throughout the central US could give Trump a boost on Tuesday He claimed that Trump's campaign strategy falls into that pessimistic category, whereas Harris' messaging revolves around optimism and hope for the future. Therefore, 'If you went to the to the polling place on a miserable day and you were truly undecided, from a pure subconscious standpoint, arguably, that would advantage Trump,' said Tusk. In fact, it's a general rule of thumb that rain benefits the Republican ticket, Tusk said. But that's not because all Republicans run pessimistic presidential campaigns. 'Lower voter turnout works better for Republicans,' Tusk said. That's because more people tend to vote Democrat - which is also why this party sometimes wins the popular vote, but not the electoral vote, he explained. Research has shown that rainfall negatively impacts voter turnout. One study estimates that for every centimeter of rain that falls on voting day, turnout falls by 0.95 percentage points. Rain can induce a bad mood. When undecided voters go to the polls feeling pessimistic, they may be more inclined to vote for a candidate whose campaign is based on doom and gloom While that may seem like an incremental impact, heavy rain or extreme weather in a swing state could, in theory, alter the results of an election. While the central US will be mired in storms, AccuWeather has predicted warm and dry conditions on Election Day across much of the East Coast and Southeast. This could boost voter turnout and mood, thus increasing support for Harris, according to Tusk. Parts of the Rocky Mountains could see rain and snow, and temperatures will be chilly throughout the West and Southwest on Tuesday, possibly resulting in a slight advantage for Trump. But election day weather in the seven swing states - Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada - is really 'the only weather that matters,' Tusk said. As for the reason why: 'Ultimately, it's because of the Electoral College,' he said. 'The US does not determine the president by who wins the most votes. It determines who wins by 270 Electoral College votes, which are allocated by state,' Tusk said. Therefore, a bad weather forecast in Michigan could have a significant impact on the election results, helping Trump to win this critical battleground state. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump visited North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This storm could have a strong influence on the 2024 election As North Carolinians pick up the pieces of their homes and communities, it's safe to assume that this will have a negative impact on voter turnout, though this remains to be seen And Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on swing state North Carolina could prove to be influential too, Tusk said. 'North Carolina is one of the seven states that will determine who the next president of the United States is going to be,' he said. 'You can't really have much higher stakes than this.' The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on September 26. Of the six southeastern states that it impacted, North Carolina took the brunt of the devastation, and also happens to be the only affected swing state. About half of the total deaths occurred in North Carolina, which was battered by torrential rain, widespread flooding and high winds. State officials have reported 96 deaths related to the storm, and estimate that Helene caused at least $53 billion in damages and recovery needs. As North Carolinians pick up the pieces of their homes, it's safe to assume that this will have a negative impact on voter turnout, though this remains to be seen, Tusk said. Western North Carolina can expect between 0.01 and 0.50 inches of rain on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. This could dampen the mood among voters that do make it to the polls and further increase support for Trump. Some experts believe voting day conditions have swayed elections before, though this is less fact than political lore, Tusk cautioned. During the 1960 election when John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon, voting day was clear and sunny across the US. Some experts speculate that this gave the Democratic ticket an advantage. And in 2000, when George W. Bush ran against Al Gore, election day was rainy in Florida - the deciding state for this election. The bad weather lowered voter turnout in some strongholds for Gore, such as Pensacola. This may have played a role in securing the presidency for Bush. Weeks of drought in western Pennsylvania have caused river levels to sink so low that the historic Great Crossing Bridge has resurfaced for the first time in decades. The 200-year-old bridge, an 1818 structure of cut sandstone, typically lies 50 feet beneath the surface of the Youghiogheny River Lake. But the lake, which has an average water elevation of 1,439 feet above sea level, was at 1,378 feet on October 18 and had dropped by an additional four feet as of Friday. The Great Crossing Bridge was built to connect Fayette and Somerset counties, which have been affected by weeks of drought. This is the first time the three arches of the bridge have been visible since 1998 and only a few times in the last 80 years has the structure been visible and traversable. The rare event caused excitement in the area as people drove from miles away to walk across the historic structure for a once in a lifetime experience. Officials are predicting water levels will recover in the next few weeks as winter typically brings major snowfall and heavy rain to the area. Weeks of drought in western Pennsylvania have caused river levels to sink so low that the historic Great Crossing Bridge has resurfaced for the first time in decades October was an exceptionally dry month across the Northeast US. Parts of some states - including Pennsylvania - set records for longest consecutive number of days without measurable precipitation, according to the Northeast Regional Climate Center. Philadelphia recently broke its 150-year record for the most dry days in a row, marking it s 29th-straight day on October 28. Vince Klinkner, the resources manager at Youghiogheny River Lake, told WTAE: 'I see at least seven different articles, showing where the bridge has been out and kind of doing the same story that we're doing here today. 'Ranging from the early '70s up until now.' But the river lake is not at its record lowest water level. In fact, it's 'not even close to a top three at this point,' he continued to explain. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Youghiogheny river lake to witness this rare spectacle, CBS News Pittsburgh reported. One such visitor was Gerald O'Brien, who biked to the site from Uniontown to see it. 'This is very unique,' O'Brien told CBS. 'You expect to see this in Europe and that, but to see this in our own country, to see the structure, it's amazing,' he added. Others hoping to witness this slice of history should get there quickly. Once water levels return to normal, there's no way to know when the bridge will be visible again. Karen Wolfe told TribLive: 'This is amazing. It's probably 15 years that we've been coming up here boating, and we've never seen it like this.' This is the first time the three arches of the bridge have been visible since 1998 Jack Kemp and his wife, Gail, also took a trip to the bridge from their home in Hopwood, on the outskirts of Uniontown. 'It used to be you just saw the top part of it,' he said. 'Now you can see it all. 'We've never walked down here before. We've just seen it going across the (modern) bridge. I've never seen the water this low.' The US Army Corps of Engineers expects the water level to return to normal levels once fall rain and winter snow begin. But in the meantime, the resurfaced bridge offers a rare glimpse of Pennsylvania's history. The bridge's name comes from George Washington's reference to the area during certain marches along Braddock's Toad, Jacob Miller, a curator with the Historical Society of Somerset County, told CBS News Pittsburgh. The US Army Corps of Engineers expects the water level to return to normal levels once fall rain and winter snow begin 'And before that, that was known as the Great Crossings of the Youghiogheny River,' Miller said. Somerfield - a village in Somerset County - was settled in 1818 as 'Smythfield.' It was named for the town's founder, Phillip D. Smyth. That same year, the Great Crossings Bridge was built as part of the National Road, which connected the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and was the first highway built entirely with federal funds, CBS News Pittsburgh reported. When the bridge was completed, it was christened by President James Monroe and his entire cabinet, the CBS report added. In 1830, the town applied for a post office and discovered that there was already another town called Smythfield in the commonwealth, so it was renamed Somerfield in honor of a local minister of that name, according to Mountain Discoveries Magazine. By the 1930s, Somerfield and other neighboring towns saw a significant downturn in prosperity. Thus, a decision was made to build a nearby dam and flood the small valley in order to mitigate flooding in the region. The 184-foot high, 1,604-foot wide Youghiogheny Dam was built in 1944. As a result, Somerfield - and the Great Crossings Bridge - sank beneath the rising waters and was lost to history. But occasionally, the bridge and other remnants of the lost town resurface, offering people a chance to visit a fascinating part of Pennsylvania's past. An embarrassing glitch has reemerged on iPhone, judging from complaints online a bug that dredges up old web searches many would like to keep private. Some Apple users are discovering that their devices are displaying old adult content at unwanted moments, despite their best efforts to clear their browser history, tabs and cookies, even after making sure to view risque content in 'incognito mode' only. 'I have a fairly new iPhone and this is happening,' one Apple fan confessed. 'Old porn vid stuck in Firefox preview mode, only happens in landscape [mode] though.' Another user told horror stories of their iPhone displaying old adult content while 'people have been looking over my shoulder as I am showing them something.' 'My mom was one of them,' the iPhone owner posted to Reddit with weeping emoji. The glitch echoes recent warnings about Apple's Mirroring feature, which security experts advised this month might inadvertently share users' private information with others, particularly when activated on work-issued iPhones, iPads and other devices. The resurgence of these two mortifying, privacy glitches might be linked to the rollout of Apple's new iOS 18 operating system, which has brought with it a host of irritating issues, including reports that iOS 18.1 is inexplicably draining their battery. A deadly embarrassing glitch has reemerged on iPhone, judging from complaints online. 'I have a fairly new iPhone and this is happening,' one Apple fan confessed just this past September. 'Old porn vid stuck in Firefox preview mode' 'I'm scared to have other people look at or hold my phone or iPad,' one Apple customer who reported owning an iPhone 11 posted to Reddit two years ago. 'Many people have mentioned a similar issue with Safari [Apple's browser] but no fixes. How do I stop this from happening!!!!?' the user, baka-420, asked. 'I have cleared all the cookies and history components, etc. It has not fixed the problem.' But just two months ago, this inactive thread sprang back to life with fresh reports of the glitch plaguing shame-faced users of more much current iPhone models. 'This has happened to me over several phones, over years,' one embarrassed user, Secret_Account07, posted in mid-September. 'Nothing I did would get rid of it.' 'IDK [I don't know] why Apple can't fix this, iOS is clearly caching the image for landscape mode,' the user continued. 'It's been an issue for years, and is not a complex issue that would require a team of engineers [...] Apple please fix this,' the user pleaded. This more recent iPhone owner advised the group that they were eventually able to fix the problem, after much trial and error, by 'uninstalling and reinstalling Firefox.' But even with some sort of makeshift solution available, many of these iPhone users were still outraged: 'It's a problem that has potential to lead to very inappropriate things. Imagine a kid using your phone or showing them something on your phone.' Just two months ago, an inactive thread warning of this 'glitch' sprang back to life on Reddit with fresh reports of the issue plaguing shame-faced users of more much current iPhones The resurgence of these two mortifying, privacy glitches might be linked to the rollout of Apple's new iOS 18 operating system, which has brought with it a host of irritating issues, with some saying iOS 18.1 is unexplainably is draining their battery One other concerned iPhone owner speculated that something more malicious than a simple bug or glitch might be at work. 'I have the same exact problem,' they chimed in. 'It's super odd. I wonder if it's a virus of some sort? I don't know but it makes zero sense why it would flash a porn site, if I don't even have a porn site on any of my tabs.' While Apple has yet to comment on the issue, tech industry watchers have advised that the issue does appear to be linked to an individual iPhone's cached images. In some cases, the unwanted images appear to be popping up when users are swiping up to switch from one app to another. For those who browse the web with Chrome and Firefox, deleting and redownloading your web browser appears to be the most foolproof way of resolving the problem. But, unfortunately, that fix doesn't work with Apple's built-in Safari browser. The best way to clear cached images on anything running Safari via Apple's iOS be it a laptop, desktop, iPad or iPhone is to routinely delete your internet history. The process is a bit of hassle, but Apple's easy to follow instructions are available online. One way to delete your cached images, is to first go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data and then select 'Cached Images and Files.' Or, to clear your history directly from Safari and for Safari only, tap the 'bookmark' icon button within the Safari app, tap the 'history' (clock) button, then tap Clear. Apple advises however that users should be mindful if they have different profiles in their Safari browser, as is common on the family iPad: 'If you have Safari profiles set up, select a profile to clear only the history of that profile, or select All Profiles.' A crew of four NASA astronauts was recently hospitalized without explanation after returning to Earth on SpaceX's Dragon capsule. After spending more than 200 days on the International Space Station (ISS), the Crew-8 astronauts splashed down off the coast of Florida in the early morning hours of October 25. NASA revealed that one astronaut received medical care following the return, but on Monday it was found that all members had been taken to the hospital. One crewmember was kept overnight, but was said to be 'in stable condition under observation as a precautionary measure.' NASA has not released any details about why the crew was hospitalized, which astronaut had to complete an overnight stay, or whether the medical issues were related to their return to Earth. Following the mysterious incident, a NASA safety panel told SpaceX to focus on crew safety as they prepare for future crewed missions to the ISS. During a meeting of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel on October 31, former astronaut and committee member Kent Rominger listed a series of 'recent issues' with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. He said the mishaps serve as a reminder to remain vigilant as the company increases the pace of its missions. 'Both NASA and SpaceX need to maintain focus on safe Crew Dragon operations and not take any 'normal' operations for granted,' he said. All four of the Crew-8 astronauts were hospitalized following their return to Earth, but NASA has not released any details about the reason, or reasons, why The Crew-8 mission launched toward the ISS on March 3, and the crew was initially expected to return to Earth in August. But a series of delays pushed the return flight to early October, extending what was supposed to be a 180-day stay on the ISS into a 232-day stay. A typical long-term stay on the ISS lasts six months, or roughly 182 days. Living on the ISS does take a toll on astronauts' health, and the longer they stay, the more servere these health issues can become. Following long-term space missions, astronauts are known to suffer from bone and muscle loss, vision problems, kidney stones, cardiovascular issues and other health conditions. NASA has not released any information about why the Crew-8 astronauts were hospitalized, so it is not clear whether their extended stay on the ISS was the cause. It's also possible (but not confirmed) that something went awry during Crew Dragon's return to Earth. The incidents that Rominger referenced include observations of the Crew Dragon parachutes during the Crew-8 splashdown, such as 'lagging' behavior that caused one of the four main chutes to open slower than the others, SpaceNews reported. He also cited several issues with SpaceX's Falcon 9, such as the July launch failure that grounded the rocket for about two weeks. In August, Falcon 9 launches were briefly halted after one of the rocket's boosters was lost during a drone ship landing. The Crew-8 astronauts splashed down on the SpaceX Dragon Endeavor on October 25, following a 235-day mission And in September, another mishap with the Falcon 9's upper-stage engine occurred during a deorbit burn following the launch of the Crew-9 mission. As a result, the second stage landed outside the target zone, and the rocket was grounded for another two weeks, except for one mission. Even as recently as Sunday, SpaceX scrubbed a Starlink satellite launch scheduled for this weekend due to a helium leak. 'When you look at these recent incidents over the last handful of weeks, it does lead one say that it's apparent that operating safely requires significant attention to detail as hardware ages and the pace of operations increases,' Rominger said. He added that both NASA and SpaceX will have to 'guard against letting the high pace of operations from clouding their judgement' to ensure that missions are conducted with the appropriate level of attention, time and resources. Elon Musk's SpaceX has been a trusted NASA partner for years, and the company has been particularly busy this year. The commercial spaceflight leader has already launched over 100 rockets in 2024, including several crewed missions. Musk has set an ambitious goal to achieve a total of 148 before the year is over. This would beat the 98 launches SpaceX achieved in 2023. But the company's focus on maintaining a fast-paced mission schedule, and thus its leading position in the commercial space industry, could come at the cost of astronaut health and safety. Asia (BBC1) Rating: Is there anything more reassuring on a Sunday evening than the sight of Sir David Attenborough striding into shot, ready to introduce us to a new series? It means that we are almost certainly in for an hour of the best that television has to offer. Of all the wonderful places in the world, he said from a wood-panelled room at the Natural History Museum, one continent holds more riches than any other. If you think you have seen the best the natural world has to offer, think again. He is now 98, yet there was still an unmistakable twinkle of excitement in his eye as he introduced his new series Asia. There will be seven programmes, and we began beneath the waves with a colourful fish called the Moorish Idol. Sir David Attenborough's new series Asia is an hour of the best television has to offer A dusky-grilled mudskipper sitting in the mud in the mangroves of the Indonesian island of Java A pod of sperm whales socialise at the surface in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean Sir David may be 98, but there is still an unmistakable twinkle of excitement in his eye as he introduces his new series These are decorated with stripes of brilliant yellow, white and black, which no doubt makes them highly alluring to underwater camera teams. But it leaves them with one fatal disadvantage. They might as well be tattooed with a sign which says: Luncheon is served. It wasnt long before a hungry gang of sharks swam into view with a gleam in their collective eyes. When Sir David takes us under water, it is never long before the sharks arrive. They must have the best agent in the natural world. The sharks made short work of the Moorish Idols. We were able to watch from above as a swarming yellow mass tried desperately to escape the relentless grey pursuit. Once the sharks work had been done, that mass of black, white and yellow had been reduced to just eight, rather forlorn Idols. With that it was off to the island of Komodo and the manta ray, which looks like a cross between a Stealth bomber and a Hercules with the cargo door open. They glide, slack-jawed through the water, guzzling plankton. And when theyve had their fill, they enjoy a trip to an undersea version of a spa. A young Yunnan snub-nosed monkey exploring its forest home in the Hengduan Mountains in China A family of the once extinct in the wild Takhi in Hustai National Park in Mongolia An asian water monitor lizard found in the middle of Bangkok at Lumpini City Park Small butterfly fish nibble at the rays, eating plankton and dead fish. For the butterfly fish, its a square meal. For the rays, its a bit of a treat before feeding time comes around again. Quite a bit of Asias undersea world looks like its been designed by a CGI wizard working under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. Theres a slug called the Sea Bunny because it looks like a toy rabbit, complete with black-tipped ears. And in the Sea of Japan there are firefly squids, whose tiny blue and green lights look like a Poundland Christmas tree decoration. The photography, as usual with BBC natural history films, was outstanding. Its easy to forget that, as the wonders of the deep get on with their daily lives eating each other, reproducing, or just looking colourfully oddball there is somebody in a wetsuit and a camera watching on. Long may they continue. An Antiques Roadshow guest collapsed into giggles after discovering the huge value of her tiny broken carriage clock, which show expert Richard Price described as 'pretty scruffy'. Sunday's show saw members of the public bring their treasured items to Thirlestane Castle on the Scottish border, with one lady keen to learn more about the timepiece after inheriting it from her late husband's aunt. Giggling, she agreed the clock was indeed in a sorry state and had been that way since it was gifted to her on her wedding day 50-years ago. She told Richard: 'It's always sat on my desk, not working, I know it's awful isn't it?'. The expert went on to reveal the item was a French from around 1885, as he marvelled over it's porcelain panels and confirmed it had been made by renowned company Drucker of Paris. An Antiques Roadshow guest collapsed into giggles after discovering the huge value of her tiny broken carriage clock, which show expert Richard Price described as 'pretty scruffy' Sunday's show saw members of the public bring their treasured items to Thirlestane Castle on the Scottish border She told expert Richard: 'It's always sat on my desk, not working, I know it's awful isn't it?' But Richard was quick to point out it's flaws, including the need for cleaning and gold re-gilding in order to be ready to go to auction. Before adding: 'When that's done, it's going to be [worth] 4,000', as the audience gasped in surprised. Shocked the woman threw back her head laughing, as she muttered: 'I will certainly see how much that costs to get [the work] done. 'It's so special to me' she said, before Richard quipped: 'It will be even more special when it works!'. It comes after another guest was left stunned and the crowd around her gasped as she discovered the six-figure value of a 'never before seen' relic her family had been in possession of for decades. The woman explained: 'In the 1960s, my husband's parents bought a house in West Wales with all its contents and this was in its contents'. She went on to say that nobody in the family knew what it was, but after some online sleuthing were guessing it could be from Fiji. Expert Ronnie explained that the item was in fact from the Cook Islands in the 17th century and would have been used for combat. The expert went on to reveal the item was a French from around 1885, as he marvelled over it's porcelain panels and confirmed it had been made by renowned company Drucker of Paris But Richard was quick to point out it's flaws, including the need for cleaning and gold re-gilding in order to be ready to go to auction Before adding: 'When that's done, it's going to be [worth] 4,000', as the audience gasped in surprised Saying: 'Now, as we all know, Captain Cook travelled to Polynesia and during his third visit,' "His surgeon spotted one of these and noted in his journal how magnificent they were, praising this wonderful weapon'. Going on to gush that the item was 'very rare': 'These are very, very important, these objects. I've never held one of these, this is the first time.' It comes after another guest was left stunned and the crowd around her gasped as she discovered the six-figure value of a 'never before seen' relic Moving onto the valuation he concluded: 'It's a shame about the damage, there's a little bit of a tip missing but it doesn't detract from its energy and power'. Before saying that if it were to go on sale it could expect to fetch between a whooping 100K and 150k. The audience gasped in amazement as the woman exclaimed: 'Crikey! Wow, that's amazing, isn't it? Really amazing'. After nearly two years off screens, a Netflix thriller which has a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is finally set to return for season two. The Law According to Lidia Poet is based on the true story of Italy's first female lawyer who investigates homicides while battling sexism in the 19th century. The first season of the Italian show first premiered in February 2023 and holds an impressive 100% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes. On 30 October season two landed and was immediatley met with praise, with critic Sarah Musnicky raving: 'Season 2 defies the sophomore slump. With Lidias return, an era of further conflict and maturity arrives.' Meanwhile website The Review Geek gushed: 'Following an explosive reception, it returns with a Season 2 and its all the stronger for it. It is packed with gripping and unconventional investigations, steamy affairs, murders, betrayals and secrets, perfect for those who love period crime thrillers. After nearly two years off screens, Netflix thriller The Law According to Lidia Poet which has a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is finally set to return for season two The Law According to Lidia Poet is based on the true story of Italy's first female lawyer who investigates homicides while battling sexism in the 19th century 'Whether youre drawn in by the sizzling love triangle, the period setting with a modern flair, or the suspense of each unfolding case, this season is as binge-worthy as the last with a satisfying finale that has been lacking in recent Netflix shows.' The six-part crime series begins in 1883, when an appellate court in Turin rules that Lidia Poets enrollment in the albo degli avvocati is illegal and disbars her. Lidia then finds a job at her brother Enricos law firm while preparing her appeal to overturn the courts decision and then begins investigating murders. An officially synopsis teases: Lidia is back, ready to tackle new cases and continue fighting for fairer laws. Who will assist her in her battles? Her beloved brother Enrico, the charismatic new prosecutor Fourneau, or the brave Jacopo? The first series was flooded with positive feedback on social media and dozens have branded it as 'excellent' and a 'hidden gem' as others urged viewers to tune in ahead of series two. In a Reddit thread asking for 'hidden gem' recommendations, one avid fan wrote: 'If you don't mind subtitles, The Law According to Lidia Poet is excellent. It's based on the life of Italy's first female lawyer. 'Only the first season (six episodes) are available at the moment, but a second season will be released in the spring.' And another person replied: 'Loved the show.' Elsewhere, one viewer asked Facebook: 'Who's watching The Law According to Lidia Poet?' 'On episode three. Absolutely loving the clothes; Yes!! I am really enjoying it; She is stunning and the costumes enhance her beauty. Love her tenacity.' At the time when the series was set, Italy had only been a nation-state for just over 20 years and was ruled by King Victor Emmanuel II. It would be another 62 years before women were granted full suffrage and female students had only been permitted to attend university just over a decade earlier. The first season of the Italian show first premiered in February 2023 and holds an impressive 100% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes An officially synopsis teases: Lidia is back, ready to tackle new cases and continue fighting for fairer laws. Who will assist her in her battles? Her beloved brother Enrico, the charismatic new prosecutor Fourneau, or the brave Jacopo? Although Lidia made history by becoming Italys first woman lawyer, she was disbarred three months into her career after the attorney general made it clear he didnt approve. There was fierce public debate around the issue and although the decision wasnt reversed, she continued to work in her brothers law office. However, she wasnt permitted to sign letters or plead in court, so she would ask her male colleagues to conduct these parts of the job for her. Although it took decades, in 1920 Lidia was permitted to practice law again when she was 64. After dedicating her life to fighting for womens rights and gender equality, she eventually died aged 93 in 1949 after witnessing Italian women earn the right to vote for the first time after the end of World War II, which happened in 1946. Both seasons of The Law According to Lidia Poet are available to stream on Netflix. Until I Kill You viewers were not impressed after spotting a 'shockingly bad' problem just minutes into the new ITV drama. The new series stars Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer in the show inspired by Balmer's book about living with serial killer John Sweeney. Agency nurse Delia meets John who confesses to killing his ex-girlfriend and attacks her before evading capture. Balmer rebuilds her life to confront Sweeney seven years later, after he was arrested for another murder. But those watching were baffled as soon as it began by Anna Maxwell-Martin's accent. Until I Kill You viewers were not impressed after spotting a 'shockingly bad' problem just minutes into new ITV drama The new series stars Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer in the show inspired by Balmer's book about living with serial killer John Sweeney They wrote on X: 'Great drama, but is anyone else finding Anna Maxwell Martin's accent a bit odd and inconsistent.', 'Yes me. Finding it a bit annoying.', 'It's shockingly bad. I really don't like her as an actress, but was told how good this was. Not convinced in the slightest.' Last week Anna, 47, appeared on Wednesday's instalment of This Morning where she joined hosts Alison Hammond, 49, and Dermot O'Leary, 51, to discuss the new drama series. The British actress said she felt a little bit of pressure playing a real-life person as she didn't want to be 'disrespectful'. She said: 'There's only pressure in that you don't want to be disrespectful and get it wrong. 'So you have to be quite diligent in your work, you can't be lazy and say I'll phone it in on the day, otherwise you wouldn't be doing your job.' She added: 'I can definitely finish the work and go home and have a gin and tonic because it's not my life, it's not my story. 'And I think to wear it heavier than that would be to say you are walking in someone's shoes and you're not. Viewers wrote on X: 'Great drama, but is anyone else finding Anna Maxwell Martin 's accent a bit odd and inconsistent' Agency nurse Delia meets John who confesses to killing his ex-girlfriend and attacks her before evading capture 'Delia suffered terribly, she has gone on to thrive in her life and that's to be admired. It affected Delia, it didn't happen to me.' She also discussed the possibility of a Motherland comeback, in which she stars as Julia, a working mother who struggles with the responsibilities that come with raising children. The actress claimed that she felt lucky to star in the BBC sitcom, but couldn't confirm whether or not the show will be getting a new series. Motherland, created by Sharon Horgan and starring Maxwell Martin with Diane Morgan, Paul Ready, Tanya Moodie, Lucy Punch and Philippa Dunne, ran for three seasons and last aired in 2022 for a Christmas special. Asked whether there would be any new episodes, Anna said: 'I don't know. Obviously, there's brilliant Amandaland coming with Lucy (Punch, who played Amanda) and Phil (Dunne, Amanda's sidekick Anne), so I'm really pleased about that.' She continued: 'So maybe that will fill the hole that is left and I'm sure that will do really, really well. I'm so glad the girls have got that show.' Last week Anna, 47, appeared on Wednesday's instalment of This Morning where she joined hosts Alison Hammond, 49, and Dermot O'Leary, 51, to discuss the new drama series She also discussed Line Of Duty, in which she played the famously frosty DCS Patricia Carmichael. She gushed: 'I love Pat. I'd do that again in a heartbeat, that part, I absolutely had a laugh. (The audience) didn't like her, but you know... good!' Reflecting on working with Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure, she added: 'I didn't feel pressure because I felt so lucky. Some jobs, you just think, 'oh my god I feel so lucky to be here.' 'I would have made a cup of tea in the back of shot - I just felt really lucky to be there. I didn't feel pressure. I just thought, 'yippee!'' Susanna Reid and Ed Balls announced a huge Good Morning Britain shake-up kicking off on Tuesday. The presenters have been forced to 'grab their bags and go' in order to head to the US to cover the election there. Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will be taking over The White House after the last of Americans head to the polls on Tuesday. On Monday's episode the exciting trip was confirmed as Ed declared at the end: 'Susanna, grab your bags we're about to go.' Susanna, 53, then briefly added: 'Tune into Good Morning Britain tomorrow live from Washington.' Susanna Reid and Ed Balls announced a huge Good Morning Britain shake-up kicking off on Tuesday The presenters have been forced to 'grab their bags and go' in order to head to the US to cover the election there Speaking to the Radio Times, Susanna said about the trip: 'Ed Balls and I are flying straight out to Washington DC after hosting Good Morning Britain on Monday 4 November. 'We'll be soaking up the atmosphere. Then we'll be on the ground, presenting the election results programme on the Wednesday morning. 'It'll be one of those weeks where sleep takes a backseat. There are some stories where the adrenaline and cortisone just stream through your body'. It comes after Susanna broke her silence on the Strictly Come Dancing bullying probe as she spoke in a candid new interview on Sunday. The TV star and journalist appeared on the show in 2013 and was a runner-up with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. Last year a dark cloud covered the BBC show after Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington made claims against her partner Giovanni Pernice. The BBC upheld six of the 17 complaints and apologised publicly to Amanda, though Giovanni was cleared of the more serious allegations. Susanna has now told The Times of working with her partner Kevin, 42: 'I had such a great experience with him.' But she added of the show's controversy: 'It is like being on a different planet, because everything sparkles, and so it's a shame when it doesn't for other people. Kamala Harris (seen) or Donald Trump will be taking over The White House after the last of Americans head to the polls on Tuesday On Monday's episode the exciting trip was confirmed as Ed declared at the end: 'Susanna, grab your bags we're about to go' 'I think it's really important that if people have had a bad experience that is addressed and they are supported.' During the interview she also spoke about working in the ITV studios near where This Morning is filmed - but told how she doesn't have much to do with the daytime show. Asked if she watched former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield's recent survival show she bluntly told the publication: 'I didn't watch it, and I don't know him.' Last month Phillip revealed he had secretly filmed a special three part series for Channel 5, which required him to give up his home comforts for some soul-searching on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. It was the first time he had been on TV since leaving the ITV's This Morning in May 2023 after admitting to a relationship with a much younger male colleague. After the affair was revealed his co-host on the show at that time Holly Willoughby reportedly cut all ties with him. Susanna said she felt that ITV had dealt with the scandal and that it 'feels like we've moved on.' An 'absolutely flabbergasted' Antiques Roadshow guest gasped 'behave yourself!' as she learnt the eye-watering value of her grandmother's jewellery collection. Sunday night's episode on the BBC took place at Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders. One unsuspecting guest brought two brooches and a pendant from her grandmothers with the hopes of finding out more about them. It included an opal and diamond brooch dated from 1890 to 1910, a pearl and diamond pendant from the 1900s and a sapphire and diamond brooch from 1970. Expert Susan Rumfitt had the task of valuing the items and said the sapphire and diamond brooch could sell for between 500 to 700. An 'absolutely flabbergasted' Antiques Roadshow guest gasped 'behave yourself!' as she learnt the eye-watering value of her grandmother's jewellery collection One unsuspecting guest brought two brooches and a pendant from her grandmothers with the hopes of finding out more about them The pearl and diamond pendant was valued at between 1,500 and 2,000 and the opal brooch would fetch between 5,000 to 7,000. The stunned guest then excitedly exclaimed: 'No, behave yourself! Wow, thank you very much!' They added: 'I'm absolutely flabbergasted and was delighted to hear such lovely news about the jewellery. 'No, I won't be having them remodeled, I'll be keeping them the exact same!' Elsewhere on the episode a guest collapsed into giggles after discovering the huge value of her tiny broken carriage clock, which show expert Richard Price described as 'pretty scruffy'. One lady was keen to learn more about the timepiece after inheriting it from her late husband's aunt. Giggling, she agreed the clock was indeed in a sorry state and had been that way since it was gifted to her on her wedding day 50-years ago. She told Richard: 'It's always sat on my desk, not working, I know it's awful isn't it?'. Elsewhere on the episode a guest collapsed into giggles after discovering the huge value of her tiny broken carriage clock, which show expert Richard Price described as 'pretty scruffy' One lady was keen to learn more about the timepiece after inheriting it from her late husband's aunt The expert went on to reveal the item was a French from around 1885, as he marvelled over it's porcelain panels and confirmed it had been made by renowned company Drucker of Paris. But Richard was quick to point out it's flaws, including the need for cleaning and gold re-gilding in order to be ready to go to auction. Before adding: 'When that's done, it's going to be [worth] 4,000', as the audience gasped in surprised. Shocked the woman threw back her head laughing, as she muttered: 'I will certainly see how much that costs to get [the work] done. 'It's so special to me' she said, before Richard quipped: 'It will be even more special when it works!'. It came after another guest was left stunned and the crowd around her gasped as she discovered the six-figure value of a 'never before seen' relic her family had been in possession of for decades. The woman explained: 'In the 1960s, my husband's parents bought a house in West Wales with all its contents and this was in its contents'. She went on to say that nobody in the family knew what it was, but after some online sleuthing were guessing it could be from Fiji. Expert Ronnie explained that the item was in fact from the Cook Islands in the 17th century and would have been used for combat. Saying: 'Now, as we all know, Captain Cook travelled to Polynesia and during his third visit,' 'His surgeon spotted one of these and noted in his journal how magnificent they were, praising this wonderful weapon'. It came after another guest was left stunned and the crowd around her gasped as she discovered the six-figure value of a 'never before seen' relic Going on to gush that the item was 'very rare': 'These are very, very important, these objects. I've never held one of these, this is the first time.' Moving onto the valuation he concluded: 'It's a shame about the damage, there's a little bit of a tip missing but it doesn't detract from its energy and power'. Before saying that if it were to go on sale it could expect to fetch between a whooping 100K and 150k. The audience gasped in amazement as the woman exclaimed: 'Crikey! Wow, that's amazing, isn't it? Really amazing'. He is hopeful that if Trump were to lose this election, he'd be 'done' The presenter, 47, appeared emotional as he endorsed Kamala Harris John Oliver was visibly emotional as he gave an impassioned speech encouraging viewers to vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Election adding that he wants to live in a world where Donald Trump is not an 'active threat.' Speaking on Sunday's episode of his talk show, Last Week Tonight, the British-born presenter, 47, acknowledged that while the Democratic presidential candidate did not have perfect policies he would be casting a vote for her. Oliver said: 'Elections alone aren't sufficient for large-scale change, but they're absolutely necessary for it to ever happen. 'Because it's the day you essentially get to choose who you'd prefer to be pushing for the next four years and where you'll be pushing them from.' At this point, Oliver, who moved to the U.S. in 2006, appeared to fight back tears as he continued: 'Look, I love this country. I'm an immigrant. I chose to be here. John Oliver was visibly emotional as he gave an impassioned speech encouraging viewers to vote for Kamala Harris 'In the words of the late, great Lee Greenwood: "I'm proud to be an American." 'And I'd argue there is nothing more American than having a healthy, adversarial relationship with those in power, even if you voted for them.' Oliver then admitted that a Trump defeat would bring him great excitement as he believed it would mark the end of his attempt for presidency. He said: 'I know this hasn't been a very uplifting speech, if it helps at all there's one final thing: I'm going to be genuinely excited for on Tuesday and that is, if Donald Trump loses this election, he's basically finished. 'I know he would put us through hell before he left the stage, but when the dust settled, he'd have lost two elections in a row and would be campaigning as an 82-year-old next time. I think he'd be done. 'And doesn't that sound great? I know, the problems that he's a symptom of would of course remain, but we wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. 'Wouldn't it be great to live in a world where he's no longer an active threat, just an annoyance?... I want so badly to live in that world. The race is on, with less than 24 hours to go until Election Day 'And I hope everyone does everything in their power in the next 48 hours to make that world possible.' Oliver's moving speech certainly struck a chord with viewers at home who praised him for hitting the nail on the head. Taking to X, one said: 'That's it. This is the most important endorsement any candidate could get.' Another posted: 'This is just so well-f**king said.' 'This why I Love John Oliver he tells it like it Is!!! Trump will be a Disaster in Second Term America!!! Let's do this!!!' a third added. With less than 24 hours to go until election day, celebrities have been busy sharing the endorsements. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Downey Jr. are among the famous faces who have publicly backed Harris. Meanwhile YouTube star Jake Paul, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and billionaire Elon Musk have been vocal in their support for Trump. Wolf Hall (Sunday, November 10 at 9pm on BBC1) Rating: For all his jewels, his furs and finery, his procession of wives and legions of flatterers, the all-powerful Henry VIII lacked one essential item a selfie stick. As the splendid Tudor drama Wolf Hall returns to BBC1 on Sunday, Damien Lewis is playing the tyrannical monarch as a narcissist. He cant stand up without striking a pose one fist on his hip, the other hand fondling the pommel of his sword, just as he does in his portrait by court painter Hans Holbein. His Maniacal Majesty would have loved selfies. Hed have photographed himself ceaselessly, glowering up at the camera or manspreading to show off his codpiece to its best advantage. The brilliance of Wolf Hall is that it depicts the king and his courtiers from 500 years ago both as historical figures and as human beings whose vanity, greed and duplicity would not be out of place in our own time. Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) and Henry VIII (Damian Lewis) in the BBC's Wolf Hall Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Rafe Sadler in Wolf Hall. The series returns to BBC1 on November 10 We almost forget were watching the events of centuries long past, for their motives seem so modern. From that perspective, the story of Good King Hal traces the rise of a dictator a man who, in the words of his closest advisor Thomas Cromwell: Refuses to be cheated out of any part of his will. Hell give half his kingdom rather than be baulked. Henry values loyalty above everything but can be loyal to no one, let alone the people closest to him. No friend is safe, and everyone is only one slip away from the axe. The obvious parallel is with Vladimir Putin, who will kill anyone that dares thwart him. The only difference is that the Tudor despot chopped off his enemies heads, while the Monster of Moscow has them pushed out of windows. Despite being all-powerful, Henry is almost a peripheral force, a growling volcano on the edge of the narrative, constantly threatening to erupt. It is Cromwell at the centre of every scene, and Mark Rylance plays him with a hesitant diffidence in sharp contrast to his masters ominous voice. Cromwell constantly fidgets with his fur cap doffing it as a gesture of humility, turning it around nervously in his hands, straightening it fussily when he needs time to consider his next gambit. This self-effacement makes his sudden snarls and strikes all the more effective. Cromwell likes to compare himself to a butchers dog, good at standing guard. But Rylance makes him more of a cur, skulking with his teeth bared. Kate Phillips as Henry VIII's third wife Jane Seymour The Archbishop Cranmer played by Will Keen in the BBC drama series of Wolf Hall When a scheming Catholic nobleman proposes a meeting at his home, Cromwell almost wags his tail: Well, that would honour me, Sir Geoffrey. But a moment later he bites: Come to me Im busy!And when an old friend of the kings mistakenly offers unwanted advice, Cromwell seizes him by the throat and shakes him like a stick. Its a powerful performance from an actor who lacks the physical presence of the real Thomas Cromwell, a man who (as his own Holbein portrait reveals) had the squat physique of a toad on steroids. The first episode opens as the previous series ended, with the execution of Anne Boleyn. However many times weve seen it, in innumerable retellings, its a moment that never fails to shock. Claire Foy, as the bewildered, trembling queen who cant quite believe her fate, is especially touching, now that we associate her so closely with that other English queen the young Elizabeth II in The Crown. Before that, though, director Peter Kosminsky plays an arch joke. When it debuted in 2015, Wolf Hall was heaped in plaudits, with just one criticism: the cinematography was too dark. Whole scenes were shot by the light of a single candle, which might have been historically accurate but left viewers complaining of eyestrain. This time, it appears at first Kosminsky is determined to make the same stubborn mistake. The opening shot of Anne in a boat, being brought through Traitors Gate to the execution ground at the Tower of London, is so gloomy that the actors are barely visible through the shadows. But moments later we emerge from the tunnel, every scene now well-lit even when Cromwell is working alone at his desk by a guttering flame, conversing with the ghost of his former boss Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce). Lady Margaret Pole is played by Harriet Walter in the BBC drama The BBC adaptation appears to have overcome the weakness of the last book of Mantel's trilogy and delivered a conclusion that is worthy of her vision Anyone who doesnt remember the first series or know their 16th century timelines might be confused by this spirit in red robes, who vanishes when other characters enter the chamber. The device is theatrical but effective, conveying how Cromwell is haunted by his past, able to trust no one but the dead. It also captures a central hallucinatory element of Dame Hilary Mantels final novel, The Mirror And The Light, on which these six episodes (all available from Sunday on BBC iPlayer) are based. The book, the last of the Wolf Hall trilogy, was written during her long illness before her death in 2022, and it is the weakest of the three. One passage, a feverish dream, meanders on for dozens of pages. Brilliant though the first two were, the third was an overlong disappointment that failed to grip. This adaptation appears to have overcome those weaknesses and delivered a conclusion that is worthy of Mantels vision. Rosie O'Donnell has been slammed by her wayward daughter for advocating for the release of the Menendez brothers while leaving her languishing behind bars. Troubled Chelsea O'Donnell accused her famous mother of 'turning her back on her' after she was arrested and taken into custody on drug possession charges in Wisconsin last month. 'My mother is more interested in getting the Menendez brothers released from prison than getting me out,' she told DailyMail.com in an exclusive jailhouse interview. But Rosie, 62, believes Chelsea O'Donnell, 27, is safer and better off in jail than she would be if she were free. Chelsea O'Donnell, 27, is currently being held in Oconto County jail in Wisconsin after she was arrested on drug charges Rosie O'Donnell, 62, has been outspoken about her daughter's struggles with drug addiction. The pair are pictured here in 2016 And a police report describing Chelsea's living conditions when she and her boyfriend Jacob Nelund were arrested on September 9 appears to give credence to Rosie's view. 'The inside of the house was disgusting,' the report, prepared by Sheriff's Deputy Logan Graetz, read. 'Throughout the house I saw rotten food, dirty moldy dishes, milk that stunk so bad it almost made me puke, dirty diapers, used female hygiene products, unclean underwear with feces and blood stains, and used razor blades on the floor. 'The living conditions in the house were horrible. 'I then went into the child's room that was off of the kitchen. On a nightstand, I observed a blue box; and in that box, I observed several hypodermic needles. Some of the needles were used and had dried blood in them.' Deputy Graetz also said a bong and a pipe containing meth were found in a lower kitchen cabinet 'that a small child could have easily grabbed'. During her interview with DailyMail.com, Chelsea admitted she has issues. 'I have a drug problem,' she said. I need to go to rehab, but I never killed anyone like the Menendez brothers. 'My mother has turned her back on me.' Chelsea, whose fraught relationship with Rosie has hit the headlines over the years, was arrested for the second time in two months on October 11 for possessing methamphetamine, and narcotic drugs, felony bail jumping and obstruction. She is currently facing charges in two separate Wisconsin counties and is being held at the Oconto County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond. Officers described how Chelsea's house was 'unkempt and filthy' inside and out A photo of the outside of the home shows a window screen on the ground Police allegedly found a box of hypodermic needles in Atlas's room Police said both Chelsea and her boyfriend, Jacob Nelund, had dilated eyes and did not respond to a flashlight being shone in their eyes, indicating to law enforcement they had likely been using recreational drugs 'When I called Rosie to ask her to bail me out, she told me flat out, "You belong in there",' Chelsea claimed. 'She said: "I really can't help you get out of there; I don't want you to kill yourself. I don't want to be responsible for you killing yourself".' Mom-of-four Chelsea rejected Rosie's claims that she could kill herself if she's released, saying she intends to see her children. She acknowledged there's a likelihood she 'may end up in prison' before adding: 'I want to spend time with them if I'm going to prison. I'm trying to get bailed out of here.' Chelsea's latest arrest came weeks after she was initially arrested and charged in Marinette County, Wisconsin with four felony counts of maintaining a drug trafficking place, child neglect, possession of meth, and possession of THC. She was released days later on a $2,000 cash bond with conditions, before being pulled over and arrested again, this time in Oconto County, after being found with a meth pipe on October 11. Rosie, 62, broke her silence on her daughter's arrest in an Instagram post captioned: 'Sadly this is not new for our family Chelsea has struggled with drug addiction for a decade we r all hopeful she will find her way out of this deadly disease.' Chelsea has accused her mother of 'turning her back' on her while she languishes in jail The comedienne broke her silence on her daughter's arrest in an Instagram post Chelsea (second right)) was adopted by Rosie and ex-wife Kelli Carpenter when she was just a baby but moved out of the family home when she was 18 in 2016. She is pictured with her mom and siblings Vivienne and Blake in 2010 She included a selfie of Chelsea holding her infant child, which she described as a 'photo from a better time.' O'Donnell, who has five children, has had a tumultuous relationship with Chelsea who she adopted as a baby with ex Kelli Carpenter throughout the years. In her interview with DailyMail.com Chelsea called out her mother for focusing her attention on getting two convicted killers released from prison rather than helping her own daughter during her plight. O'Donnell is among the several celebrities who have recently called for the Menendez brothers' 1996 murder conviction to be revisited in light of new allegations against their father. Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has said the brothers' sentence should be reviewed with the likelihood of them getting an immediate release. The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for the double-murder of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989. Their case has gained new attention thanks to the Netflix docuseries Monsters. The brothers Lyle, 56, and Erik, 53 claimed they were driven to kill their parents due to years of sexual abuse by their father but only limited evidence of the abuse was allowed at the trial . O'Donnell has been vocal about her support for their release, most recently sharing social media posts with the hashtag '#freetheMenendezbrothers'. Chelsea slammed her mother's 'selective judgment' saying: 'My mother thinks she's this great person helping out the world including the Menendez brothers yet she is letting me sit here in jail.' She claimed the Rosie the public sees is not the real Rosie, claiming that she has not seen her grandkids in almost two and a half years. O'Donnell has been vocal about her support for their release over the years, most recently sharing social media posts with the hashtag '#freetheMenendezbrothers' Rosie is one of several celebrities who have called for the Menendez brothers' 1996 murder conviction to be revisited in light of allegations against their father Chelsea has four children, daughters Skylar Rose, five, Riley, three, and Avery Lynn, two, from a previous relationship, and son Atlas who just turned one. Atlas's father Jake Nelund was also arrested in the September 10 incident and remains in custody in Marinette County Jail. When she has asked her mom to come visit her and her grandkids, Chelsea claims O'Donnell has refused, saying 'it's depressing to come out to Wisconsin.' She also claimed that Rosie takes online pictures of her kids some of whom she's never met and posts them to her own social media to make herself seem like a doting grandmother. She said her three oldest children are currently with their father, and her youngest was taken into state custody. 'She's an awful grandmother, she wants nothing to do with my kids,' she claimed. 'She has all of the money in the world, but rarely helps out with buying diapers, and other necessities.' Chelsea also claimed Rosie didn't even want her to have any of her children, offering to pay for abortions and after giving birth telling her to put her kids up for adoption. 'Rosie wanted me to pay $3,000 to get a late term abortion on my two youngest girls, Riley and Avery. The $3,000 is what the cost of each late-term abortion. ' 'I didn't tell Rosie I was pregnant until well after 20 weeks. Then when I didn't abort my baby girls, she wanted me to put them up for adoption, which I refused. Authorities were called to the scene of the home on September 10, when Chelsea reported that she got into an argument with her boyfriend, and their 11-month-old son, Atlas, was still inside the home 'For my son, Atlas, she said found some gay couple in New York to adopt him. I didn't even consider it. ' She added: 'What a great grandmother, she wanted me to abort my girls!' Without being bailed or let out by a judge, Chelsea said she potentially faces months behind bars waiting for her case to go through the court process. 'I haven't even spoken with a public defender.' 'I want to get out of jail and go to rehab and try to see my children.' She blamed her drug use on her family and upbringing, which saw her leave home as a teenager. 'I was fine until Rosie kicked me out of her home when I was 18 years old. I've been using on and off since then,' Chelsea said. 'I can quit using, but my family makes me hate myself.' Chelsea, who has four siblings, claimed she was disinvited to her brother Blake's August 16 wedding. 'I was sober at the time and Rosie told me: "You can't go, nobody wants you there",' she claimed. 'I'm human, what's the point of being sober? I can't even be a part of this family.' Chelsea is next due in court on Thurssdy. Each felony she is charged with could result in three and a half years in prison upon conviction. 'Chelsea is mentally ill,' O'Donnell told DailyMail.com in 2017. '[She] has been in and out of hospitals most of her life. Born addicted to heroin. She has had a tough road. She is very sick. She is not capable of truth or reason.' A wild brawl has erupted between Travis Scott fans at his New Zealand concert on Thursday. The rapper, 33, performed at Eden Park in Auckland as part of his Circus Maximus tour but ticket holders decided to fight each other as he took the stage. A video surfaced online showing a violent brawl erupting between ticket holders in the stand. The clip shows a woman yelling at a ticket holder in a nearby seat while sitting next to a male companion and their young children. The male then stands up to confront the young fans before he begins punching the concertgoer. The crowd began to roar and scream as the man unleashed a flurry of blows. Elsewhere, teenagers were seen unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks while encircled by a cheering crowd. According to reports by the New Zealand Herald, police made no arrests at the concert. Brawls erupted between Travis Scott (pictured) fans at his New Zealand concert on Thursday as he took to the stage A clip shows a woman yelling at a ticket holder in a nearby seat, before her male companion stands up and begins punching the other concertgoer Similar chaotic scenes also played out during the Melbourne leg of Scott's tour, with a young man being knocked out. In shock footage posted to TikTok earlier this month, patrons were seen trying to fight their way past security and get into the mosh pit as Scott performed. Security guards were seen pinning down rowdy members of the public in the clip, as the die-hard fans fought to score free access to the mosh pit. Another reveller was also hurled to the floor and knocked out cold in the mosh pit of Scott's Sydney show. In the video Scott had already taken the stage by the time a group of men standing towards the back of the general admissions area appeared to be getting agitated. A shirtless man placed another concertgoer into a chokehold before violently tossing him to the ground. Elsewhere in the stadium, teenagers were seen unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks while encircled by a cheering crowd 'Knock him out,' one person shouted. 'Whoa, World Star,' a second said in reference to a news site famous for its fight videos. The victim lay motionless while other concerned attendees rushed to his aid. Scott's concerts have gained a notorious reputation for their rowdy crowds ever since a fatal incident killed several attendees in Houston, Texas, in 2021. The Astroworld Festival killed nine concert-goers in Houston, Texas, on November 5, 2021. The county's medical examiner said the deaths were caused by compressive asphyxiation meaning the people had suffocated in the crowd crush of the mosh pit. Scott was cleared of any wrongdoing and the deaths were declared to have been an accident. OnlyFans star Drea de Matteo has slammed 'short-sighted' women who are prioritizing abortion rights ahead of the election - as she revealed she has had three terminations. The Sopranos alum, 52, made the admission in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in which she praised Donald Trump, 78, for not caring about women's reproductive rights. The mother-of-two said she was able to offer a unique perspective on the debate as she has previously had two abortions and a dilation and curettage - a surgical procedure that involves widening the cervix and scraping the lining of the uterus to remove tissue. 'I feel that women that are hanging on so tightly to this one idea are very short sighted because they are,' she said just days after voting for Trump. 'It's almost like it's a religion. It's almost like they have to hang on to this, and that it excuses them from actually understanding what's happening all over the place. There are so many things that are so much bigger.' OnlyFans star Drea de Matteo has slammed the suggestion that voting for Donald Trump means she does not support women's abortion rights The 52-year-old slammed 'short sighted' women who are prioritizing abortion rights ahead of the election - as she revealed she has had three terminations 'I am a woman who's had three abortions,' she continued. 'I always say two, but I had a miscarriage so I also had to have a D&C (dilation and curettage) for that.' The Sons of Anarchy star, who insisted she is 'still pro-choice,' said she takes issue with 'liberal men' who shout about women's reproductive rights. 'Shut up, what the hell do you know about women's reproductive rights?' she said. 'But I understand the conservative standpoint when they're saying "This is a soul, this is a spirit, this is a human being". 'I have so many friends that are super pro lifers, and I love them, but I also feel like we should have the right to choose within reason.' As for Trump, she suggested that none of the former president's actions indicate that he has a particular interest in taking abortions rights away from women. While in office, Trump reveled in being the most pro-life president in history, taking credit for ending federal protections for abortion by installing the conservative justices on the Supreme Court who overturned Roe v Wade. He has since signaled that he could vote to end Florida's six-week abortion ban when it comes up in a referendum later this year. However, the former Apprentice star avoided committing to using the presidential veto if a nationwide federal ban arrived on his desk as president - even though his running mate, JD Vance, said he would. The Sopranos alum, 52, made the admission in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in which she praised Donald Trump for not caring about women's reproductive rights 'I feel that women that are hanging on so tightly to this one idea are very short sighted because they are,' she said. 'There are so many things that are so much bigger' Reflecting on the former President's stance, de Matteo, who has a son and daughter with her ex Shooter Jennings, stated: 'His choice to give the power to the States when he's a Republican and could have very easily just said, "We're going to get rid of it". 'I think that him pushing it over to the States is actually the moment where you can actually see that this man is not interested in taking away your reproductive rights. It's him saying, "This is not my issue to deal with".' Noting that Trump often likes to say he was 'responsible for things', she continued: 'I don't think he cares about women's reproductive rights. And I'm not saying that in a way where I'm demonizing him. I actually kind of dig it. It's like he's not trying to be that guy.' Going on to explain why the focus on abortion rights was short sighted, de Matteo slammed those leading with the issue rather than the fact 'women are now also on the list for a draft.' Though a Senate committee approved a bill that would require women to register for the Selective Service, the bill still has a way to go before becoming law. It must still be approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the president. She continued: 'It's your sons and your daughters now, and it's an automatic. Once we go to war, everybody goes in and why isn't anybody focused on that? 'You're going to choose between a draft to go to World War Three and for your daughter to have a right to have an abortion - especially if you live in the state of California or the state of New York? You're going to vote for reproductive rights when you know you have them right here in your state, like it's goofy. The star - who played Adriana La Cerva on The Sopranos - slammed those leading with the issue rather than the fact 'women are now also on the list for a draft' 'You're not thinking about the implications of this country being seriously on the brink of war.' The Swordfish actress is no stranger to slamming Hollywood for lambasting the Right. She famously joined OnlyFans last year after claiming she was fast running out of money, and credited the X-rated subscription service with helping her to save her home. She said the site is now her political freedom and has saved her from having to join the ranks of Hollywood 'lunatics that are totally condoning war.' 'Anybody that knows me knows that I had to join OnlyFans to save my home, to save my life, to save my family,' she said. 'And then once that happened, I got thrown to the wolves in this sort of political arena that I never anticipated.' The actress said she would happily 'make out with some girl on film' all day on OnlyFans to avoid joining the ranks of Hollywood 'lunatics that are totally condoning war' 'The OnlyFans page is my political freedom,' she said. 'I'm not trying to tell you what to do. Just be aware. That's it.' Earlier this year, she claimed she was forced to turn to the subscription service to make money after her stance on the vaccination caused her acting work to dry up and her agent to drop her. The move quickly led her to being in a perilous financial situation after taking a forbearance to help with her mortgage repayments, but ultimately couldn't afford the astronomical sum that she owed collectors. Although the actress has since declared she was able to make enough cash in five minutes of launching her profile to pay back her mortgage foreclosure, she has since cut ties with Hollywood. She claimed 'half of Hollywood is voting for Trump' and that celebrities endorsing Harris are 'pushing a narrative that is a dangerous one.' Lucy Liu was the epitome of glamour in an elaborated black gown with a maxi floral bust design as she made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere of Red One. The Charlie's Angels favourite, 55, flaunted her ageless looks as she graced the glitzy event at Berlin's UCI Luxe Uber Platz on Sunday. The Kill Bill alum ensured to capture everyone's attention in the very elegant garment - which featured a nude shimmery panel underneath a bold maxi floral design. The Hollywood star boosted her svelte physique as she twirled around in the floor-length number, beaming from ear to ear while her raven locks were in a low-do. Lucy joined her fellow Red One co-stars J.K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Bonnie Hunt, and Kristofer Hivju and American director Jake Kasdan. Lucy Liu, 55, was the epitome of glamour in an elaborated black gown with a maxi floral bust design as she made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere of Red One The Charlie's Angels favourite flaunted her ageless looks as she graced the glitzy event at Berlin's UCI Luxe Uber Platz on Sunday The Kill Bill alum ensured to capture everyone's attention in the very elegant garment The Shanghai Noon alum looked in her highest spirits and stopped for a few shots alongside Netflix favourite Kiernan, 24. Meanwhile the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star was a vision in a dazzling white gown with a sequinned top and tiered ruffled maxi skirt with a racy thigh split. The actress finished off with very classy white stiletto heels, adding dainty earrings, as she dazzled under the spotlight. Elsewhere Marvel heartthrob Chris, 43, cut a very suave look in a dark khaki suit co-ord and vibrant blue turtleneck. The Captain America sensation looked smart rocking a slightly longer hairstyle and glasses as he posed up for snaps. Actor and former wrestler Dwayne, 52, also known as The Rock, also made a fashion statement in a plum maxi coat and matching trousers, teaming it with a maroon turtleneck. Spider-Man favourite J.K., 69, was in attendance with his beloved wife Michelle Schumacher. The Whiplash icon beamed alongside the actress, 58, who looked stunning in a classy red suit co-ord. The gown featured a nude shimmery panel underneath a bold maxi floral design The Hollywood star boosted her svelte physique as she twirled around in the floor-length number She beamed from ear to ear while her raven locks were in a low-do Lucy joined her fellow Red One co-stars (L-R) J.K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Bonnie Hunt, and Kristofer Hivju and American director Jake Kasdan The Shanghai Noon alum looked in her highest spirits and stopped for a few shots alongside Netflix favourite Kiernan, 24 Meanwhile the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star was a vision in a dazzling white gown with a sequinned top and tiered ruffled maxi skirt with a racy thigh split The Captain America sensation looked smart rocking a slightly longer hairstyle and glasses as he posed up for snaps Actor and former wrestler Dwayne, 52, also made a fashion statement in a plum maxi coat and matching trousers, teaming it with a maroon turtleneck The trio all beamed happily together on the red carpet Spider-Man favourite J.K., 69, was in attendance with his beloved wife Michelle Schumacher The comedy/action movie will hit UK theatres on 6 November, distributed by Warner Bros. and Universal pictures. In theme with the upcoming festivities, the film sees a villain kidnapping Santa Claus from the North Pole, when an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative joins forces with the world's most accomplished tracker to find him and save Christmas. The Block saw its lowest point play out on national TV when contestant Kylie Baker locked horns with fiery host Scott Cam before fleeing barefoot into the night. The 37-year-old hairdresser had her seven-year marriage to Brad implode on-air when the Cairns-based tradesman, 32, told fellow contestant Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one. And on Sunday night, during the final round of judging, tensions reached a boiling point when Kylie took her fury out on the face of the series, Scott, 61, and earned his wrath in return. After a gruelling week working on the exterior of House 4, Kylie and Brad were met with criticism from the judges who pointed out 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 during the feedback when the mum-of-four interjected, 'Alright, let's wrap it up,' as Scott read the judges' critiques. When Scott replied, 'What's that?' Kylie doubled down and fumed, 'I said, wrap it up,' as her husband Brad attempted to cut her off. Stunned by the outburst, Scott arced up and said: 'Kylie, I'm not going to wrap it up, because this is part of the deal, unfortunately. The Block saw it's lowest point play out on national TV when contestant Kylie Baker, 37, locked horns with fiery host Scott Cam, 61, before fleeing barefoot into the night 'We're reading out feedback, and it's the last feedback you're going to get from these judges on your house.' 'I really couldn't care,' Kylie tried to interrupt, but Scott spoke over her in a rage, adding: 'So I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell me to wrap it up.' Kylie became visibly teary over being dressed down on national TV and muttered under her breath: 'I f**king hate this guy.' Scott continued to read out the judges critiques, which ended on a positive note saying the couple should be proud of the home they designed. But the damage had been done as Kylie fumed the feedback was a 'f**king joke' just moments before filming went off the rails as she fled the construction site barefoot in the dark. The explosive episode reached a climax when the judging 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 hairdresser had her seven-year marriage to Brad, 32, (right) implode on-air when the Cairns-based tradesman told fellow contestant Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one Heels off, Kylie picked a direction and began walking off into the night down the middle of the road as crew continued to follow, begging her to return to set. But Kylie refused, telling them she would start running if they didn't leave her alonea promise she made good on seconds later. 'She is legging it, barefoot, down the middle of the road. We need a producer and a car, NOW,' one crew member said as Kylie ran into the dark out of view. What followed were panicked scenes of Brad setting out in a car with two producers in an attempt to find his wife. They found her sitting on the side of the road in the dark in what producers described as a 'scene from a horror movie'. After Kylie was coaxed back into the car with her husband, Kylie sealed her promise to boycott auction day, even if it means forfeiting any potential profits from her time on The Block. 'I don't want to come back for auction, I don't want to come back and have to deal with them. I don't,' she said. The astonishing scenes come after Kylie split from her husband Brad on national TV last week, following his flirtatious comments to fellow contestant Mimi Belperio. On Sunday night, during the final round of judging, tensions reached a boiling point when Kylie took her fury out on the face of the series, Scott, before fleeing into the night The couple, who share four children together, saw their relationship implode when the plumber told Mimi, 28, 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 it's 10 grand, I'm taking f**king half of what you get and then I'm leaving your a**e, you can keep your f**king house, and I'm f**king off,' she sensationally said. '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. What followed were panicked scenes of Brad setting out in a car with two producers in an attempt to find his wife '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. On Tuesday night, Mimi, 28, (pictured) 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 '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.' Kylie sensationally quit the show 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. Channing Tatum looked contemplative as he spent some alone time in New York City on Saturday following his recent split from former fiancee Zoe Kravitz. The actor, 44, walked through the Big Apple wearing a pair of loose fitting low waist black pants held up by a black belt and a white T-shirt. The Magic Mike star carried a black windbreaker over one shoulder and stepped out in a pair of Burberry plaid Chuck sneakers. He wore dark framed sunglasses, and displayed the beginning of a beard and mustache on his face. The Blink Twice villain carried a cigarette and wore white earphones while checking his phone during his stroll, seeming to keep to himself in The City That Never Sleeps. Channing Tatum looked contemplative as he spent some alone time in New York City on Saturday November 2 following his recent split from former fiancee Zoe Kravitz. Tatum has been staying in New York while filming his latest project, Roofman Tatum has been in New York City shooting his latest project, Roofman. He stars in the crime caper as Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger who makes money by stealing from McDonalds restaurants. The robber commits his crimes by cutting a hole in the restaurants' roofs, thus earning his nickname, in this film based on a true story. He will co-star with Kirsten Dunst, playing a single mother who falls in love with the crook, unaware of his criminal past. Peter Dinklage joined the cast a few weeks ago. Other big name cast members include Juno Temple, LaKeith Stanfield and Ben Mendelsohn. Tatum has been sharing photos from the set with his fans on social media. A recent set of snaps shows the prison Manchester escaped from before taking up residence in Toys R Us store. 'Man, on set today in a prison. Lets just say its making me very very grateful for my life,' the 21 Jump Street star wrote recently. The Blink Twice villain carried a cigarette and wore white earphones while checking his phone during his stroll, seeming to keep to himself in the city that never sleeps Tatum and Zoe Kravitz announced they were breaking up October 29 after three years together. They are said to still be speaking to each other, but decided they had grown apart, according to a source who spoke to Page Six (Pictured in London in August) The actor has been sharing snaps from the set of Roofman. He plays a thief who escapes from prison and takes up residence in a toy store in the based on a true story plot. Roofman was scheduled for release in October 2025 'On set today in a prison. Lets just say its making me very very grateful for my life,' he wrote on social media Roofman was scheduled for release October 3, 2025 in the US. Tatum and Kravitz, 35, are said to still be speaking to each other in spite of their recent breakup. 'There was no dramatic falling out between Channing and Zoe,' a source told Page Six. 'They really just grew apart and decided it was best for them to go their separate ways.' Alec Baldwin on Sunday endorsed Kamala Harris in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election in an Instagram clip, also taking aim at Elon Musk for not doing enough to help the environment. The Oscar-nominated actor, 66, donned a maroon Ralph Lauren polo shirt as he faced the camera and gave his political view - something he has not done as much in the past three years, since the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in 2021. Baldwin - who won an Emmy for playing Harris' opponent, former President Donald Trump, on Saturday Night Live - said that Harris would be a better candidate to navigate the country through four years. 'Today is Sunday, two more days is the election - I think nearly all of us know what's at stake,' Baldwin said. 'People say, "Oh, the future of the country is at stake," and that might be true, but what's at stake is the next four years. 'In terms of certain problems we have with - yes, the border and yes, what our military is gonna be asked to do and what we're gonna pay for that - but the environment is the most important thing to me right now, because you can't undo it.' Alec Baldwin, 66, on Sunday endorsed Kamala Harris, 60, in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election in an Instagram clip, also taking aim at Elon Musk, 53, for not doing enough to help the environment The Cooler star then turned his focus to Musk, the billionaire businessman who has rallied to Trump's side through the final month of the campaign. 'Elon Musk comes up with ideas which are apparently great ideas, people love their Teslas; Elon Musk comes up with ideas but none that I know of are going to solve our environmental problem,' Baldwin said. 'Maybe the Musks of the world could turn their attention toward solving those problems on a grand scale, that would be great.' Baldwin said that the responsibilities of the next president are 'critical in terms of environmental protection,' calling Harris a 'far better' option than Trump in that regard 'although [she] might not dot every I and cross every T.' Baldwin continued, 'One candidate wants to put the military on the streets to quash rebellion and quash free speech. 'The other candidate would be a history-making statement - not that we vote for somebody for that reason alone - about how progressive this country really is and how they're willing to go to any length necessary to run this country.' Baldwin touched on a number of other critical issues, such as economics, worldwide unrest, and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which he dubbed 'inconceivable.' He ended the clip in saying, 'I think everybody knows what to do - vote.' Baldwin's statement came more than two weeks in which he made his return to SNL, receiving loud cheers from the audience before revealing he was playing Fox's Bret Baier, who he joked, 'Yes, I do look like someone made a businessman in Minecraft.' The Oscar-nominated actor gave his political views - something he has not done as much in the past three years, since the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust in 2021 Baldwin said, 'Elon Musk comes up with ideas but none that I know of are going to solve our environmental problems' Actress Maya Rudolph's Kamala Harris nervously laughed after shaking hands with Baldwin's Baier, saying, 'The pleasure is neither of ours.' The skit poked fun at Baier's real-life interruptions of Harris, with Baldwin repeatedly interrupting Rudolph in rapid-fire fashion. Rudolph, after several interruptions to the first question: 'May I please finish?' Baldwin: 'I'm asking you to,' to which Rudolph said, 'Well, then you have to listen.' Baldwin said, 'Well I can't because I'm talking,' to which Rudolph said, 'Well, When will you stop?' Baldwin responded, 'Maybe when I go to bed,' with the audience laughing loudly. The skit also mocked a moment Baier acknowledged was a mistake by playing the wrong clip of a Trump response. Baldwin said 'the environment is the most important thing to me right now, because you can't undo it' The clips allowed SNL to bring in mini-skits including one with Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden, who has played the role since the beginning of the comedy sketch show's 50th season. The skit closed - many interruptions later - with Harris asking: 'Before I go, can I just say the thing I've been trying to say this whole time? Live from New York, it's Saturday night!', with Baldwin joining her. Baldwin has hosted SNL a record 17 times, but hadn't appeared on it recently. His involuntary manslaughter trial over the Rust shooting ended in July in a mistrial. Richard Madeley has revealed that he and his wife Judy Finnigan sleep in separate beds. The iconic duo first met back in the 80s while working at ITV Granada Television, before going on to tie the knot in 1986. Appearing on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, Richard made a candid confession about his and Judy's longtime partnership. Richard revealed that he sleeps in the spare room when he presents Good Morning Britain because he has to wake up in the middle of the night and doesn't want to disrupt Judy's sleep. 'When I'm doing Good Morning Britain I sleep in the spare room,' Richard admitted. Richard Madeley revealed on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast that he and his wife Judy Finnigan sleep in separate beds (Pictured in 2019) The iconic duo first met back in the 80s while working at ITV Granada Television, before going on to tie the knot in 1986 'I do probably sleep a little bit better in bed with Judy but I'm okay on my own.' Of the possibility of disrupting Judy's sleep with the early wake-ups, he added: 'I wouldn't think of doing that to Judy. 'Apart from anything else, Judy and her sleep, you do not mess with.' Richard and Judy recently reflected upon their relationship in their Channel 5 documentary, Our Best Bits - In Our Own Words, which aired in summer. The pair spoke about the first time they met at Granada and the initial chemistry between them. At the time Judy was wedded to journalist David Henshaw and Richard was in the midst of separating from his first wife Lynda. Judy said: 'I remember you coming into the newsroom on your first day, you were wearing a ridiculous sky blue suit... you just looked like a pr**. 'I was assigned as your minder, they had a system at Grenada that the newbie would be assigned a father or a mother to show them the ropes literally, and I was your mother.' Appearing on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, Richard made a candid confession about his and Judy's longtime partnership (Pictured in July) Richard revealed that he sleeps in the spare room when he presents Good Morning Britain because he has to wake up in the middle of the night and doesn't want to disrupt Judy's sleep Reminiscing, Richard said: 'I suddenly felt two hands on the back of my neck and I heard this voice saying ''I'm your mummy'' and I turned around and it was this beautiful blonde. 'It seemed an off thing to say so I was like ''what??'' So yeah she was my assigned mummy.' Opening up about their first kiss the pair revealed it was after a working day in Blackpool in the back of a black cab. 'We were filming in Blackpool, we spend a very long day filming promos, we really hit it off. We ended up getting a black cab, because the crew had gone, we went back to Manchester which was a good hours drive. 'It was in the darkness of the cab that we kind of fell for each other really, and kissed.' It comes after their daughter Chloe revealed that her parents have 'really struggled' at times during their 38-year marriage. The couple married then welcomed children Jack and Chloe, while also carving out a successful presenting career together, fronting shows including This Morning and their very own teatime magazine show. It comes after their daughter Chloe revealed that her parents have 'really struggled' at times during their 38-year marriage (Pictured in 2013) The couple married then welcomed children Jack and Chloe, while also carving out a successful presenting career together, fronting shows including This Morning and their very own teatime magazine show (Pictured in 2020) And in a new interview, daughter Chloe, 37 - who recently split from husband James Haskell - opened up about how her parents have navigated their four-decade long relationship as she divulged the secret to their long-lasting union. When asked how her folks had sustained such a lengthy marriage, she told Closer magazine: 'They would honestly say the same thing - that the secret to them having such a long marriage is to not get divorced. 'Theyve been together for over 40 years and during that time there have been periods where they have really struggled, but they kept going and stayed together. I dont think it was ever bad enough for them to split.' The personal trainer went on to praise the pair for setting a 'pretty gold standard' before noting that she 'hit the jackpot' when it came to parents. Despite their successful union, Chloe admitted that she never felt any 'pressure' to continue with her own marriage because of her parents. Kim Kardashian became an advocate for two convicted killers after seeing the new Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The influencer, 44, who said the decision to resentence the brothers after nearly 35 years behind bars, 'granted a second chance' to the men convicted of killing their parents. Ryan Murphy, 58, who created the show, explained The Kardashians star's role in helping the men received a chance at freedom. 'Kim Kardashian called me a month before the show came out (September 21) and asked to see it, and I said, "sure,"' the six-time Emmy winner said, per The Hollywood Reporter. 'Shes a friend, and she is somebody whos very into prison reform, and she instantly got involved,' he explained, Kim Kardashian, 44, became an advocate for two convicted killers after seeing the new Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, according to show creator Ryan Murphy (Pictured in New York City in September) After viewers saw the series, which examines the events leading up to the August 1989 killing of Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills home, they too began to contact California authorities. 'The DA and the governors office were flooded with a lot of reactions from people who had big opinions about the show,' Murphy said on a panel at the Netflix FYC event Saturday November 2 in Los Angeles. 'That was always the purpose of the show, to show different complicated points of view,' Murphy said. 'I thought really what it did about raising and asking questions about sexual abuse was very, very powerful.' The brothers' defense argued during they had been the victims of sexual abuse by their father. Their first trial ended with jurors deadlocked. They were convicted and sentenced to life without parole following a second trial. 'I think, love it or not,' said Murphy, 'Theres a movement with young people who want to talk about that in a way that wasnt available in 1989.' 'Whether you believe them or not is kind of beside the point,' the executive producer stated, explaining he wanted the series to 'launch a conversation about that topic.' 'And people were really drawn to it, and a lot of people got involved and made their opinions known after they watched the show, which was very, very interesting.' Erik and Lyle Mendez were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers have spent nearly 35 years behind bars following their 1996 conviction 'Kim Kardashian called me a month before the show came out (September 21) and asked to see it, and I said, "sure,"' explained show creator Ryan Murphy at the Netflix FYC event in Los Angeles Saturday, per The Hollywood Reporter (Pictured in New York City in September) The Kardashians star ended up meeting with the Menendez brothers and writing an essay calling for their release from prison (Pictured in New York City in September) Kardashian went so far as to write an essay calling for the brothers to be released. 'I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters,' she wrote. 'They are kind, intelligent, and honest men.' 'In prison, they both have exemplary disciplinary records. They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals in hospice, and been mentors in college programs committed to giving back to others.' Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has said he would recommend a new sentence of 50 years to life, making it possible for them to be paroled as youthful offenders. Erik was 18 and Lyle was 21 at the time the crimes were committed. Kardashian went so far as to write an essay calling for the brothers to be released. 'I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters,' she wrote. 'They are kind, intelligent, and honest men.' A resentencing hearing is scheduled in December If the judge agrees with Gascon's recommendation at the December 11 hearing, the next step is a hearing before the California Parole Board. A decision could take as long at six months, according to CBS affiliate KFMB. If the Parole Board rules in favor of the release, the matter would go to the desk of California governor Gavin Newsom, who will have up to 150 days to decide. Another possibility is a habeas corpus proceeding scheduled for November 26. During that hearing, the Menendez's attorneys will argue a letter to a cousin detailing the sexual abuse prior to the killings should be allowed into evidence, along with an affidavit from former Roy Rossello that Jose Menendez raped him. The defense team has also submitted a petition for clemency to Governor Newsom. Gary Barlow has revealed why his children have chosen not to follow in his famous footsteps in a rare comment about his family. The Take That star, 53, shares Daniel, 24, Emily, 22 and Daisy, 15, with wife of 25-years Dawn Andrews, and throughout his career has reportedly raked in a whopping 90M fortune. He revealed to The Mirror that his children are so different to him and despite his own success, have shown no interest in showbiz, opting instead for academic careers. Saying: 'The two oldest ones [Daniel and Emily] have kind of gone into medicine and physiology - studying strength and conditioning - and my youngest one, Daisy, I'm not too sure what she's heading for but again, she's very studious unlike me and my wife,' he says. 'I don't think they will follow in my music footsteps but I wouldn't have discouraged them though if they did want to, it's been a good business for me'. Gary Barlow, 53, has revealed why his children have chosen not to follow in his famous footsteps in a rare comment about his family The Take That star shares Daniel, 25 (L) Emily, 22 and Daisy, 15 (R) with wife of 25-years Dawn Andrews (far right) and throughout his career has raked in a whopping '90M fortune' He revealed to The Mirror that his children are so different to him and despite his own success, have shown no interest in showbiz (pictured with daughter's Daisy, R and Emily, L) 'Every day I still enjoy what I do and when you realise you're making a living from it, it's a great, great place to be. Many roles in "showbiz" are just wonderful, there's definitely a much harder world out there than the one I'm in I think'. Gary was speaking ahead of the release of his new ITV travel show Gary Barlows Wine Tour: South Africa, where he's joined on his journey by famous friends including Jane McDonald and Ben Shephard. 'There was this little place we went to in this series, literally in the middle of nowhere, between Steinbach and Franschhoek, and there was this little cafe, It was a tiny little place that made coffee and chicken pies, and these people in there wanted their photos taken with me - it was crazy but brilliant! I dont mind it at all'. In September Gary shared a rare snap of his towering son Daniel, after celebrating his impressive fitness achievement in a gushing post. In one snap, Gary's eldest - who stands at 6ft 2 - was seen towering above his 5 ft 7 dad as they looked towards the sea. The father-and-son-duo had their arms around each other as she gazed out into the distance during the family outing. The snap came shortly after Gary celebrated his son's achievement completing the Ironman competition, which saw him tackle a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. He wrote: 'We just couldn't be prouder of our boy - unbelievable amounts of training and determination - when you put in the work you get the results. He said: 'I don't think they will follow in my music footsteps but I wouldn't have discouraged them though if they did want to, it's been a good business for me' Gary first found fame in take that with Robbie Williams, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Mark Owen (pictured 1992) He has since gone on to have a solo career as well as writing musicals and his own one man show (pictured 2022) 'Congratulations #ironman.' The Shine hitmaker has previously opened up about how 'proud' he was of Emily after she decided to head off to university in 2022 for a four-year course. The youngster had initially planned to go onto higher education in 2020, but had her plans scuppered by COVID-19. At the time, Gary told Zoe Ball on her BBC radio show: 'They are pretty good, one is at university. One is taking a year off, was meant to be going to uni but she doesn't want to with all this going, on which I completely understand. 'Our youngest is 11 now, which is like well they're not kids really anymore. Although, they always are to us.' On a more sombre note, Gary and Dawn lost baby Poppy in 2012 when she arrived stillborn and he recently admitted that he 'hadn't found peace' with it yet. Speaking on The Imperfects podcast, Gary spoke candidly about his family tragedy as he explained: 'I don't talk about this in great detail and I literally don't because I'm still kind of figuring it out a little bit. 'My wife's emotions were completely different to mine. I've been angry for a long time about that, I haven't really found peace with it yet.' Glitz and glamour dominated the start of Melbournes Spring Racing Carnival, and as thousands of punters flocked to Flemington Racecourse over the weekend many were asking after one particular blonde. One chic attendee made the black-and-white Derby Day theme her own by melding the high fashion stakes world of the races with a TikTok and runway certified micro-trend. Emily Gurr ponied up to Derby Day in a chic take on the cowgirl aesthetic that left many celebrity attendees' expensive looks in the dust. The cowboy and cowgirl aesthetic has been trending since March, when Taylor Swift kicked off her seemingly never-ending Eras Tour. Though the Western wardrobe look has never truly disappeared, the 'Swift Lift' saw the humble cowboy boot and hat enter the mainstream in a whole new way. But its a trend easier said than done. With plentiful design options and colourways for hats, boots and collared-shirt combinations, there's a fine thin line between looking modish and intentional and looking like you're late for a Halloween party. So who is Emily, and how did she bend racing's famously strict fashion rules without breaking them? Emily Gurr ponied up to Derby Day in a chic take on the cowgirl aesthetic that left many celebrity attendees' expensive looks in the dust Emily Gurr is a model and creative director with a pretty substantial social media following. On Saturday, she rocked a black Armani suit paired with knee-high Jimmy Choo riding boots, a black and gold bolo tie and carried a black leather Miu Miu bag. The piece de resistance, though, was a bespoke cowgirl hat by Australian milliner Nerida Winter. 'I've always wanted to attend Melbourne Cup,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I grew up in a small coastal baby town. I was born and raised in Melbourne as a child. And I love being able to bask in life.' Emily rocked a black Armani suit paired with knee-high Jimmy Choo riding boots, a black and gold bolo tie and carried a black leather Miu Miu bag The respected race wear designer created half a dozen head pieces for the Derby Day event, but pridefully posted three photographs of her work with Emily to the grid. 'I just started mixing elements and textures,' she said of her oufit. She also posted a photo to her Instagram alongside the caption: 'The moment where one iconic woman meets another. Emily left her blonde locks out for the occasion and wore a full face of glam makeup, while also leaving the bottom half of her suit shirt unbuttoned to flaunt her midriff. In a recent interview with fashion tome Harper's Bazaar, the model-turned-businesswoman said opening the Beverly Rooftop bar in Melbourne 'has been so much fun.' 'It's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears but it has pushed me out of my comfort zone.' The Sydney-born model has accrued 108,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares her often '70s inspired-yet-modernised ensembles. She lives between the Harbour City and Australia's cultural capital, where she currently helms the Californian-themed cocktail bar with views of Melbourne's skyline. The piece de resistance, though, was a bespoke cowgirl hat by Australian milliner Nerida Winter Emily (centre) pictured on Derby Day with TV personality Saskia Wotton The origins of Derby Day's black-and-white custom are disputed, but it remains one of the strictest of all dress codes of the entire racing seasons. One of the most popular theories is that it emerged across the pond, more than two centuries ago in 1787, the Earl of Derbys horse won the race while wearing black and white colours. Some others believe the theme began in 1910 when King Edward died, and in true Edwardian fashion racegoers swapped out their best clothes for mourner's black. It's also possible that an advertisement in Australian Women's Weekly, circa 1960, may have started the tonal dress code. In collaboration with whiskey manufacturer James Buchanan and Co and to celebrate its Black & White whiskey, Melbourne Cup attendees were offered a chance to win a 200 wardrobe prize (the equivalent of more than $7000 today) for the person with the best outfit on the field. There was a catch however, attendees must dress in black and white. Modernising or bending the traditional race day attire rules is a fraught process. It could mean you take home the fashion stakes award and bragging rights, or just as easily are denied entry because you're deemed to be 'inappropriate' dress. Just take it from British model Jean Shrimpton, who infamously wore a scandalous (by 1960 standards) mini DuPont dress for Derby Day. Her hemline sat 13cm above the knee, shockingly without stockings, gloves, and hat. The move was deemed outrageous at the time, although the model said she didn't 'see what was wrong with the way I looked'. 'I feel Melbourne isnt ready for me yet,' she added. 'It seems years behind London.' This year alone, fashion marketplace Depop saw a 15 per cent surge in users searching for western items. That's cowboy and cowgirl boots, wide-brimmed hats, fringe, and lots and lots of leather. Ben Ford, the son of Hollywood icon Harrison Ford, reposted a clip of his father's endorsement of Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Ben, 58, on Sunday reposted the clip to his 17.8K followers, a day after his father, 82, said he's 'going to vote for Kamala Harris' in a clip released by the Democrat's campaign. In the clip, the Oscar-nominated actor, famed for playing Indiana Jones, and Han Solo in the Star Wars films, touted the credentials of Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. 'These two people believe in the rule of law,' Harrison said. 'They believe in science. They believe that when you govern, you do so for all Americans. These are ideas I believe in. These are people I can get behind.' Harrison made clear his disdain for the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump. Ben Ford, 58, the son of Hollywood icon Harrison Ford, 82, reposted a clip of his father's endorsement of Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election 'He spent four years turning us against each other while embracing dictators and tyrants around the world,' Harrison said of Trump, who served from 2017-2021. 'That's not who we are. We don't need to make America great again - come on - we are great. 'All we need is to work together again. All we need is a president who works for all of us again.' Harrison was seen in a subsequent clip in which he noted that former Trump staffers are 'telling us something important' in their endorsements of Harris. '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,' he said. The veteran actor finished off his statement in saying: '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.' Harrison is one of dozens of notable names to stamp their endorsement of the Democrat ticket, joining a group that includes his Star Wars costar Mark Hamill as well as Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and Bruce Springsteen. Ben is the son of Harrison and chef Mary Marquardt, who he was wed from 1964 to 1979. He owns and runs the restaurant Ford's Filling Station, which is based out of LAX airport. The restaurant began with a location in Culver City, California which shut down in June of 2014, according to the Los Angeles Times. Ben's culinary resume includes stints at the eateries Chez Panisse, Berkeley, and Campanile, Los Angeles. In the clip, Harrison made clear his disdain for the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump Ben owns and runs the restaurant Ford's Filling Station, which is based out of LAX airport The father and son were pictured in LA in 2012 at the Los Angeles Mission Ben this past August was involved with an online culinary drive to promote the Harris campaign titled Cooking for Kamala. The livestream included a number of other prominent personalities in the culinary community, such as chef Jose Andres and Top Chef stars Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, with Padma Lakshmi and Joel McHale hosting. Harrison is father to four other children: son Willard Ford, 55, with Marquardt; son Malcolm, 36, and daughter Georgia, 34, with late ex-wife Melissa Mathison; and adopted son Liam Flockhart, 23, with wife Calista Flockhart, 59. One of the biggest stars of the 1980s celebrated his lookalike daughter's birthday on Sunday. The nepo baby whose father had a famously cool of wheels in a series of '80s blockbuster was turning 23. She comes from an impressive Hollywood pedigree with two actor parents, and her mother even dated another '80s-era heartthrob, Kevin Bacon, before finding lasting love with her father. The nepo baby, whom the actor and his longtime wife welcomed after having three other children, is currently a student at Duke University, where she has been studying journalism. Do you know who she is? One of the biggest stars of the 1980s celebrate his lookalike daughter's birthday on Sunday. The actor, 63, led a blockbuster trilogy and had numerous other popular film and TV appearances. Do you know who his daughter is? The birthday girl is Esme Fox, the youngest child of Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan. 'Esme, Happy birthday to our renaissance gal,' he gushed in his Instagram caption. 'You do it all. Your Dood loves you very much..Who doesnt?' he continued. 'Keep living your best life.' He included several sweet photos Esme, who seems to have eschewed her parents' Hollywood careers. The Back To The Future star who helped transform the short-lived DeLorean from a laughing stock into a much-desired collector's car included a photo of his daughter displaying a soft smile as she stood in front of courtyard overshadowed by a towering brick building. She rocked a cropped purple vest and paired it with a denim skirt midi skirt while holding a black leather jacket in her hand. In another snap, she displayed a winning smile while she appeared to be dining out. A final photo featured Esme cuddling with an adorably fluffy dog on the floor. Her mother Tracy, who married Michael in 1988, shared her own birthday tribute to Esme on Instagram on Sunday. The birthday girl is Esme Fox, the youngest child of Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan Fox's most popular film, 1985's Back To The Future, turned him into a superstar and made the short-lived and ill-received DeLorean into a much-desired collector's car 'Esme, Happy birthday to our renaissance gal,' he gushed in his Instagram caption to mark her 23rd birthday. In one snap, she displayed a winning smile while she appeared to be dining out A final photo featured Esme cuddling with an adorably fluffy dog on the floor The nepo baby, whom the actor and his longtime wife welcomed after having three other children, is currently a student at Duke University, where she has been studying journalism; Esme (R) is pictured with her famous family in 2021 in NYC 'I love you @esmeannabelle Happy Birthday!!!' she wrote. 'I love absolutely everything about you and I am blessed to be able to explore the world with you! You are my heart.' Tracy included several sweet photos of herself embracing her daughter as they had adventures in nature. In one cute snap they shared a hug while standing on a wooden bridge traversing a river. They both shared loving smiles in a selfie taken against a large red rock foundation, and more photos from the same trip showed Esme representing her alma mater with a blue Duke sweatshirt while hiking with her mom and one of her sisters through a formation of picturesque rocks and boulders. The motherdaughter duo also snapped a photo of themselves beaming amid a lush canyon. A final image showed the two posing in front of a monumental blue wall that appeared to be part of a compound abutting the rocky outcroppings. In addition to Esme, Tracy and Michael share son Sam, 35, as well as twin daughters Aquinnah and Schuyler, 29. She married Michael in 1988 after the two fell in love on the set of their film Bright Lights, Big City, and the two have been inseparable ever since. However, they first met when she joined Michael's series Family Ties in 1985 to play his love interest. Although he urged producers to pick her over other competing actresses, the two were only friends and colleagues at the time, as Tracy was in the midst of a five-year relationship with Dirty Dancing star Kevin Bacon, while Michael was dating Nancy McKeon. According to Esme's social media accounts, she has worked internships as a reporter at the Tampa Bay Times and Bloomberg News, as well as at a local North Carolina newspaper closer to her university. However, she tends to keep a lower profile than her other siblings. Although Michael who went public with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1991 and has since become a tireless advocate fighting the disease is best known for starring in Robert Zemeckis' 1985 hit Back To The Future, he shocked audiences at a panel in October when he admitted that it wasn't a popular viewing choice within his family. 'I don't know if my daughters have seen it,' he said, via People. Fox began his career as a child star in the '70s, but he rose to fame as the Young Republican son of former hippies on Family Ties, which began airing on 1982. Her mother Tracy, who married Michael in 1988, shared her own birthday tribute to Esme on Instagram on Sunday 'I love you @esmeannabelle Happy Birthday!!!' she wrote. 'I love absolutely everything about you and I am blessed to be able to explore the world with you! You are my heart.' They both shared loving smiles in a selfie taken against a large red rock foundation More photos from the same trip showed Esme representing her alma mater with a blue Duke sweatshirt while hiking with her mom and one of her sisters through a formation of picturesque rocks and boulders The motherdaughter duo also snapped a photo of themselves beaming amid a lush canyon Tracy gushed that she loved being 'able to explore the world' with her youngest daughter, adding that Esme was her 'heart' Esme's parents Tracy and Michael met in 1985 on his series Family Ties, but they had only a platonic relationship at first, as they were both dating other people; pictured in April in NYC Tracy was dating Footloose heartthrob Kevin Bacon when she started working with Michael in 1985, and he was in a relationship with Nancy McKeon at the time; pictured with Bacon in 1984 According to Esme's social media accounts, she has worked internships as a reporter at the Tampa Bay Times and Bloomberg News, as well as at a local North Carolina newspaper closer to her university, Duke Fox broke out in 1982 on the sitcom Family Ties, but his blockbuster film Back To The Future (1985) made him one of the biggest stars of the decade; pictured with Christopher Lloyd in Back To The Future The breakout success led to his star-making role in Back To The Future (1985), but Michael continued to star on Family Ties through 1989. He managed to find time to also lead films including Teen Wolf (1985) and Casualties Of War (1989), and he continued to lead popular films into the 1990s and 2000s. As his Parkinson's symptoms continued to increase, he transitioned in the 2000s and 2010s to primarily making guest appearances on television. He announced that he was retiring from acting in 2020 due to worsening health issues. Ellie Goulding sent pulses racing in a satin white lace bra as she shared an array of sizzling snaps to Instagram on Sunday. The songstress, 37, looked incredible as she stepped out in Hollywood wearing a pair of black leather trousers. She posed up a storm on her grid as she shared an array of snaps posing in her silky underwear. To accessorise, she channeled her inner cowboy as she wore a trendy black rancher hat. Adding inches to her fabulous figure, she finished her look with a pair of towering black suede boots. Ellie Goulding sent pulses racing in a satin white lace bra as she shared an array of sizzling snaps to Instagram on Sunday The songstress, 37, looked incredible as she stepped out in Hollywood wearing a pair of black leather trouser She posted snaps dancing the night away with her pals Brook and Sarah Jane Nader alongside her mini at-home photoshoot. Ellie, who recently split from her boyfriend Armando Perez, looked happier than ever as she partied with her friends. MailOnline revealed she had called time on her romance with Armando, 29, due to their 'very different' lives. The musician and the surf instructor - who is eight years her junior - struck up a romance when he gave her surfing lessons as she rang in the New Year in Costa Rica. However friends of the pair told MailOnline that their relationship has now run its course. One said: 'Amando and Ellie were very attracted to one another. Despite the age gap, they struck up an instant chemistry when he gave her private surfing lessons. 'They soon formed a bond and loved spending time together - Ellie loved hanging out on the beach with Armando to get away from everything that was going on back home after her marriage had come to an end.' 'Armando was used to spending his days instructing in the water and running around barefoot in swim shorts, and was more comfortable enjoying his "quiet life" without the "drama" of being in the public eye,' the source added. She posed up a storm on her grid as she shared an array of snaps posing in her silky underwear She posted snaps dancing the night away with her pals Brook (L) and Sarah Jane Nader (R) alongside her mini at-home photoshoot Ellie, who recently split from her boyfriend Armando Perez, looked happier than ever as she partied with her friends MailOnline revealed she had called time on her romance with Armando , 29, due to their 'very different' lives 'They had a very special time together and she visited the country a lot. But they are from very different backgrounds.' They added: 'She is a big pop star from England while Armando's whole life is based here in Playa Hermosa. He loves it here and I doubt he would have any plans to leave. 'Their lives are very different and so it was natural for them both to eventually move on. But they still remain great friends.' The couple met at the turn of the year when Ellie had gone to the Central American beach resort for a yoga and surf retreat with two close friends - actresses Emily Wickersham and Alessandra Ford Balazs - where they rented a swanky hillside villa. The holiday was a break for Ellie after she had in private separated from her art dealer husband Caspar Jopling. When pictures emerged of Ellie and Armando in swimsuits kissing passionately in the sea, the mother-of-one then took the decision to make public that her five-year marriage to Caspar, 31, had previously come to an end. Confirming their split on Instagram, she wrote: 'In light of recent stories, I feel I have been left with no choice but to let you all know that Caspar and I privately separated some time ago. 'We remain the closest of friends and have been successfully co-parenting with our son's best interests at heart.' In the months that followed the announcement Ellie repeatedly flew thousands of miles to Playa Hermosa - a long stretch of coast known as a surfer's paradise - to holiday with Armando. According to the El Observador newspaper, she made this trip as many as six times over just five months, typically staying a week at a time, sometimes longer. During these trips Armando gave her further private surfing lessons, and they were also seen running on the beach together, swimming and relaxing shopping and dining out. The musician and the surf instructor - who is eight years her junior - struck up a romance when he gave her surfing lessons as she rang in the New Year in Costa Rica (pictured) The holiday was a break for Ellie after she had in private separated from her art dealer husband Caspar Jopling (pictured together last year) When pictures emerged of Ellie and Armando in swimsuits kissing passionately in the sea, the mother-of-one then took the decision to make public that her five-year marriage to Caspar, 31, had previously come to an end On one date they were pictured walking down the beach for sunset surfs together, with him holding her around the waist as they laughed together. During these months, Armando is understood to have also visited Ellie in London on at least one occasion, reportedly watching her perform to a live crowd from backstage. Ellie and Caspar tied the knot five years ago surrounded by celebrity friends including Sienna Miller, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry. They went on to welcome their son Arthur in April 2021, and are understood to still be on good terms and happily co-parenting since their split. Brooke Shields saw 'no difference' between herself and John Mulaney after the comedian hilariously recreated one of her most controversial ads from 1980 as his SNL teaser. The actress, 59 who recently revealed the hilarious advice she gave her daughter for her runway debut took to Instagram to share a side-by-side comparison of the Calvin Klein ad she posed for at age 15 and the 42-year-old actor's take on it She praised Mulaney for his recreation and figuratively passed the baton to him in the caption of her post. 'I see no difference I guess they can be your Calvins too, @johnmulaney @nbcsnl @calvinklein.' In the original photo, the Blue Lagoon starlet modeled a pulled-up maroon top and jeans as she held herself up by her arms and raised her right leg. Brooke Shields saw 'no difference' between herself and John Mulaney after the comedian hilariously recreated one of her ads from 1980 as his SNL teaser; seen in October 2024 Though he didn't flash his tummy like Shields did, Mulaney matched her look down to the boots and pose in his rendition. The post was a hit with the actress' 2.2 million followers, racking up over 29K l likes and hundred of commenst from supportive fans. 'OMFGGG I absolutely LOVE this! I didn't know that was what he was trying to do/copy but I love it,' one follower penned. Another pocked fun at the actor, writing, 'I know @johnmulaney said he needs to get hip surgery. Was it a consequence of this? @brookeshields #worthit.' Other critiqued Mulaney's version, as one shared, 'This is amazing but u need to school him on the toe point.' Back in 2021, the commercial reemerged after critics pointed out its double entendre and sexually charged campaign when the model was a minor at the at time. In the commercial, one of several that the actress filmed with legendary photographer Richard Avedon for Calvin Klein, the then-teen posed in a pair of blue jeans and said, 'You wanna know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.' In a new interview with Vogue, Brooke said she was very 'protected' and 'didn't think it was sexual in nature' so she was 'shocked' when the media went crazy for it, accusing her of utilizing a control of her sexuality that she didn't posses. In the original photo, the Blue Lagoon starlet modeled a pulled-up maroon top and jeans as she held herself up by her arms and raised her right leg; seen in 1980 Though his didn't flash his tummy like Shields did, Mulaney matched her look down to the boots and pose in his rendition And Shields fired back in an interview with vogue in October of that year, claiming she was 'naive' about the message's double meaning. 'I think the assumption is that I was much more savvy than I ever really was,' she said. 'It didn't faze me. [The line] didn't sort of come into my psyche as it being anything overtly sexual, sexualized in any way,' she added. Brooke recalled how Calvin Klein approached her mother, Teri Shields about getting Brooke in the ads and she was just so excited for the opportunity. 'When I was 15, I didn't understand Calvin Klein in the way that he was sort of coming into the zeitgeist, it was more about Richard Avedon coming to my mom and saying, "We're doing a series of very unique commercials,"' she said. Though his didn't flash his tummy like Shields did, Mulaney matched her look down to the boots and pose in his rendition; seen in May 2022 'I see no difference I guess they can be your Calvins too, @johnmulaney @nbcsnl @calvinklein,' Shields said Several different versions of the ad were shot by infamous photographer Richard Avedon; Brooke seen in 1980 'The shoot itself, no one was allowed on the set. I think, because Avedon, it was his foray into the commercial world. I think he was a bit nervous. Stakes were pretty high and I think there was a lot of pressure,' the multihyphenate added. 'The choreography was specific and intentional. Every little bit of it,' she went on, reflecting on a specific pose in which she had one knee on the ground, the other knee resting on her foot, with her other foot in the air. 'I was just so proud that they were trusting me with something that involved acting as well as just the visual. And it was either gonna strike and be part of the zeitgeist or it wasn't,' she said. They shot several different ads, including the one that would go on to jump start her career because of the implication that she wasn't wearing underwear with her jeans. Matty Healy's fiancee Gabbriette Bechtel turned heads on Sunday as she enjoyed some fun in the sun at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The American model, 27, who got engaged to the 1975 frontman in June just a year after his split from Taylor Swift, enjoyed her beach day with Pete Davidson's ex girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders. Gabbriette put on a sizzling display in a tiny black G-string bikini that showed off her slender figure and numerous tattoos. The blonde beauty and her co-star appeared to be taking the weekend off from filming the reboot movie of hit horror flick, I Know What You Did Last Summer. Gabbriette hid her eyes behind a pair of very dark sunglasses as she slicked her locks back into a tight ponytail. At one point, she used a camcorder to film her friends during their fun day out. She could also be seen filming the landscape around her while flashing her enormous 10,000 (AUD$19,666) black diamond engagement ring. Meanwhile, Chase, 28, opted for a more full-coverage black bikini as she spent her time lounging back on a beach towel. Matty Healy 's fiancee Gabbriette Bechtel turned heads on Sunday as she enjoyed some fun in the sun at Bondi Beach in Sydney The Bodies Bodies Bodies star accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a necklace as she enjoyed some Aussie snacks and hot chips. The friends seemed to avoid the water, opting instead to soak up some sun in the sand. Gabbriette has been romantically linked to fiance Matty since September 2023, following his split from Taylor Swift in June that year. The American model, 27, who got engaged to the 1975 frontman in June , enjoyed her beach day with Pete Davidson 's ex girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders Gabbriette put on a sizzling display in a tiny black bikini that showed off her slender figure and numerous tattoos The blonde beauty and her co-star appeared to be taking the weekend off from filming the reboot movie of hit horror flick, I Know What You Did Last Summer Gabbriette flaunted her sensational physique as she strutted around the beach At one point, she used a camcorder to film her friends during their fun day out She could also be seen filming the landscape around her while flashing her enormous 10,000 (AUD$19,666) black diamond engagement ring The pair were spotted enjoying steamy PDA in New York City and have since made several public appearances together, including during Fashion Week. Often known simply as Gabbriette, the model was born in Orange County, California, in 1997making her eight years Matty's junior. Though she moved to Los Angeles with dreams of being a ballet dancer, Gabbriette fell into a modelling career after being cast in a Blood Orange music video. She has since worked with brands like Diesel, Bottega Veneta and Marc Jacobs. Meanwhile, Chase opted for a more full-coverage black bikini as she spent her time lounging back on a beach towel The Bodies Bodies Bodies star accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a necklace as she enjoyed some snacks and hot chips Jennifer Garner and her child Fin showed just how close they are during their family's trip to church on Sunday. The 52-year-old Deadpool & Wolverine actress who recently set off engagement rumors was spotted with her fingers locked with her middle child Fin, 15, as they walked toward the church. They were also joined by Fin's younger brother, 12-year-old Samuel, whom Jennifer shares with her ex-husband Ben Affleck. However, the former Hollywood couple's oldest daughter, 18-year-old Violet, didn't appear to be joining the trio for church services, which was likely because Jennifer's lookalike daughter began attending Yale University earlier this fall. Jennifer looked effortlessly classy in a business-casual ensemble featuring a gray mock turtleneck with with short sleeves. Jennifer Garner, 52, and her child Fin, 15, showed just how close they are during their family's trip to church on Sunday with Jennifer's youngest child, 12-year-old Samuel (L) Jennifer looked casual and stylish in a gray mock turtleneck with black slacks and slingback heels, while Fin rocked a red, white and blue cardigan with cargo jeans and Sameul went casual in all black She wore it tucked in to high-waisted black slacks with a matching leather belt. The Alias star added a pair of black slingback heels, and she accessorized with a black handbag and chunky dark sunglasses. The 5ft8in beauty wore her lustrous brunette locks down over her shoulders, though a gust of wind comically swept her hair up on the way to church. Notably, Jennifer appeared to have a bare left ring finger after she sparked engagement rumors last week when she was seen driving with a mysterious gold ring on the same finger. She was glimpsed with the ring which appeared to have a turquoise stone in it just days after a report from In Touch claimed that she and her boyfriend John Miller were planning out a 'dream wedding' to take place in Paris. Fin was dressed more casually in a navy cardigan with red and white stripes, along with they wore with a white graphic shirt, blue cargo jeans and black Adidas trainers. Samuel kept things low-key with a black graphic T-shirt, matching sweatpants and gray-and-white Nike high-top sneakers. It wasn't clear if the family trio had plans to meet up with Ben, but he has joined his ex for church services with his family in the past, and the two have managed to maintain a close co-parenting relationship, even as they have both moved on with new relationships. Last week, an insider close to the Argo star shared that he is open to dating again, even as he is in the process of divorcing his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. However, they revealed that Affleck has one condition for any woman he dates: they have to be sober or in recovery. 'These past two years have been tough for Ben and as he begins to heal, one thing is very clear: his recovery comes before anything. He is not going to put his sobriety in jeopardy,' the source said. Friends of the A-list actor had reported feared that he might relapse after he moved out of the $68 million home he had purchased with Lopez and relocated to a rental home in Brentwood to be closer to his children. However, the source stressed that Ben had not relapsed, though he was upset that some people believed he had begun drinking again. The Alias star had a brief hair mishap when the wind caught her lustrous brunette locks. It wasn't clear if she and her kids minus eldest daughter Violet, 18 planned to meet up with her ex Ben Affleck, who still sometimes attends church with them An insider told DailyMail.com last week that Ben's open to dating amid his divorce from Jennifer Lopez (pictured with him in November 2023 in Las Vegas), but only if the woman is sober or in recovery Also on Sunday, Jennifer posted a video in which she was joined by the professional ballerina Tiler Peck as they briefly danced together to Sabrina Carpenter's song Juno Despite his openness to dating, the insider also said that Ben wasn't looking to jump into anything too serious until his divorce from J.Lo was finalized. Just the day before, Ben had been spotted shopping with Samuel in Los Angeles. Jennifer rocked a business-ready look for church services on Sunday, but she also showed off a more playful look in a video she posted to her Instagram account on the same day. In the clip, she was joined by the professional ballerina Tiler Peck as they briefly danced together to Sabrina Carpenter's song Juno. Johnny Depp's hotshot former lawyer Camille Vasquez opened up about why she doesnt see a romantic connection with the actor in her future. Nearly two years after she played a pivotal role in securing a victory for Depp in his highly publicized $100 million defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, the 40-year-old lawyer addressed the dating rumors that emerged in 2022. 'I would never,' she declared to Extra on Friday. 'Let me just go on the record here. Never dated Johnny Depp. Never would date Johnny Depp. I think hes a lovely person Hes not my type,' she added. Vasquez, who quickly rose to fame through her work on the case, pointed out that her initial encounters with Depp revealed their strikingly different perspectives. 'I remember maybe after 30 [or] 40 minutes of speaking with him, I remember having an out of body experience and looking at him and thinking, "He views the world so differently than I do."' Johnny Depp 's hotshot former lawyer Camille Vasquez opened up about why she doesnt see a romantic connection with the actor in her future; (pictured 2022) Nearly two years after she played a pivotal role in securing a victory for Depp in his highly publicized $100 million defamation lawsuit (pictured) against ex-wife Amber Heard , the 40-year-old lawyer addressed the dating rumors that emerged in 2022. 'Like, he definitely uses a different part of his brain, hes such an artist.' Vasquez revealed that she has yet to see Depp as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates franchise, stating, 'to this day,' her only reference point for him was his role in Chocolat. Vasquez graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in arts, communications and political science in 2006, Newsweek reported. The fluent Spanish speaker went to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles from 2007 to 2010 and worked at one law firm before joining her current practice, Brown Rudnick LLP, as an associate. She focuses on 'plaintiff-side defamation suits, with additional experience litigating contract disputes, business-related torts, and employment-related claims,' according to her bio on the law firm's website. She's also listed as having 'extensive experience handling parallel reputation management and crisis communications issues arising from these engagements.' She does not have any public social media profiles. During the trial, many fans started to wonder if romantic feelings had developed between Depp and Vasquez, after they noticed a slew of flirty interactions between the two - including whispering in each other's ears, giggling together, and sharing coy smirks with one another. Rumors of a budding romance were fueled after a video of the Pirates of the Caribbean star helping the lawyer untangle her iPhone charger went viral on TikTok. He was also spotted pulling out her chair for her. 'I would never,' she declared to Extra on Friday. 'Let me just go on the record here. Never dated Johnny Depp. Never would date Johnny Depp. I think hes a lovely person Hes not my type,' she adde' Vasquez, who quickly rose to fame through her work on the case, pointed out that her initial encounters with Depp revealed their strikingly different perspectives Fans started to wonder if romantic feelings had developed between Depp and Vasquez during the trial, after they noticed a slew of flirty interactions between the two Vasquez revealed that she has yet to see Depp as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates franchise, stating, 'to this day,' her only reference point for him was his role in Chocolat However, body language expert Judi James explained exclusively to DailyMail.com at the time that the amorous moments between them were most likely not due to a secret affair, but instead, were all part of a plan to make Depp seem like a 'romantic hero.' She said that linking Depp to a 'fresh, smart, fragrant, and confident-looking woman' would 'destroy' Heard's recount of their toxic relationship. Vasquez was 'disappointed' to learn of speculation surrounding her relationship with Depp at the time. 'Its also an unethical charge being made. Its sexist,' she told People in June 2022. 'Its unfortunate and its disappointing, but at the same time it kind of comes with the territory. I cant say I was all that surprised.' Vasquez continued at the time, 'I care very deeply about my clients, and we have obviously become close. 'But when I say we, I mean the entire team, and of course that includes Johnny. 'And, Im Cuban and Colombian. Im tactile. What do you want me to say? I hug everyone. And Im not ashamed about that.' In addition to her rumored relationship with Depp, Vasquez gained immense attention after she cross-examined Heard on the stand, with some fans claiming that she 'annihilated' and 'obliterated' the star with her fierce questions. In addition to her rumored relationship with Depp, Vasquez gained immense attention after she cross-examined Heard on the stand Vasquez (pictured during her cross-examination) became short with Heard at one point, telling her, 'I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't make an argument to the jury. It's inappropriate' Vasquez said to Heard during the cross examination: 'Your lies have been exposed to the world multiple times?' to which Heard responded, 'I haven't lied about anything.' Vasquez pressed Heard on many of her inconsistencies and accusations, and she even became short with Heard when she started to talk to the jury at one point. 'There is no question pending so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't make an argument to the jury. It's inappropriate,' Vasquez snapped at Heard. Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages from her countersuit against Depp, which sought $100 million. However, she received no punitive damages. Although Depp was awarded $15 million in total, the judge reduced the $5 million in punitive damages to the Virginia cap of $350,000, bringing his total to $8.35 million after subtracting the $2 million owed to Heard. Pamela Anderson's career resurgence continued on Sunday night as she was awarded with a prestigious prize at the Miami Film Festival GEMS ceremony. The star was awarded the Art of Light Award during a ceremony at Regal South Beach, following a screening of her latest movie The Last Showgirl. Pamela, 57, looked stunning in a chic white coat layered over a glittering sweater and white shirt. She continued to embrace her make-up free look - a mantra she has turned to recently following the death of her makeup artist and long-time friend Alexis Vogel. Pamela previously explained she has gone natural in a bid to 'stop chasing her youth,' and has received praise from fans for 'aging gracefully.' Pamela Anderso n's career resurgence continued on Sunday night as she was awarded with a prestigious prize at the Miami Film Festival GEMS ceremony The star was awarded the Art of Light Award during a ceremony at Regal South Beach, following a screening of her latest movie The Last Showgirl The Baywatch icon beamed as she clutched her Art of Light Award, which is presented to cinematic artists 'whose exemplary work shines new wonders on the continuing evolution of motion pictures.' 'Pamela Anderson is the very essence of an icon,' Lauren Cohen, MFF's director of programming, said in a statement last week. 'Not only does she give a profoundly delicate and vulnerable performance in The Last Showgirl, but her work on display here is the absolute best of her career.' 'She is nothing short of dazzling, and she deserves all the awards buzz she's been garnering, and then some!' Pamela has received rave reviews for her work in her latest film, The Last Showgirl. The former Playboy Playmate stars as a seasoned dancer who must now plan for her future when her show is closed after a 30 year run. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given the film an 81-percent rating. The movie, directed by Sofia Coppola, is currently making rounds at various film festivals after premiering at Septembers Toronto International Film Festival. It will debut in theaters in limited release December 13 to qualify for awards nominations. She continued to embrace her make-up free look - a mantra she has turned to recently following the death of her makeup artist and long-time friend Alexis Vogel Pamela, 57, looked stunning in a chic white coat layered over a glittering sweater and white shirt The icon beamed as she clutched her Art of Light Award, which is presented to artists 'whose exemplary work shines new wonders on the continuing evolution of motion pictures' Pamela has received rave reviews for her work in her latest film, The Last Showgirl. She stars as a dancer who must now plan for her future when her show is closed after a 30 year run Pamela has explained how she drew on her own struggles and childhood trauma for her role in The Last Showgirl, admitting that doesn't think she 'could have played this character if I wouldnt have the life that I had, so it was worth it.' 'If I can continue working and using these struggles and challenges Ill feel blessed,' she said. 'I tried to go back to things that happened in my childhood. I could smell my house, cigarettes and alcohol, and it was important to look at all that. I was trying to get my power back. I bought the house of my grandmother and I repainted and rewrote my life,' she said. She read the script for The Last Showgirl' and said that project was, 'life or death' for her. 'I was in my overalls, in my straw hat, thinking: "Get me out of here, lets do this!" She added that she was, 'terrified to meet co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, however. 'She showed up to the table read in her spray tan and as she was talking to me, she was getting darker, and darker, and darker. Now, I feel like Ive known her all my life. She grabs you by the shoulders, looks you in the eyes and goes: "We got this, girl!"' she said. Just over a month after passing away, Dame Maggie Smith will be honored on Broadway with the tradition of having the marquee lights dimmed. The Harry Potter actress, two-time Academy Award winner, four-time Emmy Award winner and Tony Award winner passed away at 89 in late September. The UK native - who also won five BAFTA awards and was nominated for six Olivier Awards - was honored in her home country by having the lights dimmed in London's West End theaters in October. Now she'll be honored in New York City, with The Shubert Organization announcing on behalf of all Broadway theater owners that the lights will be dimmed at 6:45 PM on Thursday, November 7. 'Maggie Smith was a singular talent, whose artistry graced stages and screens alike with unmatched depth and wit,' said Robert E. Wankel, Chairman & CEO of the Shubert Organization, on behalf of his fellow theatre owners. Just over a month after passing away, Dame Maggie Smith will be honored on Broadway with the tradition of having the marquee lights dimmed Now she'll be honored in New York City , with The Shubert Organization announcing on behalf of all Broadway theater owners that the lights will be dimmed at 6:45 PM on Thursday, November 7 'Her legacy as a remarkable actor and an inspiration to countless performers is indelible,' Wankel continued. 'Broadway joins her admirers worldwide in mourning her loss and celebrating her remarkable contributions,' he added. 'Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were touched by her work,' the statement concluded. The announcement came after the Broadway Theatre Owners Committee of the Broadway League drew controversy for two recent passings. The organization announced that the dimmings in honor of two other actors - Adrian Bailey and Gavin Creel - would only happen in select theaters. That caused much backlash in the theater community, leading the Owners Committee to announce dimmings at all theaters for Bailey, Creel and Smith. Bailey's dimming took place on October 17, though the Owners Committee has yet to announce a date for Creel's dimming. 'In recognition of the passing of several beloved Broadway community members in recent weeks, and in honor of their significant impact on that community, the Committee of Theatre Owners has announced that they will dim the lights of all Broadway theatres in New York in honor of Adrian Bailey, Gavin Creel, and Maggie Smith. In addition, the Committee is reviewing their current dimming policy and procedures,' the statement read. 'Her legacy as a remarkable actor and an inspiration to countless performers is indelible,' Wankel continued Smith won her Tony Award in 1990 for Lettice and Lovage and her first Emmy in 2003 for My House in Umbria (above) The announcement came after the Broadway Theatre Owners Committee of the Broadway League drew controversy for two recent passings Smith was born December 28 1934 in Ilford, Essex, starting her acting career as a teenager, making her Broadway debut at just 22 in the review New Faces of '56. She won her first Oscar for Best Actress in 1969 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and her second in 1978 for Best Supporting Actress in Neil Simon's California Suite. Smith won her Tony Award in 1990 for Lettice and Lovage and her first Emmy in 2003 for My House in Umbria. That Emmy win made her just the 15th actor to win the acting Triple Crown - an Academy Award, an Emmy Award and a Tony Award. Cillian Murphy jumped on his horse with a bloody gash on his face as he continued filming for the new Peaky Blinders movie, on set in Manchester on Monday. The lead actor, 48, got stuck into filming as he resumed his iconic role of Tommy Shelby for the upcoming film. Cillian was covered head to toe in mud, sporting his staple Tommy Shelby attire as he road around on the black horse. The Oscar winner played the gangster in the multi-award winning BBC series from 2013 to 2022 and is now back. It appears that the new offering is set to be as violent and dramatic as ever as Cillian got stuck into filming while looking very much worse for wear. Cillian Murphy, 48, jumped on his horse with a bloody gash on his face as he continued filming for the new Peaky Blinders movie, on set in Manchester on Monday The lead actor got stuck into filming as he resumed his iconic role of Tommy Shelby for the upcoming film Cillian was covered head to toe in mud, sporting his staple Tommy Shelby attire as he road around on the black horse In the new movie, Cillian will star alongside new cast members Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth. In September, it was announced that Saltburn star Barry had joined the cast, but details of his character have not yet been revealed. Barry has had an impressive career over the past few years starring in Saltburn, Top Boy and The Banshees of Inisherin. Netflix announced in June 2024 that the feature film had been greenlit and would go into production later this year. In June it was confirmed that the Peaky Blinders' original writing and directing team will be returning alongside Cillian for the Netflix film adaptation of the hit British series. Netflix confirmed the news on X with a photograph of the script, while the Oscar winning actor told Deadline: 'It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn't finished with me 'It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans.' Director Tom shared: 'When I first directed Peaky Blinders over 10 years ago, we didn't know what the series would become, but we did know that there was something in the alchemy of the cast and the writing that felt explosive. Cillian hopped on his horse against a green screen on set Cillian looked exhausted as he filmed scenes covered in mud and had blood dripping all down his face The Oscar winner played the gangster in the multi-award winning BBC series from 2013 to 2022 and is now back It appears that the new offering is set to be as violent and dramatic as ever as Cillian got stuck into filming while looking very much worse for wear Cillian transformed into his iconic Tommy Shelby role Cillian chatted with a member of the crew during filming Cillian looked happier than ever to be back filming Peaky Blinders Cillian was completely covered in mud In September, it was announced that Saltburn star Barry had joined the cast, but details of his character have not yet been revealed 'Peaky has always been a story about family - and so it's incredibly exciting to be reuniting with Steve and Cillian to bring the movie to audiences across the world on Netflix.' Peaky Blinders launched in 2013 and garnered huge audiences both in Britain and overseas, attracting roles for silver-screen stars such as Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy. The programme is loosely based on a real Birmingham gang of the same name operating from the 1880s to the 1920s who did the same illegal activities their fictional counterparts did. Peaky Blinders aired six series over nine years and ended with Tommy, who had been tricked into believing he had a terminal illness, surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by his own nephew before killing him and moving away for a new life. Ore Oduba has revealed his latest career move, following his shock announcement that he and his wife Portia have split after nine years of marriage. The presenter, 38, confirmed the 'difficult' news in an Instagram statement last month, where he revealed they had decided to split earlier this year. But it seems the star is throwing himself into his work, as it was revealed on Monday he is joining the cast of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour. Ore will be playing the role of Caractacus Potts - made famous by Dick Van Dyke - in the musical, based on the beloved 1968 film and Ian Fleming's original novel. He will be taking over the role of the widowed inventor from Adam Garcia, whose run will end in Blackpool in December. Ore Oduba has revealed his latest career move, following his shock announcement that he and his wife Portia have split after nine years of marriage (pictured last year) The presenter, 38, confirmed the 'difficult' news in an Instagram statement last month, where he revealed they had decided to split earlier this year (pictured together) Ore will then appear in the show beginning in March at Birmingham's Hippodrome, and performing in Manchester, Bournemouth, Canterbury, Cardiff, Sunderland, Bristol and ending in Plymouth in May. He will be joined by Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts, Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious, Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker. The broadcaster has previously trod the boards in a number of musicals, beginning with a turn in the UK Tour of Grease in 2019. His other theatre credits include Aaron Fox in Curtains the Musical, Prince Charming in Cinderella and Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show. His most recent stage role saw him play Happy Man/Mr Thompson in the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman. As well as his presenting career, Ore is most known for winning Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016, with his professional partner Joanne Clifton. His latest career update comes just weeks after he revealed he had split from his wife Portia in a joint statement on Instagram. He wrote: 'Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year. Were so grateful for all the love youve shared with us both over the years. But it seems the star is throwing himself into his work, as it was revealed on Monday he is joining the cast of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour (pictured in 2022) Ore will be playing the role of Caractacus Potts - made famous by Dick Van Dyke - in the musical, based on the beloved 1968 film and Ian Fleming's original novel (pictured) He will be taking over the role of the widowed inventor from Adam Garcia, whose run will end in Blackpool in December (pictured in musical in April) 'And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition. We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.' The couple met at Loughborough University in 2010, before tying the knot five years later in November 2015. They went on to become parents in January 2018 with the birth of their son Roman, now six, before welcoming daughter Genie, three, in 2021. In the wake of their announcement, Portia took to her own Instagram to break her silence on their split and thank fans for their supportive messages. She wrote: 'I just wanted to come on and say thank you so much for every single message. I don't know what my next chapter looks like, but who ever does, that's life. 'Thank you again to you, if you have followed me on here for a long time or if you are new, hello! I'll be back on her as soon as. Save me a wine! I'm ok.' Ore previously gushed about his wife, admitting that he couldn't stop crying on their wedding day. He told The Mirror at the time: 'On my wedding day I cried from 11 in the morning until 2am that night. The broadcaster has previously trod the boards in a number of musicals, beginning with a turn in the UK Tour of Grease in 2019 and played Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show (pictured) His most recent stage role saw him play Happy Man/Mr Thompson in the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman (pictured) As well as his presenting career, Ore is most known for winning Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016, with his professional partner Joanne Clifton (pictured) 'There's a picture of me wailing, my best men there laughing and Portia absolutely cracking up next to me - I am the only one crying.' But in 2021, Ore spoke about how the past 12 months have been particularly 'challenging' for them after becoming parents, admitting they had shared 'a few little tiffs' and had to 'remember we love each other'. He said: 'My wife and I will be ten years together next month and weve never done anything more challenging than the last 12 months. There were tears, tantrums. 'Roman has enhanced our world more than we could have dreamt but there are times we have to remember that we love each other and whats why hes here. He's been our guardian angel in lockdown but he's also been the cause of a few little tiffs. 'It's just finding that time for each other. Every household is different. Communication is the key. We don't go to bed in an argument.' He continued: 'I'm someone who thrives on routine. When we didn't have that, I found it quite difficult to get some kind of structure. 'Spending more time with each other gave us more appreciation for what the other person does.' Ore has also played down Strictly's so-called curse, saying that Portia was very supportive of his stint on the programme. His latest career update comes just weeks after he revealed he had split from his wife Portia in a joint statement on Instagram (pictured together in 2022) The couple met at Loughborough University in 2010, before tying the knot five years later in November 2015 . They went on to become parents in January 2018 with the birth of their son Roman, now six, before welcoming daughter Genie, three, in 2021. In the wake of their announcement, Portia took to her own Instagram to break her silence on their split and thank fans for their supportive messages He said: 'We were very fortunate, because actually my wife was the kind of woman who said, "Can you get back in that rehearsal room with that wonderful woman, because you need to be a better dancer." 'We were a year married and thankfully we got through it. Here we are, five years down the track.' He also told The Sun: 'The show is so 24/7 and I didnt want Portia to feel like an outsider. The three of us went out for dinner and bowling together. I won. 'But Portia and Jo got on so brilliantly, I was the third wheel! If anything, the curse has stolen my wife because I feel left out when we all hang out together. 'I really couldnt have been more fortunate than to get two brilliant blonde bombshells in my life.' Shanina Shaik took Halloween fashion to the next level as she stepped out for Vas J Morgan and Jas Mathur's Hollywood A-list Halloween bash over the weekend. The Australian model, 33, turned heads in a daring cowgirl-inspired ensemble that showcased her bold style. Shanina was accompanied by her equally stylish friend, Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt, as they made a dazzling entrance together. Shanina embodied a sultry cowgirl vibe, donning a plunging black corset top that showed off her enviable figure, layered with a bold, baroque-print shirt with gold and black accents. Her look was accessorised with a statement black leather belt adorned with oversized gold buckle details and a gold chain draped across her waist. The outfit was topped off with a black cowboy hat embellished with gold detailing, perfectly capturing the Wild West-meets-high-fashion aesthetic. Her makeup was kept glamorous yet understated, with a focus on glowing skin. Her dark, tousled waves cascaded from under her hat, adding a relaxed elegance to the look. Shanina Shaik took Halloween fashion to the next level as she stepped out for Vas J Morgan and Jas Mathur's Hollywood A-list Halloween bash The Australian model, 33, turned heads in a daring cowgirl-inspired ensemble Kelsey meanwhile matched Shanina's cowgirl theme, sporting a similarly styled ensemble with her own unique flair. She wore a deep black and gold baroque blouse, a structured corset, and black leather pants, complementing her friend's look. Shanina wasn't the only Aussie celebrity in attendance. Shanina was accompanied by her equally stylish friend, Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt Shanina embodied a sultry cowgirl vibe, donning a plunging black corset top that showed off her enviable figure, layered with a bold, baroque-print shirt with gold and black accents Actress Rebel Wilson was present alongside her wife Ramona Agruma. Rebel's fun Western-inspired was teamed with a suede tasselled jacket and straight leg jeans. She added a pair of sparkly boots and topped off her outfit with a tan cowboy hat, styling her hair into curls. Elsewhere, the likes of Paris Hilton, Hailey Bieber and Chace Crawford were spotted enjoying cocktails by Lalo Tequila. And in true western spirit, Carl's Jr.'s burgers were on hand for guests to enjoy. Shanina wasn't the only Aussie celebrity in attendance. Actress Rebel Wilson was present alongside her wife Ramona Agruma Rebel was seen posing for photos alongside Limitless CEO Jas Mathur Elsewhere host Vas J. Morgan was pictured with Scout Willis Deciding to skip the western theme, actor Zach Braff was dressed as Aussie Olympian Rachael 'RayGun' Gunn Holly Ramsay posed up a storm in a checked bikini as she posed for a series of stunning snaps with her fiance Adam Peaty on Sunday - as the couple enjoy a Greek getaway. The daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay, 24, looked as if she didn't have a care in the world while soaking with Adam, 29, and his son George, four. Holly, who simply captioned her latest holiday dump on Instagram as 'grateful' - posed on a sup board with the swimming champion and George - whom he shares with former partner Eirianedd Munro. The happy couple - who happily announced their engagement in September after dating for three years - enjoyed a lavish stay at the 5-star Ikos Olivia hotel in Gerakini. The lovebirds seem to be in an early honeymoon stage as they packed on the PDA in the slew of pictures, beaming as they enjoyed a sunny boat day. Holly Ramsay posed up a storm in a checked bikini as she posed for a series of stunning snaps with her fiance Adam Peaty - as the couple enjoy a Greek getaway The daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay, 24, looked as if she didn't have a care in the world while soaking with Adam, 29, and his son George Another sweet snap proved little George has been blending in very well, appearing often in the couple's snaps as Holly appears to be getting along with him. Holly and the Olympics champion posed for a mirror selfie, with the tot snooping out with a funny grin. For the outing, Holly wore a white mini skirt and black top as she snapped a mirror selfie. But it wasn't all about comfort for the internet star, who also took to the gym for a gruelling work out with Adam. The actress further proved her chic sense of fashion in an all-black ensemble which included a plunging laced vest, smart trousers, and oval shades. Before touching down on the beautiful beaches of Greece, the lovebirds enjoyed another romantic getaway in Dubai just earlier last month. During the vacation, Holly showed off her dazzling yellow diamond engagement ring. The couple first shared the exciting news last month that they had become engaged during their trip to Mallorca. Holly, who simply captioned her latest holiday dump on Instagram as 'grateful' - posed on a sup board with the swimming champion The couple were joined by Adam's little boy George She shared a heart-melting snap of the Adam and George during a sunny boat day in Gerakini Holly and the Olympics champion posed for a mirror selfie, with the tot snooping out with a funny grim The actress further proved her chic sense of fashion in an all-black ensemble which included a plunging laced vest, smart trousers, and oval shades But it wasn't all about comfort for the internet star, who also took to the gym for a gruelling work out with Adam The media star soaked the sun and relaxed as she captured herself doing some self-care activities She displayed her incredible figure as she posed for a stunning mirror selfie in a black minidress and towering bright orange heels. She styled her long brunette tresses loose for the evening out and accessorised with gold jewellery. In another snap, Holly captured Olympian Adam looking over their hotel balcony taking in the picturesque view. The swimmer showed off his muscular and tattooed arms in a white tank top as he leaned on the railing. The couple stayed at the lavish 5-star Atlantis, The Palm hotel and also uploaded a snap of their hotel bed which was scattered with rose petals. Adam and Holly also enjoyed a trip to an aquarium and she couldn't contain her smile as she posed next to a tank full of sting rays. The influencer looked amazing in a white knitted crop top which she teamed with a matching skirt. She penned: 'Best weekend ever @atlantisthepalm'. Sharing their happy news of their engagement last month, the couple complemented each other's posts by including bible verses after Adam revealed religion had saved him from addiction. Influencer Holly was the first to share the news as she posted a series of sweet snaps together and wrote: 'I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now. I still remember how big my smile was the morning I got home from my first date with you. 'Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife.' Holly continued: 'I promise to always be there with you and George, Im so greatful [sic] to be in his life and I cannot wait for more. 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13'. Adam also shared a gushing post announcing the news, which comes after he made a decision to take a break from swimming. In his heartfelt post, he praised his fiancee for sticking with him through his 'lowest times', following his highly-publicised battle with alcoholism and mental health. He penned: 'I cant believe youre going to be my wife. Im truly the luckiest man on earth to have such a gentle, caring and beautiful woman by my side. You fill my heart to the brim and give my soul peace. 'You have been with me when Ive been at my lowest and helped me understand myself to navigate my own darkness. Holly showed off her dazzling yellow diamond engagement ring as she enjoyed a romantic getaway in Dubai with Adam just earlier last month The couple, who have been dating for three years, shared the exciting news last month that they had become engaged during their trip to Mallorca Adam also shared a gushing post as he praised Holly for helping him through dark times 'You have also celebrated the highs which have been so many, as for the first time in my life, Im happy with the man Ive become. You came to church with me and joined the incredible community we have there without a question.' Adam continued: 'Your family have always treated me so generously with their time, emotion and trust. I cant wait to be joined with them too. 'Ive always believed that when two people are engaged and later married that we are no longer two people but we join as one and its the biggest privilege to share that with you. 'Seeing you show the love you give to the most important person in my life, George, even from day one, there was never a question about you becoming my wife one day. Im looking forward to our life together and the many challenges well face. 'I promise to always love you with all my heart. 'Matthew 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.' The couple were immediately flooded with congratulatory messages, with Holly's famous father Gordon Ramsay penning: 'Congratulations to you both ! Were over the moon and enjoy this moment ! Welcome to the family' Thought to be worth 610 million, Gordon has six children with his wife Tana, 49, Megan, 26, twins Holly and Jack, 24, Tilly, 22, Oscar, five and Jesse, eight months. An influencer with now 400,000 followers, Holly works with brands such as Space NK, Net A Porter and Charlotte Tilbury. Holly and Adam met in 2021 on Strictly Come Dancing, where Adam starred opposite Holly's sister Matilda. The influencer unveiled a new tattoo in January this year which she got matching with Adam. After studying fashion at Ravensbourne University, she dropped out after a year and was admitted to Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone after suffering PTSD from sexual assaults. A while after, in 2019 she signed with Established Models; a model agency based in London. In summer 2021 Holly launched a podcast called 21& Over but after 13 episodes it was discontinued. Meanwhile Adam separated from the mother of his son George and partner of three-years Eirianedd in 2022. His son George was just two years old at the time. Announcing the news via social media, Adam wrote: 'Eiri and George, I'm sorry for letting you down. My only interest is for the well-being of our family at this difficult time.' Eirianedd took to her own social media to announce the split, predicting she would face an 'incredibly difficult' future. Adam split from his girlfriend Eirianedd after three years together and apologised for 'letting down' his partner and their son in August 2022 The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked' Their split was in part put down to the doomed 'Strictly curse' after Adam raised eyebrows with his on screen chemistry with pro-partner Katya Jones on the dance floor. Yet the pair now appear on good terms with each other. The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked'. Molly-Mae Hague put on a stylish display as she headed out for lunch with her sister Zoe on Sunday. The reality star, 25, who has just launched her own clothing line Maebe, wore a oversized black coat over a purple jumper. Slicking her hair back into a bun and wearing minimal make-up, Molly-Mae teamed the look with dark denim jeans and Ugg boots. The sisters had lunch at the Village Cafe in Hale, before leaving the village in Molly's 200,000 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Magno Edition. Molly has been focusing on the launch of her new clothes business following the split from her fiance Tommy Fury. Molly-Mae Hague put on a stylish display as she headed out for lunch with her sister Zoe on Sunday The sisters had lunch at the Village Cafe in Hale, before leaving the village in Molly's 200,000 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Magno Edition Over the summer, Molly-Mae shared the shock news that she had split from fiance Tommy, with reports surfacing claiming Tommy 'cheated on her with a Danish woman he met' on a holiday in North Macedonia - something he has denied. Speaking to The Mail in an interview, Tommy admitted: 'It is proper love. Do I still love Molly? 100 per cent. I will love her until my final breath.' 'I know what I have to do in order to resolve things. And that's down to me. Nobody else can do that other than me.' Addressing the rumours he said: 'All the allegations that were made of me recently are completely false. 'The truth will come out in time and when it does I think a lot of people might regret their actions and unkind words. 'What the public thinks is going on isn't what is going on. It's not something I envisaged happening, but it didn't come out of nowhere. 'It's a thing that was there previously to all this happening, but the only people who know what is going on in our relationship is me and Molly.' Meanwhile, Molly-Mae has been focusing on her clothing line, which launched last month, telling MailOnline she was looking forward to a 'new era' in her life after the split. The reality star, 25, who has just launched her own clothing line Maebe, wore a oversized black coat over a purple jumper Slicking her hair back into a bun and wearing minimal make-up, Molly-Mae teamed the look with dark denim jeans and Ugg boots Molly has been focusing on the launch of her new clothes business following the split from her fiance Tommy Fury In an exclusive interview the influencer said she felt 'emotional' but was channeling all her energy into the couple's one-year-old daughter, Bambi, and her new clothing line Maebe She told of how the past six months have been a juggling act and she has found parenting as well as running her existing businesses 'tricky' Meanwhile, Tommy said: 'It is proper love. Do I still love Molly? 100 per cent. I will love her until my final breath' In an exclusive interview the influencer said she felt 'emotional' but was channeling all her energy into the couple's one-year-old daughter, Bambi, and her new clothing line Maebe. She told of how the past six months have been a juggling act and she has found parenting as well as running her existing businesses 'tricky'. But navigating the launch of her fashion label alongside the end of her five-year relationship has given Molly the chance to focus on the next chapter as she admits: 'It was really good timing for this to happen for me. It has all just aligned perfectly.' Molly told MailOnline: 'When I became a mum, I changed a lot as a person and different things became important to me in terms of fashion, it was the right time to launch Maebe. I was really ready to sink my teeth into something new. 'I have a really good feeling about this new era of my life and think it's going to be so special and a great thing for me to focus on and put my time into as well as being a mum to Bambi. 'It was really good timing for this to happen for me. It has all just aligned perfectly really. I am so excited about it... I really do have an amazing feeling about the brand. I see Maebe having a huge future.' Dawn O'Porter has revealed she hung up the phone on her best friend when she told her she was engaged. The author and director, 45, made the candid confession whilst appearing on The Mail's The Life Of Bryony podcast. Speaking to Bryony Gordon, she opened up about her female friendships. 'We didn't grow up with great examples of female friendship at all,' she said. 'I think you realise especially you can have a really happy marriage and be really close to your husband. Dawn O'Porter has revealed during a conversation on The Life Of Bryony podcast that she hung up the phone on her best friend when she told her she was engaged 'But what's going on beyond that in your WhatsApp groups, in your girls' nights, in your lunches, that almost is what holds you up constantly. 'It's a different kind of conversation. I can't imagine a day without connecting with them. 'It's almost like an addiction. It's so lovely.' Recalling a time with one of her best friends, she said : 'Louise, who is like my ride or die, she's the one that lives in Australia, and we met when we were 19 at college in Liverpool and she'd gone to school with the boys that I lived with and so she used to come up at the weekends and we just completely fell in love with each other. 'When she told me that she got engaged, I hung up. 'I was, it's like I've been shot. I was just like, Okay, um, great. And I just hung up the phone and I remember standing in my kitchen being like that was an awful thing to have done. 'I just thought life as I know will never be the same again. I've lost her. 'After about 10 minutes, I called her back, really sorry, I'm so happy for you. 'I got engaged a few months later and I called her, and she hung up. Dawn and actor Chris O'Dowd, 45, have been married since 2012, tying the knot in an intimate ceremony after first meeting at her 30th birthday party in 2009 Speaking to Bryony Gordon, she opened up about her female friendships. 'We didn't grow up with great examples of female friendship at all,' she said 'But nothing really changed. She's still my ride or die. Everything's fine. But at that age, I found the idea of losing her absolutely terrifying. I didn't understand what marriage would do to the friendship.' Dawn and actor Chris O'Dowd, 45, have been married since 2012, tying the knot in an intimate ceremony after first meeting at her 30th birthday party in 2009. In September she revealed they had recently decided to return to the UK with their two sons after living stateside for 16 years. At the time Dawn admitted the gun culture in America is 'terrifying' and that she began to find living their with young children 'really unsettling'. 'I can't deny that for me personally the anxiety of America was becoming quite unbearable,' she said. 'The guns thing is really terrifying and very real in the schools. 'One of the school mums once said to me 'You know if your kid is going on a playdate you have to call and say 'Have you got a gun in the house''. And I thought, I don't want this. I don't want to make that call and I don't want someone to ask me that question.' Ever feel like life is a bittoo much? Bestselling author and journalist Bryony Gordon is here to ditch the shame and dive headfirst into lifes messier bits. Search for The Life of Bryony wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes released every Monday and Friday. Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar impressively celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on September 1, and one of the secrets to their lasting union involves keeping their relationship out of the spotlight. 'That's by choice, though. You can control it to a certain degree,' the 48-year-old Girl in the Pool actor explained on the Oldish Podcast Sunday. 'I don't know how deliberate [other celebrities] are in trying to avoid that BS, other people. I know how easy it's been for us because I don't go anywhere. I don't go to parties. People don't see Sarah and I out and about at the popular places. 'We have our restaurants that we like, and they're not super trendy in places where, you know, paparazzi hang out. So we're good at avoiding it.' For instance, Freddie - who has 'way more famous' neighbors - will deliberately wait to leave his home until the photographers parked at the bottom of his street 'follow Schwarzenegger and leave me alone.' Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on September 1 (pictured), but they keep their relationship out of the spotlight 'I'm not trying to s*** on anyone, but it's not that hard [to avoid attention,] if you really [want to],' Prinze Jr. scoffed. 'There's no secret to it and it wasn't, like, hard. We just don't like that life, you know? She grew up in New York. She experienced everything before she was 21 years old, like, nightclubs and all that stuff. And I can count on one hand how many clubs I've been [to] my whole life.' The WWE Rivals host and the 47-year-old Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum are far more likely to be spotted at theme parks like Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm. Freddie and Sarah are proud parents of 15-year-old daughter Charlotte Grace Prinze and 12-year-old son Rocky James Prinze. Prinze Jr. and Gellar originally met in 1997 on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer and, while her character was killed off, he will soon reprise the role of fisherman Ray Bronson in Sony Pictures' untitled fourth film hitting US theaters July 18. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson will direct the latest chapter in the $165.3M-grossing horror franchise in Australia starring Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Haur-King, and Billy Campbell. Mr. Golden Globe 1996 currently executive produces and hosts a podcast about the WWE called Wrestling with Freddie and a podcast about horror films called That Was Pretty Scary. Freddie - who's an avid chef - also co-created the YouTube Channel Gegghead with Jon Lee Brody and Clare Grant, which features 'everything from gaming to sketch comedy.' Meanwhile, the Daytime Emmy winner will next portray Miami Metro Police Department forensics expert Tanya Martin in the 10-episode prequel Dexter: Original Sin, which premieres December 13 on Paramount+ with Showtime. The 48-year-old Girl in the Pool actor explained on the Oldish Podcast Sunday: 'That's by choice, though. You can control it to a certain degree' Freddie continued: 'I don't know how deliberate [other celebs] are in trying to avoid that BS, other people. I know how easy it's been for us because I don't go anywhere. I don't go to parties' Prinze Jr. added: 'People don't see Sarah and I out and about at the popular places. We have our restaurants that we like, and they're not super trendy in places where, you know, paparazzi hang out. So we're good at avoiding it' (pictured in 2023) For instance, the WWE Rivals host - who has 'way more famous' neighbors - will deliberately wait to leave his home until the photographers parked at the bottom of his street 'follow Schwarzenegger and leave me alone' Freddie and the 47-year-old Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum are far more likely to be spotted at theme parks like Disneyland (pictured October 12) or Knott's Berry Farm Prinze Jr. and Sarah are proud parents of 15-year-old daughter Charlotte Grace Prinze and 12-year-old son Rocky James Prinze (pictured January 3) Mr. Golden Globe 1996 and Gellar originally met in 1997 on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer and, while her character was killed off, he will soon reprise the role of fisherman Ray Bronson in Sony Pictures' untitled fourth film hitting US theaters July 18 Jennifer Kaytin Robinson will direct the latest chapter in the $165.3M-grossing horror franchise in Australia starring Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline Social media users are confused over why the movie is being made Bob will celebrate the vibrant textures of the Caribbean Latin nations Jennifer Lopez's upcoming Bob The Builder film has been blasted once again after being thrust back into the limelight, with social media users confused over why it has been named after the original series when the plot is so different. The project, which will see In the Heights star Anthony Ramos take on the titular character, re-entered public consciousness on Monday after Deadline reported that Amazon MGM Studios had won the bidding war for the rights. In the movie, Roberto (Ramos) aka Bob travels to Puerto Rico for a major construction job, and takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build. Bob's journey celebrates the vibrant and colorful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people. The original Bob the Builder series was a British animated children's television show created by Keith Chapman. Jennifer Lopez's upcoming Bob The Builder film has been blasted for its synopsis Her upcoming animation will see Roberto (Ramos) aka Bob travels to Puerto Rico for a major construction job It ran from April 12, 1999 to December 31, 2011 in the United Kingdom through the CBBC strand and later CBeebies. The program centers on the adventures and escapades of a general contractor named Bob who owns a team of anthropomorphized construction vehicles that go about their day helping out the residents of Bobsville. They are also joined by work colleague Wendy, alongside their neighbors and friends. Bob the Builder made famous the catchphrase: 'Can we fix it? Yes, we can!' - with the character even landing a UK Christmas number one single in 2000. Social media users have been left stumped by JLo's movie because it is so far from the original with many also confused as to why creators are making a children's film 'so deep.' Taking to the social media site X, one wrote: 'That's not Bob the Builder then?????' Another said of the plot: 'What does that even mean?' 'Kinda cool how utterly nonsensical Hollywood is sometimes cuz like tf (the f***) do you mean Amazon is making a movie about Bob (named Roberto in this film) The Builder going on a journey to really discover what it means to... build,' a third posted. In the Heights star Anthony Ramos is set to take on the titular character Social media users are confused about the upcoming film 'Hysterical stuff.' A fourth continued: 'I remember growing up watching Bob the Builder. The show was about building stuff with talking construction equipment, helping to teach children about how you can rely on your friends to help when you need it. 'How tf did we get here?' A fifth continued: 'I genuinely just don't understand this.' 'This is a children's cartoon there was no need for a origin story lol he's Bob the Builder,' a sixth said. Others wrote: 'Since when do kids movies need to be this deep?' Another said: 'Amazing how deep of a plot they are shooting for with the Bob the Builder lore.' The animated feature was first announced in January when it was revealed that JLo's production company Nuyorican Productions had joined forces with Anthony for the new film. It was previously confirmed that JLo, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions will co-produce the project from Mattel Films. Felipe Vargas will write the upcoming film, with the project overseen by Kevin McKeon, Ivan Sanchez and Arturo Thur De Koos for Mattel and Natalie Haack Flores for Nuyorican. The movie found itself at the center of an unlikely culture war at the time of its announcement, with Frank Furedi, the emeritus professor of sociology at Kent University, blasting the move to turn Bob into a social justice warrior. Christina Hall's bid to sell her former Tennessee marital home for $4.5million has suffered a major setback - amid her divorce battle with Josh Hall. The home was purchased by Christina in February 2021, prior to their wedding, and put on the market last month - with Josh filing a temporary emergency order to stop the sale of the Franklin property days later. However DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal the home has been temporarily taken off the market and placed on hold amid the pair's divorce drama. A listing for the lavish six bed, six bath home shows the home's status as 'coming soon/hold' while another reads: 'Off market'. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for comment. Christina Hall's bid to sell her former Tennessee marital home for $4.5million has suffered a major setback - amid her divorce battle with Josh Hall The Leiper's Fork 5,000sqft farmhouse sits on 23 acres and has six bedrooms with six bathrooms. It also has a three-car garage, a barn and an 'owner's retreat.' The agent is Kelly Dougherty This comes weeks after Josh hit back at Christina in a divorce filing after she put their Tennessee home on the market. In court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Josh filed a temporary emergency order to stop the sale of their Franklin, TN home (also known as Parker Branch). He offered Christina a global settlement offer but then she proceeded to list it. He also said that she allowed him to live in the home when it was unoccupied, which he did for 12 days in September, but now he has relocated somewhere else in Tennessee and claims he's 'suffering prejudice' because his living expenses will increase. In the documents, Josh claims the home was listed by Christina without his consent and without a court order. The home was purchased by Christina in February 2021, prior to their wedding, however Josh insists 'the community maintains an appreciation interest due to the paydown of the mortgage during marriage. 'A premature sale may result in prejudice to me as property values continue to rise in Tennessee, which continues to grow in population.' Josh alleges Christina asked for his 'written agreement' to sell the home on September 23, however he did not agree. The former couple filed for divorce after over two years of marriage He also claims Christina presented him with a proposed Stipulation and Order in connection with the home on September 24, an agreement he claims she 'unilaterally prepared.' He did not sign that document. Josh alleges he then presented Christina with a global settlement offer on September 25. The settlement contained terms related to the home, but Christina rejected the proposal on September 30th. Josh alleges Christina went ahead with the 'unliteral listing' of the home without his consent. The home was listed for $4.5 million. He claims he learned about the listing on social media and through his counsel, informed Christina that they did not have a settlement and he did not agree to the sale of Parker Branch. Josh claims Christina told him his objection was 'ineffective' and she allegedly has refused to take down the listing. He also alleged that he and Christina were able to come to an agreement about using their Newport Beach and Parker Branch homes during their separation. The former couple agreed that Christina would enjoy 'exclusive use and possession' of their home in Newport Beach while Josh would be able to reside in Parker Branch, which also serves a short-term rental part-time, when it was not in use. Josh relocated to Tennessee due to the agreement they made and lived in Parker Branch for 12 days during the month of September. But when the home was being used by short-term tenants, he stayed with family. 'My relocation to Tennessee was significantly influenced by our aforementioned Stipulation allowing me to enjoy this property throughout our separation. I will now suffer prejudice because my living expenses will undoubtedly increase,' he claimed. Josh insisted there would be 'no prejudice' to Christina if his request is granted by the court. 'She is enjoying our community residence,' he added. 'She is in control of our entire marital estate. She has cut me out of our businesses post-separation, impacting my earnings. 'Christina has continued to maintain the marital status quo while I have endured significant changes, to my detriment.' However DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal the home has been temporarily taken off the market and placed on hold amid the pair's divorce drama 'I anticipate that Christina will claim that this sale is in the "usual course of business." Any such argument is a farce. Parker Branch was purchased for us to enjoy as a family. It was not a business investment,' he added. Josh alleged that Christina intends to sell the home in order to follow her dreams of owning a vineyard in Napa. 'Christina has claimed that she wishes to sell Parker Branch so that she can pursue her new dream of owning a vineyard in Napa Valley. This is an entirely new and impulsive venture for her, unrelated to any "usual" business that she has engaged in,' he wrote. 'In summation, there exists no compelling basis to sell the Parker Branch property during the pendency of this action,' he concluded. 'I am requesting that the Court grant immediate orders to prevent the immediate loss of the Parker Branch residence.' In the event his immediate request to stop the sale goes unfulfilled, Josh and his lawyers are seeking to swiftly schedule a date in court where they will ask a judge to prevent the sale of the home. The Leiper's Fork 5,000sqft farmhouse sits on 23 acres and has six bedrooms with six bathrooms. It also has a three-car garage, a barn and an 'owner's retreat.' The agent is Kelly Dougherty. Christina snapped up the stunning property in 2021 before she met Hall and she is the sole owner Hall took a dig at Josh in her post. She noted that he can no longer live there and made him out to be a freeloader who has wanted her money. 'I guess Leiper's Fork is gonna have to come off the bio soon,' she began the Instagram Story. He had Leiper's Fork in his Instagram bio. 'Time to go back to reality soon... ' She then turned the knife to go deeper. 'Remember when you said you would never steal from me or my kids and you would just be happy in a van with your dog?' she asked. 'I guess plans changed. All about trying to take everything you can... With your mind on my money and my money on your mind.... Byeeee.' When they split, Josh moved out of their $12M Newport Beach, California mansion and into the Tennessee home. Their split has been very contentious and public with Christina often calling him out on social media. Ariana Grande has responded to criticism of her casting as Glinda in Jon M. Chu's movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked. The 31-year-old music artist who is currently promoting the film in Sydney, Australia appeared on a recent episode of the Sentimental Men podcast and discussed her role with hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi. Explaining the audition process, she said she felt pressure to overcome the 'challenge' of shedding her pop star image. 'I felt a little bit of the initial nervousness or the sort of preconceived notions about what I might be able to deliver or not deliver, or why I would be wrong [for the role] or whatever,' Ariana admitted. Naming two of her hit songs, she imagined the perspective of a critic: 'Going off of Side to Side, I probably would've said the same thing. I probably would've said, "Why the f**k? Kill me. Ive waited 20 years for this. Kill me." I would've said that as a fan from the outside. Knowing of only 7 Rings, probably I'd say, "Well, thats bull****." So, you know, I get it.' Ariana Grande has responded to criticism of her casting as Galinda in Jon M. Chu 's movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked The songstress appeared on the Sentimental Men podcast and said she understands criticism of her casting in the upcoming movie 'This is something I loved so much about auditioning for Wicked,' she explained. 'It has to be earned. Anything on this scale, being a part of anything, its not just given because they know you for one thing. 'So, its fun to kind of have the challenge of reframing peoples perception and doing the work to earn your way back into the other spaces,' Ariana emphasized. The Florida native studied musical theater from the age of eight and was a longtime fan of the musical, which originally starred Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, before getting the role. Wicked follows Elphaba played by Cynthia Erivo and Glinda as they meet at Shiz University and share a life-changing encounter with Jeff Goldblum's Wizard of Oz. Universal enlisted Chu to direct the beloved story in 2021. The first of two Wicked installments hits theaters on November 22, 2024, with its sequel premiering about one year later on November 21, 2025. Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Ariana shared promotional posts from the start of her press tour. Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Ariana shared promotional posts from the start of her press tour She described herself and co-star Cynthia as 'two best friends' in a Stories post Grande made sure to subtly pay tribute to boyfriend and co-star Ethan Slater as she tagged him in a photo of him holding her Vivienne Westwood gown One photo in a carousel post showed her headed to the movie's Sydney premiere in a custom pink Vivienne Westwood gown. She wrote to her online audience, 'There are truly no words. I missed you all. Thank you for welcoming us with such warmth and love. What a special way to begin this tour.' Grande also made sure to subtly pay tribute to boyfriend and co-star Ethan Slater as she tagged him in a photo of him holding her Vivienne Westwood gown And she reshared a post from a fan account that marked the third anniversary of the day her casting as Glinda was announced. Damian Lewis kept it casual in jeans and a leather jacket as he joined Thomas Brodie-Sangster at a photocall for Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light. The Homeland actor, 53, was among the stars of the new BBC series who attended the event at BFI Southbank in London on Monday. He went low-key for the photocall as he sported a pair of dark denim jeans with a brown belt, as well as a collared leather jacket. Damian - who plays Henry Tudor in the show - finished off his look with a v-neck black t-shirt and New Balance trainers, as he smirked showing off his moustache. Love Actually star Thomas was another star in attendance for the photocall for the series - in which he portrays Rafe Sadler. Damian Lewis kept it casual in jeans and a leather jacket as he joined Thomas Brodie-Sangster at a photocall for Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light in London on Monday The Homeland actor, 53, was among the stars of the new BBC series who attended the event at BFI Southbank in London Thomas looked dapper in a long black coat paired with a turtleneck top, tailored trousers and leather boots. Joining the pair was Harry Potter star Harry Melling, who sported a pair of brown pinstripe trousers, with a grey shirt and a bomber jacket. Kate Phillips, who plays Jane Seymour, put on a daring display as she donned a triangle bra with a mesh bodysuit. The Peaky Blinders actor completed her chic ensemble with a pair of wide-leg trousers with brown heeled boots. Game Of Thrones star Will Tudor kept it simple in a cream knitted top and black fitted trousers. An exclusive image from the new series of Wolf Hall was released last week, depicting a besotted King Henry VIII marrying his third wife, Jane Seymour. It is a rare moment of peace and tranquillity from the series which launches next Sunday, and promises to be darker and bloodier than the original which was screened in 2015. Kate, 35, who plays Jane Seymour, is best known for her role as Linda Shelby in the BBC gangster drama Peaky Blinders. Love Actually star Thomas was another star in attendance for the photocall for the series - in which he portrays Rafe Sadler Thomas looked dapper in a long black coat paired with a turtleneck top, tailored trousers and leather boots Joining the pair was Harry Potter star Harry Melling, who sported a pair of brown pinstripe trousers, with a grey shirt and a bomber jacket Kate Phillips, who plays Jane Seymour, put on a daring display as she donned a triangle bra with a mesh bodysuit The Peaky Blinders actor completed her chic ensemble with a pair of wide-leg trousers with brown heeled boots Game Of Thrones star Will Tudor kept it simple in a cream knitted top and black fitted trousers Based on Dame Hilary Mantel's novel of the same name Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light picks up where the last series ended in the aftermath of the execution of Queen Anne Boleyn. While the death of the Queen has left the King free to marry again, the politics at court are deadlier than ever before. An isolated and increasingly desperate Thomas Cromwell, played again by Sir Mark Rylance, will stop at nothing to cling on to power, while an increasingly paranoid King Henry, again played by Homeland star Damian Lewis, is proving more difficult to please. This bleaker tone is evident in the new trailer which features the King telling Tudor powerbroker Cromwell: 'You have very few friends Cromwell' and 'always you with the bad news'. Cromwell tells one of his supporters: 'When negotiations and compromise fail and your only course is to destroy your enemies... have the axe in your hand.' King Henry, again played by Homeland star Damian Lewis , is proving more difficult to please An isolated and increasingly desperate Thomas Cromwell, played again by Sir Mark Rylance A besotted King Henry VIII marries his third wife, Jane Seymour, in this exclusive image This darker tone will reflect the reality of the period. But the show is not all blood and guts. Fans who were hooked on the sumptuous costumes, settings and locations in the first series will not be disappointed this time around. Joanna Eatwell, the show's costume designer, said: 'It's a wonderful period for the men. They look beautiful and the women are quite simple by comparison.' Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light airs on iPlayer and BBC One at 9pm on Sunday 10 November. Rihanna has urged fans to head to the polls ahead of Election Day. The Barbados born songstress, who cannot vote as she is not a U.S. citizen, asked her followers to cast a ballot 'because I can't.' She joked about committing voter fraud in a video posted to her Instagram on Monday, one day before Election Day: 'POV: me trying to sneak into the polls with my son's passport. #votecauseicant.' She captioned the post with a telling message that hinted she was endorsing Kamala Harris for president: 'when protecting pussies and firing pussies can happen all in one vote #votecauseicant #TanSuitSeason.' The video was of Rihanna sitting in a car with the wind blowing in her face as she looked out the window through her sunglasses. Rihanna has urged fans to head to the polls ahead of Election Day The video was of Rihanna sitting in a car with the wind blowing in her face as she looked out the window through her sunglasses Rihanna shares two sons with her partner A$AP Rocky, RZA, two, and Riot Rose, 14 months, who are both U.S. citizens. The post came just one day before America decides whether Harris or Donald Trump will be the next president. It's not the first time Rihanna has weighed in on an election, despite not being a U.S. citizen. During the midterm elections in 2018, she reminded fans about the election on her Instagram. In the caption of a post containing voting information, she wrote: 'Its ELECTION DAY America!!! The most important day for the rest of your lives...all you have is right now! TODAY!! 'If youre tired of complaining about the state of the country and government, get up and do something about it!!! #VOTE... simple!!! You have no excuse, and If you live in any of these states its not too late to register today!! Cmon man, LETS GO!!!' The post prompted a fan to ask if Rihanna was a U.S. citizen, to which she responded: 'nah I'm an immigrant tryna get yo country together. Did u vote?' Rihanna and Rocky have been friends for over a decade when their friendship turned romantic. They welcomed first son RZA in May 2022 and then son Riot last year. Rihanna's two sons that she shares with partner A$AP Rocky are both U.S. citizens She captioned the post with a telling message that hinted she was endorsing Kamala Harris for president It's not the first time Rihanna has weighed in on an election, despite not being a U.S. citizen Last month Rihanna's longtime partner revealed the moment he knew she was 'the one'. The rapper featured on the front cover of the latest issue of W Magazine and was photographed by none other than Rihanna. Speaking to the publication on how he knew Rihanna was the one, he said: 'I knew from when we were younger. We both did, I think. So it was only right when we got older. We just kind of reconnected.' Diddy broke his silence from behind bars as his children called to wish him a happy 55th birthday on Monday - while he awaits trial on sex trafficking charges. The rapper was arrested in September on federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution - and is incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. In a video shared by his son Justin Dior Combs, 30, Diddy is heard telling his children he is proud of all of them and 'looking forward to seeing them soon' after they sing happy birthday to him. Diddy's daughter Love, two, who he shares with Dana Tran, joined siblings D'Lila and Jessie, 17, Quincy, 33, Christian, 27 and Justin in the clip - in which they sang 'happy birthday to daddy' with a birthday cake for the jailed star. An upbeat Diddy said: 'I love y'all, I can't wait to see y'all. I'm proud of y'all, especially the girls, all of y'all, but just for being strong, thank you for being strong. Diddy broke his silence from behind bars as his children called to wish him a happy 55th birthday on Monday - as he awaits trial on sex trafficking charges In the video shared by his son Justin Dior Combs, Diddy is heard telling his children he is proud of all of them and 'looking forward to seeing them soon' after they sing happy birthday to him 'Thank you for being by my side and supporting me, I got the best family in the world 'My birthday, I'm happy for you giving me this call, I'll see you in a couple of days.' Love told her father she loved him to which he responded: 'I love you too baby.' Diddy's daughter Chance, 18, was not present but spoke to her father via video call, with Diddy saying: 'hey Chance, love you baby.' Diddy shares Chance with ex Sarah Chapman, while Christian, Jessie, D'Lila and Quincy's mom is the late Kim Porter. Justin's mom is stylist Misa Hylton. This comes as Diddy faces a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl . The same night Jennifer Lopez and Diddy were pictured arguing at a party together before leaving later on alongside his entourage. The alleged incident is said to have occurred at a house later that night, but the timing adds a troubling layer to the evening's events and raises questions about the dynamics of Diddy and Jennifer's relationship during a time now overshadowed by serious allegations. The couple stayed together for another five months, eventually splitting in February 2001. Diddy's daughter Love, two, who he shares with Dana Tran joined siblings D'Lila and Jessie, 17, Quincy, 33, Christian, 27 and Justin in the clip - in which they sang 'happy birthday to daddy' with a birthday cake for the jailed star An upbeat Diddy said: 'I love y'all, I can't wait to see y'all. I'm proud of y'all, especially the girls all of y'all, but just for being strong, thank you for being strong' Diddy's daughter Chance, 18, was not present but spoke to her father via video call, with Diddy saying: 'hey Chance, love you baby' Diddy is pictured with his twins, daughter Chance and son Justin in 2023 Last week Diddy's children wrote on Instagram: 'The past month has devastated our family. Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media' (pictured in 2022) The new legal filing seen by DailyMail.com claims Diddy had allegedly 'aggressively approached' the young girl with a 'crazed look in his eyes' before sexually assaulting her. She claims an unidentified male celebrity also raped her while Diddy and an unnamed female celebrity watched. There is no suggestion this woman was Jennifer. Diddy has denied the allegations. His attorneys told DailyMail.com he 'never sexually assaulted anyone' and said the most recent 'barrage of filings' were nothing but 'clear attempts to garner publicity'. Diddy was arrested last month on federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution - and is incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a prison that previously held Jeffrey Epstein , Ghislaine Maxwell and R Kelly . In May 2024 a 2016 video would emerge of the rapper shirtless with a towel wrapped around his waist, chasing Cassie down the hall at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City before grabbing and kicking her (seen together in 2016) The rapper is filmed kicking Cassie as she lay on the ground Appearing on DailyMail.com's hit podcast The Trial Of Diddy, prison expert Larry Levine said Diddy is visited by a psych team everyday. 'He's not really on suicide watch but my inside source there tells me that there is someone coming by to visit with him several times a day, you know, to make sure that he's okay,' Levine remarked on the podcast. 'My sources are telling me that [Diddy] is getting extra showers a week,' he alleged. 'I don't know how many. It probably varies. They're giving them extra privileges.' Meanwhile, Combs' lawyers are still trying to get him out of jail and filed an appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court after two judges rejected his release on bail. The matter will be discussed at a hearing on November 4. Last week Diddy's seven children shared a joint statement supporting him on Tuesday morning ahead of his May 5th federal sex-trafficking trial. 'The past month has devastated our family,' they wrote on Instagram . 'Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media. We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family. WE MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD.' The family statement came two days after the Buzbee Law Firm, AVA Law Group, and Curis Law filed seven more lawsuits (four men and three women) in the US District Court in Manhattan against the three-time Grammy winner alleging aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation between 2000-2022. Lead counsel Tony Buzbee has gathered enough evidence to file 120 victims' (as young as nine and 13) lawsuits thanks to a hotline he set up for victims and witnesses which amassed 12K calls in 24 hours. 'He is being treated like any other detainee awaiting trial. As with all public figures in his position, he was placed on suicide watch upon admittance to the facility as a precaution'; seen in a court sketch from September 18 Diddy's attorney Marc Agnifilo dismissed the latest lawsuits as 'clear attempts to garner publicity' and they 'have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses, and the integrity of the judicial process.' The Emmy-nominated producer - who was arrested September 16 in Manhattan after a grand jury indictment - 'has never sexually assaulted anyone - adult or minor, man or woman,' they added. Diddy has pled not guilty to charges alleging he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees, and silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. Elon Musk's ex Grimes took a savage swipe at the billionaire amid his high-profile support for Donald Trump in the US presidential election. Grimes, 36, who dated Musk, 53, from 2018-2022 and shares three children with him, took to X to dish out a jab about men who want to travel to space. Musk is notably the founder, CEO, CTO and chair of space technology company, SpaceX. The drama unfolded when Olivia Rodrigo revealed the 'very oddly specific question' that she asks guys on first dates. She said: 'I always ask them if they think that they would want to go to space. And if they say yes, I dont date them. 'I just think if you wanna go to space, youre a little too full of yourself. I think its just weird. Elon Musk's ex Grimes took a savage swipe at the billionaire amid his high-profile support for Donald Trump in the US presidential election Musk is one of the most prominent supporters of Trump's 2024 presidential election This swiftly caught the attention of the musician - whose real name is Claire Boucher - who wrote on Saturday on X - the platform owned by her ex: 'Its true, Only women should be going to space.' Fans quickly reacted with one writing: 'She does have the most experience out of most' while a second typed: 'PERIOD, NOW GET IN THE STUDIO.' Others lambasted the star writing: 'Oh shut up, youre the one that had a baby with a guy who wanted to go to space lmaooo.' The We Appreciate Power vocalist and the SpaceX CEO are parents to four-year-old son X A-12 Musk; three-year-old daughter Exa Dark Siderl; and son Techno Mechanicus , whose exact age has not been publicly disclosed. Grimes and Musk parted ways more than three years ago, as he told Page Six in September of 2021 that he and Grimes were 'semi-separated.' He said at the time that she would continue to live at a home he owns in California. 'It's mostly that my work at SpaceX and Tesla requires me to be primarily in Texas or traveling overseas, and her work is primarily in LA,' said Musk. 'She's staying with me now and Baby X is in the adjacent room.' Musk has past been married on three occasions. The drama unfolded when Olivia Rodrigo revealed the ' very oddly specific question' that she asks guys on first dates This swiftly caught the attention of the musician - whose real name is Claire Boucher - who wrote on Saturday: ' Its true, Only women should be going to space' While Musk has never been to space, he has invested millions in research and last month made the staggering claim that a city of one million people will be thriving on Mars within 30 years. Musk's new claims about the future of human exploration on Mars come as SpaceX makes its biggest breakthrough to date. On October 13, the company successfully landed its 71-metre-tall (242 ft) Super Heavy booster. Musk has revealed why he really wants Donald Trump to win the presidential election, and it has nothing to do with border politics or tax-breaks for billionaires. While speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Summit in Saudi Arabia last month, Musk said SpaceX's ability to colonize Mars rides heavily on the Republican nominee getting back into office. 'I feel more optimistic about it with a Trump White House than a non-Trump White House,' he said. If Musk's vision comes true, the first crewed mission to the Red Planet would launch in 2027 and the first human boots on the Martian landscape two years later. The SpaceX CEO admitted the timeline was ambitious, but suggested that electing Kamala Harris would not result in the deregulation needed to clear the way for his goal. He claimed that under President Joe Biden's administration, it has become 'almost illegal' to launch space missions, despite the fact that SpaceX has launched over 300 rockets since 2020 - more than any other commercial spaceflight company. 'It takes longer to get the permit to launch than to build a giant rocket,' Musk continued. The claims were likely due to Trump's big push into space during his first term, signing an order that aimed at returning Americans to the moon and being the first to Mars. Fans quickly reacted with one writing: 'She does have the most experience out of most' while a second typed: ' PERIOD, NOW GET IN THE STUDIO' They dated for about three years with the couple separating in March 2022. Late last year, Musk also confirmed they had previously and secretly welcomed their third child son Techno Mechanicus, who they affectionately nicknamed 'Tau'; seen with their first kid X A-Xii, whose nickname is 'X' 'I will free NASA from the restriction of serving primarily as a logistics agency for low-Earth orbit activitybig deal,' Trump said in 2016. 'Instead, we will refocus its mission on space exploration. Under a Trump Administration, Florida and America will lead the way into the stars.' Trump's presidency had demonstrated that he is aligned with Musk's goals for space exploration in a number of ways. Musk is a father to a total of 12 children, including his firstborn, who he welcomed with ex-wife Justine Wilson and tragically died in infancy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. He also welcomed twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis in November 2021, just weeks before he and Grimes welcomed their second child via surrogate. He had a third child with Shivon in 2024. In September 2023, Grimes suggested in a since-deleted tweet that there was strife between her and Zilis, adding that Musk was not allowing her to see her own son. According to screenshots of the tweet underneath a picture of Musk and the two children he shares with Zilis Grimes wrote a message directed at Musk's biographer Walter Isaacson. 'Tell Shivon to unblock me and tell Elon to let me see my son or plz respond to my lawyer,' she wrote. 'I have never even been allowed to see a photo of these children until this moment, despite the situation utterly ripping my family apart.' Casper, Wyoming, has been named among the most affordable places for Americans to spend their later years. While Florida may be the preferred retirement destination for seniors who enjoy warm weather and beach escapes, others enjoy snow-capped mountains or fishing trips. The charming Western town offers just that - and is a good option for those prioritizing affordability in retirement. That is according to WalletHub's latest ranking of the best places to retire. The study ranked 180 US cities across 45 metrics to determine which were the most friendly to retirees, and where they could plan an affordable retirement while maintaining the best quality of life. Casper, Wyoming, has been named among the most affordable places for Americans to spend their later years WalletHub considered factors including the cost of living, the weather, the quality of healthcare, and the number of museums a city has to offer or nearby places to fish. Casper landed in ninth place overall, which was the second highest among Western cities on the list. It was beaten only by Scottsdale, Arizona, which came in sixth place. Casper ranked the third best out of all 180 cities for affordability - which took into account factors including the cost of living, tax friendliness, the cost of in-home services, and the cost of adult health care. Wyoming has some of the lowest taxes in the country, and one of the lowest personal tax burdens per capita, which is a benefit for retirees on a fixed income. The Equality State does not have an individual income tax - which lets seniors keep more of their earnings - and it does not impose an estate tax or an inheritance tax. Casper has a population of around 59,000, according to the Census Bureau, approximately 16 percent of whom are aged 65 and over. The cost of living in the Western city is lower than the national average, as is the price of the average home. According to Zillow, a typical property in the city costs $290,928 - compared to the national average of $359,892. Casper residents also have access to quality healthcare thanks to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, which is the largest hospital in the state. But Casper's main draw is its potential for outdoor activities. Casper has a population of around 59,000, according to the Census Bureau, approximately 16 percent of whom are aged 65 and over Casper ranked the third best out of all 180 cities for affordability - which took into account factors including the cost of living, tax friendliness, the cost of in-home services, and the cost of adult health care Wyoming has some of the lowest taxes in the country, and one of the lowest personal tax burdens per capita (Pictured: Wyoming State Capitol) According to Zillow, a typical property in Casper costs $290,928 - compared to the national average of $359,892 The city is dotted with beautiful parks on both banks of the North Platte River and surrounded by stunning landscapes, Travel + Leisure reported. Casper Mountain is intersected by over 50 miles worth of trails, which keep residents active, and locals can also enjoy camping and archery. Hogadon Ski Area, located a short ride from downtown, is a family-friendly resort with multiple trails and a lodge where skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can practice their favorite winter sports, the outlet said. Also in the top ten places to retire, according to WalletHub, are Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg in Florida. Cincinnati, Ohio, also made the top ten - alongside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Much like Casper, Minneapolis is among the coldest cities in the US, with particularly harsh winters. But Minneapolis experiences all seasons, and summers in the city are not excessively hot, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80sF. The city's friendly environment, high-quality hospital system, beautiful surroundings and strong cultural scene meant it landed in third place in the ranking. Adversities are integral to our lives. However, we possess a wellspring of strength that enables us to recover and move on I first read about resilience in my physics classes in school as the ability of a material to absorb energy and release back that energy as it springs back to its original shape. Later, I understood a third element, the ability to spring back without creating a permanent distortion. Human resilience is no different. I have met many people who bounced back. I then understood its meaning in daily life. It was about humans and their strength to face adversities and move forward with renewed vigour. I remember an incident from almost four decades back. I was only 26-years-old. My colleague was 56. His only child, a son around my age, died in a boat accident while on vacation with his friends in the Sundarbans. I went with my wife to condole and realised that words were superfluous. What do you tell an old couple who had just lost their only child? I had tears in my eyes, and I found the gentleman consoling me instead. He sought solace and strength from the scriptures. Another colleague lost her 41-year-old son. She wanted to write about it, had even tried multiple times, but could not bring herself to articulate her feelings. I encouraged her to write. She shared her innermost thoughts, A woman goes through severest of physical pains and mental suffering through labour pain at the time of her childs birth. This is the natural cycle of life. But what is unnatural is when this cycle of life breaks due to the untimely death of the younger person, whom the woman had given birth to, and nurtured, to become a good and strong human being to face the world. The lady now lives through her sons memories. She also expresses her emotions by writing poetry or short stories. This is her way of coming out of her traumatic experience and honouring her sons life. Another lady that I recently interviewed for an episode of a virtual show lost her young son of 22 a few years back. She transcended her grief cherishing the fond memories of a limited time spent together. She helps others transform their grief into growth. The loss of a child is probably the most difficult form of adversity. We face challenges and find the inner strength to deal with them. There are a few, who unfortunately are not able to cope, and sometimes take extreme steps. There are also a few people who may require additional medical help to deal with feelings of depression. Above all, they require love and support from the near and dear ones. Each human is a wellspring of resilience. All that is needed is to tap within and for others to help. We may adopt a few lessons from the lives of resilient persons. They believe they are masters of their destiny, they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, they adapt to situations, they do not obsess over factors over which they do not have control, they are optimists and many more. However, resilience does not require us to present a brave facade at all times. It is also important to create a social environment and not hesitate to seek help. I close the article, with a prayer that all of us find the courage to be resilient, and with a quote from Emil Dorian, a Romanian poet, prose writer, and physician, Strong people alone know how to organise their suffering so as to bear only the most necessary pain. (The author is an electrical engineer with the Indian Railways and conducts classes in creative writing; views are personal) From R&AWs inception in 1968 to todays advanced defence collaborations, the Indo-Israeli alliance has quietly strengthened in the face of shared security challenges It was three years after the Indo-Pakistan war. The year was 1968. Indias external intelligence agency, The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was formed and its director was firmly advised by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, to develop deep ties with Mossad; Israels formidable intelligence agency. The two have been working closely together to eliminate potential threats and impending security challenges. The interests of both agencies aligned; obliterating the similar nature of terror emanating from their borders. As Israel confronts Irans proxies in the region, Indian security forces battle Pakistans proxies, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, daily in the restive state of Jammu and Kashmir; which also happens to be one of the worlds most heavily militarised zones. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed country, also happens to be the epicentre of global terrorism. Fast-forward to the year 1999 when India was engaged in the Kargil conflict with Pakistan. It was then that Israel provided India with drones to monitor the treacherous Himalayan terrain. Now, as Israel is entangled in its battles, Indias Adani group has delivered several Hermes 900 drones which are also capable of aerial bombardment. They have been deployed in Gaza. This, of course, is beyond the ambit of the Indian Governments control since its a joint venture between Adani Defence and Aerospace and Israels Elbit systems. Besides, allegedly India sent two shiploads of arms to Israel early this year. Over the past few years, Mossad has conducted a series of assassinations. These have included top Iranian nuclear physicists, professors and the head of Irans nuclear programme. Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will not tolerate a nuclear Iran. So, in the foreseeable future, it is very likely that Israel will strike Irans nuclear facilities because Iran is going to relentlessly pursue the nuclear path. This is irrefutable. In recent times, the agency in collaboration with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has assassinated the top leadership of Hamas and Hezbollah; Ismael Haniyeh- the Hamas political leader- in Tehran, Hassan Nasrallah- the Hezbollah leader and Yahya Sinwar who was the chief architect of the 7th October 2023 attacks on Israel. The very recent precision strikes in and around Tehran would have sent shockwaves in the power corridors of Iran. The reverberations of these calculated strikes would have sent Irans security cabinet scrambling to fathom how Israel could pursue such an accurate military operation. One will have to wait and watch Irans reaction. Will it retaliate and escalate the exacerbated situation in the West Asia or will it choose to mitigate the situation and let its proxies corner Israel? But this outcome was almost certain. Israel had to engage in a limited military response. But what captured the imagination of the world was how Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies exploded simultaneously. Contentious debates regarding such a deadly operation were circulating to the centre stage. The vociferous debates focus on the morality and ethics of such an unprecedented operation. After all, it does set a precedent for future attacks anywhere in the world. But as Israels Ambassador to New Delhi put it; you have to surprise your enemy in a manner that does not involve the conventional use of force. They say necessity is the mother of all inventions. Israels campaign epitomises it perfectly. They say that offence is not the best form of defence but in Israels case, this chain of thought is unconvincing. The state exists in a precarious security zone. Israel may find itself alienated from the rest of the world as the valiant men and women of the IDF battle on various fronts, but the war and Israels meticulous planning must continue. Irans proxies must be annihilated. Its relentless campaign to eliminate groups like Hamas and Hezbollah must not end anytime soon. Political parties or not, these actors harbour a twisted, malicious and hostile ideology. There is no space for such entities to exist in a modern world. Israel must never forget that the long-lasting ties between the two nations will continue and Indias explicit support will not fade anytime soon. The Indo-Israeli ties will be a durable bond in the years to come. This relationship which hinges on mutual respect and specific interests will bloom and crystallise in the years to come. Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, articulated it quite clearly; peace will only usher in when Arabs love their children more than they despise us. (The writer is a socio-economic commentator; views expressed are personal) The Indo-US partnership stands out as a stabilising force, rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to security, peace and technological progress The global power structure has undergone profound changes, shifting from the Cold Wars rigid bipolarity to an era of unipolar dominance, and now, to a complex multipolar framework. This transition has amplified the voices of countries that were once sidelined, making their contributions essential to shaping international relations. For a stable and cooperative world, active participation from all nations is necessary in this evolving paradigm of global politics. A key relationship in this multipolar world is the strengthening bond between India and the United States, founded on shared respect and strategic interests. Over the past decade, their alliance has evolved significantly, propelled by a common vision for regional stability and global security. Regions like West Asia and conflicts like Russia-Ukraine illustrate how global geopolitical tensions are often rooted in complex interplays of power, ideology, and rivalry. Maintaining peace requires transparent diplomacy, cooperation, and trust-based dialogue among nations. To sustain global stability, countries must collaborate on critical fronts such as climate action, renewable energy, and technological innovation. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an example of how emerging powers are asserting influence, sparking responses from other nations. Indias growing partnership with the US stands as a stabilising counterforce in this landscape. Key agreements like the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) have enhanced defense and data-sharing capabilities, primarily to counter security threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, India and the US have institutionalised their cooperation through strategic initiatives like the 2+2 Dialogue, a platform that enables regular high-level discussions and reinforces a multi-layered security partnership. These collaborations reflect the importance of joint efforts in combating modern challenges, from chemical weapons control to counter-terrorism initiatives, underscoring the need for stringent international regulations. The role of smaller nations is also evolving within this multipolar order. These countries are adapting to shifting global dynamics, often requiring support from larger nations for economic, strategic and cultural integration. Indias growing recognition as a mediator in international disputes, as seen in its balanced stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reflects its increasing diplomatic stature. This approach not only underlines Indias commitment to global peace but also highlights its ability to bridge divides as a neutral party. With an evolving international landscape, new security frameworks and collaborative information-sharing networks have become critical for countering emerging threats. Indias active role in tackling these challenges showcases the potential of soft diplomacy. This diplomatic approach resonates with Indias cultural philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family), which advocates for inclusive governance and unity. This ethos aligns well with the India-US partnership, which is also rooted in shared democratic values and mutual respect for sovereignty. Recent technological agreements, including the US support for the production of F414 engines, advanced drones, and fighter jet components in India, symbolise the strides both countries are making toward a robust defense alliance. Such agreements not only solidify defense cooperation but also pave the way for smoother technology transfers. Beyond defense, India and the US are deepening cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT), underscoring Indias expanding role in global tech markets. Indian companies, particularly in the IT sector, have successfully established a presence in international markets, creating jobs, fostering trade, and contributing to the US economy. With an Indian diaspora of about 5.6 million living, working, and studying in the US, these contributions further strengthen the economic ties and cultural connections between the two democracies. This vibrant Indian-American community enhances mutual understanding and shared aspirations between the two nations, fostering a unique bond that complements strategic cooperation. The Indo-US partnership holds strategic importance not only for bilateral benefits but also as a pillar for building broader international coalitions to address global security threats. As two of the worlds largest democracies, India and the US are in a unique position to lead efforts against transnational terrorism and other pressing security issues. By jointly developing a forward-looking security framework, both countries can drive global initiatives for peace and stability. Through shared commitments, this alliance has the potential to shape a diplomatic roadmap that champions prosperity, security, and harmony on a global scale. In an era where power is increasingly dispersed, the Indo-US relationship reflects a proactive response to the challenges and opportunities presented by multipolarity. As both nations continue to strengthen their alliance, they contribute not only to their own security but also to a collective effort aimed at promoting peace, economic stability, and shared progress. This partnership is more than just a bilateral relationship; it embodies the hope for a cooperative, resilient global order that values inclusive growth and sustainable peace. (The author, a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Award, is a professor and expert in strategic affairs; views are personal) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane, underlining that this will contribute to strengthening India's ties with the Queensland state, promoting trade and serving the diaspora. Jaishankar, arrived in Australia on Sunday on the first leg of his two-nation tour which will also take him to Singapore. "Delighted to formally inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. It will contribute to strengthening India's ties with Queensland state, promoting trade, fostering educational linkages and serving the diaspora. Thank H.E Dr. Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland and Ministers @Ros_Bates_MP and @FionaSimpsonMP For joining the inauguration ceremony," Jaishankar posted on X. This is India's fourth consulate in Australia in Brisbane. The rest are in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The External Affairs Minister also paid his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane on Monday. "His message of peace and harmony resonates through the world," Jaishankar said in a post on X. Jaishankar also met the Governor of Queensland, in Brisbane on Monday. "Pleased to meet H.E Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, in Brisbane today. Discussed opportunities and ways to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation with the Queensland state," he posted on X. During the visit, Jaishankar will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra. He will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under in the Australian Parliament House. He is scheduled to interact with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, the business community, media and think tanks. From Australia, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore, where he will address 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. Taking strong exception to an attack on a Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton in the Canadian province of Ontario, India on Monday condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists. New Delhi also urged the Justin Trudeau Government to ensure that all places of worship in the country are adequately protected. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said here. Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at Bramptons Hindu Sabha Temple on Sunday, prompting the High Commission of India in Ottawa to issue a strong statement, condemning the attack by anti-India elements. Jaiswal also pointed out that it remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of its citizens in that country, asserting that the diplomatic officers providing consular services to Indians will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence, he said. According to a PTI report from Ottawa, protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton, triggering condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest occurred at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added. Taking to social media, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident. The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident, Trudeau said in a post on Monday. Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on Bramptons Hindu Sabha temple by anti-India elements. This incident disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian consulate. In its statement, the High Commission remarked, We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. Peel Regional Police said in a social media post on Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety. We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts, Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on social media on Sunday after the videos began circulating. Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged. Peel police told CBC Toronto no arrests were made at the temple Sunday. Police did not provide further details about the social media videos, what happened or whether any complaints were filed. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence on social media on Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law. I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha, he said.Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton witnessed widespread condemnation by Canadian politicians, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practise their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos, Poilievre said in a social media post. Premier Doug Ford praised police for their quick response, adding that the incident is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. No one should feel unsafe at their place of worship, he said in a post. The Indian High Commission remarked, We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. The statement further added, We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants... The relations between India and Canada 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. With less than 10 days remaining, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday rescheduled bypolls in 14 Assembly constituencies across Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh from November 13 to November 20 after requests from political parties. Bypolls to 14 constituencies will be held with Maharashtra Assembly elections, and the second phase of Jharkhand polls. Sources in the poll panel said political parties had requested for a change in the polling date, citing festivals such as Kalpathi Rastholsavam (November 13-15), Kartik Purnima (November 15) and Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev (November 15). The parties said the festivals may impact voter turnout in these states. Representations have been received in the Commission from various recognised national and state political parties (including BJP, INC, BSP, RLD) and some social organisations for change of date for poll in some Assembly constituencies having by-elections on 13th November, 2024, considering large scale social, cultural and religious engagements on that day which may cause inconvenience to large number of people, give rise to various logistic issues and may lead to reduced voters participating during the poll, the EC said. In Kerala, the byelection to Palakkad assembly seat has been rescheduled while that for Chelakkara Assembly and Wayanad Lok Sabha seats will be held as scheduled earlier on November 13. According to the Congress, a significant portion of the electorate in the Palakkad assembly seat in Kerala will celebrate the festival of Kalpathi Rastholsavam from November 13 to 15. In Punjab, the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev will be celebrated on November 15 and an akhand path will be organised from November 13 onwards. The four Punjab assembly seats where bypolls are being held are Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha and Barnala. The Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal had said that in Uttar Pradesh, people travel for three to four days ahead of Kartik Purnima, which will be celebrated on November 15. Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh where bypolls are due include Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, Majhawan. The EC had fixed November 13 as the date for bypolls in 48 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats. A WhatsApp Group of Hindu Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in Kerala has sent shock waves across the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state and a high level probe is on to find out the brains behind the mischief. P Rajeev, Kerala Minister for Law and Industries, who is also the Chief-Minister-in-waiting, told the media at Kochi on Monday that the government has noted the development with all seriousness and a probe is on to bring to light all factors behind the formation of the group. The group was created on October 31 from the phone used by K Gopalakrishnan, an IAS officer in the state. News about the formation of the Mallu Hindu Officers WA group spread like wildfire across Kerala, and it was taken off cyberspace within 24 hours. However, Gopalakrishnan said that his phone was hacked and he was not aware of the existence of such a group. It was only when colleagues told me about the WA group that I came to know about it. Multiple Groups were formed using the contact numbers in my phone and I do not know anything more than this, Gopalakrishnan said. He has filed a police complaint about the hacking of his phone. Dr MG Gireeshan, cyber expert who is a leading hackathon specialist, told The Pioneer that it was possible to hack the phone of anybody who is not aware of the potential of the internet, and mobile phones. Generally, there are two easy methods. We can hack the phone details through WhatsApp web and also when we install certain applications. If we click on unwanted links, we are handing over the permission to make use of our phone to the person who has uploaded the application. Though the new generation officers are cautious about the dangers involved in installing some strange applications, the older generation people are not aware of the trap, Gireeshan said. He is one of the top contributors of the Hackathon of Kerala Police Cyberdome, and is a defence technologist working as research head of Edgeforce Solutions, a Hyderabad-based company. This is not the first time WA groups based on communal lines hog the limelight in Kerala. There was Green Light, a WA group meant for Muslim community officers in Kerala Police which allegedly leaked information and intelligence data to leaders of extremist organisations operating from the state. As people gear up to celebrate the revered four days Chhath Puja starting from Tuesday, there is visible enthusiasm among the devotees, especially those from the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand with markets around the country bustling with shoppers splurging on the items related to the sacred festival. In the national Capital, such excitement is visible in different markets across Delhi as people from Purvanchal constitute a sizable and significant fraction of the total population. Amid the palpable enthusiasm, trade related to the auspicious festival, worshipping the God Surya, is expected to be approximately `12,000 crores across the country, making it one of India's most culturally significant festivals. The first day of Chhath Puja, Nahay Khay, signifies the start of the rituals with about 150 million devotees, particularly women, participating to cleanse themselves by taking a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganga, symbolising spiritual purification. On Wednesday, the second day, Kharna, is marked by a rigorous day-long fast, during which devotees abstain from food and even water from sunrise until sunset. In the evening, the fast is broken with a traditional meal (prasad) offered to Lord Surya, which typically includes rice pudding (kheer) and chapatis. The third day is the main day of Chhath Puja, characterised by a complete fast without water as devotees gather at riverbanks or other water bodies to offer the first Arghya (a traditional offering) to the setting sun. On the last day on Friday, devotees will observe the final day, known as Usha Arghya. This day is marked by offering prayers and Arghya to the rising sun in the early morning. With the completion of this ritual, the 36-hour fast concludes, and devotees celebrate the end of their Chhath Puja observance sharing a festive meal with family and friends. The festival, which worships both the rising and setting sun, is not just a mere celebration for the devotees, it also brings happiness to the traders who benefit from the sales of the products related to it. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which has been tracking festive sales this year, on Monday released data on expected sales during the sacred festival, estimating that it will generate approximately `12,000 crores in trade across India. Even in the national capital, the Purvanchali population celebrates Chhath Puja on a grand scale. Markets across the city, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Model Town, Ashok Vihar, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rani Bagh, Uttam Nagar and Tilak Nagar, are bustling with people purchasing traditional Chhath Puja items. According to CAIT National President BC Bhartia, that in addition to Bihar and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great fervour in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh. Many Purvanchalis reside in these states, contributing significantly to the local economy. The festival, which involves worshipping both the setting and rising sun, symbolises the inclusive nature of Indian culture, Bhartia said. According to CAIT, essential Chhath Puja items like bamboo baskets, banana leaves, sugarcane, sweets, fruits, and vegetables (particularly coconuts, apples, bananas, and green vegetables) have seen a high demand this year. The association also added that traditional attire, including sarees, lehenga-chunni, salwar-kurta for women, and kurta-pyjama, dhoti for men, are being purchased in large quantities, benefiting local traders and small-scale industries. Handmade items produced on a small scale are also witnessing significant sales, it said. CAIT secretary general and Chandni Chowk Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal, emphasised that Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival but an integral part of Indian culture, reflecting social unity and dedication. It also boosts trade and directly benefits local producers, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision', he added. Amid the celebration, it is often observed that the majority of products used during the festival are crafted by local artisans and craftspeople, generating new employment opportunities and supporting cottage industries. Upon this, Bhartia highlighted that Chhath Puja, beyond its spiritual significance, has emerged as a major opportunity for trade and employment, bringing renewed economic energy to Indian markets including the sale of items such as vermilion used by married women. For women observing Chhath Puja, applying a long streak of vermilion from the nose to the hairline is an auspicious gesture, symbolising their prayers for the health and longevity of their husbands and families, the trader said. Delhi BJP workers on Monday protested near Chief Minister Atishi's residence demanding immediate reappointment of 10,000 civil defence volunteers (CDVs) who were removed last year as bus marshals. They were later detained by the Delhi Police including state BJP President Virendra Sachdeva who were taken away in police vehicles. "Some BJP workers were detained and were removed from the protest site to maintain law and order," a senior police officer said. They were taken to Tilak Marg police station and released after a warning. Leading the protesters, Sachdeva accused Atishi of failing to do anything for reappointment of the bus marshals. We are here to demand accountability from Atishi for spoiling the Diwali of more than 10,700 bus marshals. These bus marshals are not just numbers; they are families who lost their jobs due to one signature of Arvind Kejriwal, the BJP leader said. He added, No matter how many accusations the AAP makes, we will keep raising our voice for these bus marshals and civil defense personnel until they get employment. For a long time, our MPs and MLAs have been raising the voice of bus marshals, and taking note of this, the Lieutenant Governor ordered the reinstatement of civil defense and bus marshals from November 1. Sachdeva added that despite it being November 4, Atishi has neither issued orders nor sent the file to the Lieutenant Governor. To date, Atishi has not explained why, when Arvind Kejriwal signed the order to remove bus marshals, how could she then accuse BJP of removing them? If the AAP is keen to take credit, let them do so, but they should give employment to the families whose Diwali and now Chhath are spoiled, he said, adding if justice is not served to them, the BJP will keep fighting like this. The BJP government is going to be formed in Delhi, and in the first cabinet meeting, the BJP government will regularize as per law all contractual employees, whether from the health department, teachers, bus marshals, or civil defense personnel, he asserted. Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta accused Atishi of failing to form a three-member committee. When we wrote a letter on October 10, there was no response, and then on October 24, the Lieutenant Governor wrote a letter about the committee and suggested utilizing them in the fight against pollution, but that too was ignored, he alleged. Atishi had said on Sunday that the deployment of the CDVs with various agencies implementing anti-air pollution measures in the city will begin in the next two-four days. She had also said a proposal for permanent engagement of the removed CDVs will be sent for approval of the LG in the next one week. The LG had earlier written to Atishi, saying he was yet to receive a proposal from her government to reappoint the CDVs. He urged the chief minister to expedite the process. The 10,000 CDVs working as marshals in public transport buses were removed from their jobs in November last year after objections were raised that they were deployed against the mandate to serve for disaster mitigation works. A financial literacy programme organised by the Reserve Bank of India was held at PG College, Alirajpur. Hemant Kumar Soni, General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India, Bhopal, provided detailed insights into the important aspects of financial literacy. As part of Vigilance Awareness Week, the General Manager also administered an oath to participants at the event. Collector Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Vyas, CEO of the District Panchayat Prakhar Singh, Sub-Regional Head of Bank of Baroda, Ratlam, Ashutosh Kumar, District Lead Officer of the Reserve Bank, Vinay More, and Ram Nagar, DDM of NABARD, along with District Lead Manager Rajesh Haswani and RSETI Director Shyam Patidar, attended the programme. Participants from various groups, including farmers, women from self-help groups, school and college students, and branch managers from all banks, gained valuable insights into financial literacy. The programme concluded with a prize distribution following a question-and-answer session conducted by Ram Nagar and Vinay More. In his first election rally in Garhwa since the announcement of Assembly election in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the ruling government of JMM, Congress and RJD of corruption that disproportionately affects the poor, Dalits, tribals, and backward communities. Modi criticising the coalition government for misappropriating funds from the Centre allocated for various schemes, stating it is time for a double engine government in Jharkhand to ensure development over the next 25 years. PM Modi addressing the election rally in Garhwa without naming anyone directly, said that he has received reports of corrupt public representatives of the area (Garhwa). They did not even spare the water tap that is your right. We made such big plans to provide water to every house. We sent thousands of crores but here the people of JMM Congress filled that money in their coffers. Where there are BJP governments in the country, water to every house is running successfully. But in Jharkhand, it is stalled even after our efforts. If water reaches Garhwa, then migration will stop and those who have migrated will also come back. Today this area has become a big centre of sand smuggling, said Modi. PMs remark assumes importance as last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 20 locations, including those of IAS officer Manish Ranjan, Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Mithlesh Thakur, and his associates, in connection with a multi-crore scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department. The ED conducted raids at the premises of Vinay Thakur, the brother of Mithlesh Thakur, his personal secretary Harendra Singh, and several department engineers at locations in Ranchi, Chaibasa and Garhwa in Jharkhand. Mithlesh Thakur, a contractor-turned-politician, holds significant influence in the current administration. Manish Ranjan, who was previously under the ED's scrutiny in connection with a rural development scam, served as secretary in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department for a considerable period. Modi said that the truth is that the government of Jharkhand has become a slave of the mafia. The public is forced to migrate. These people are busy in sharing government contracts. Business is coming to a halt here. But the business of transfer posting is flourishing. Every vote given to BJP should be to hit the mafia system that JMM, Congress and RJD have created. JMM, Congress and RJD have taken the policy of appeasement to its extreme. All these three parties are supporters of infiltrators. They are settling Bangladeshi infiltrators all over Jharkhand. After addressing rally in Garhwa, PM Modi in a robust address in Chaibasa, West Singhbhum criticized the Congress for its historical and ongoing treatment of tribal communities. Speaking to a large gathering on Monday at Tata College ground, Modi accused the Congress of keeping tribals impoverished by denying them rightful reservations and neglecting their welfare, a charge aimed at consolidating tribal support for the BJP ahead of the state elections. Modi stated that Congress failed to give tribals their due rights and even opposed their reservation rights when Baba Saheb Ambedkar initiated them. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and successive leaders from the Gandhi family did not support reservation for tribals, Modi remarked. He claimed that Congress has perpetuated poverty within the tribal communities and did not establish a separate ministry for tribal welfareinitiatives that he noted were spearheaded by BJP-led administrations. The Prime Minister assured the audience that, if the BJP is elected, his administration would prioritize the issue of illegal infiltration, which he described as a growing concern for local communities. He promised stringent measures to prevent illegal land seizures and pledged that tribal lands illegally occupied would be returned to rightful owners, especially tribal daughters. Modi emphasized that tribal security and land rights would be protected under a BJP government, which would take every step to safeguard the community. Modi outlined the BJPs accomplishments in poverty alleviation, claiming that nearly 25 crore Indians had been lifted out of poverty over the past decade through targeted social schemes. Reflecting on his own background, he stated, I have experienced poverty firsthand. I have seen the struggle up close, and thats why I prioritized schemes for the poor. The Prime Minister argued that Jharkhands tribal areas, often neglected, deserve equal attention in the fight against poverty, adding that the BJPs schemes aim to alleviate poverty and create new economic opportunities in the region. In a gesture of respect to Jharkhands tribal heritage, Modi praised the regions legacy of resistance against oppression, including the role Kolhan played in opposing British colonial forces. This land has witnessed the valor of heroes like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Chand Bhairav, Tilka Manjhi, Nilambar-Pitambar, and Sido-Kanhu, he said. He emphasized that BJPs policies aim to preserve this heritage while empowering women, pointing out the partys recently released Resolution for Empowering Women. Modi urged the region to carry on this legacy by supporting the BJP, hinting that a shift in governance would allow Kolhan to create new history. Modi revisited BJPs commitment to tribal identity by highlighting the creation of separate states under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. For BJP, tribal self-respect is paramount, he said, underscoring the importance of statehood for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. He credited Vajpayees government with recognizing the need for dedicated governance for tribal regions, and he positioned the BJP as the sole party that prioritizes tribal aspirations and dignity. In an emotional appeal, Modi referred to the infamous Gua Firing incident in the 1980s when a Congress-led government was accused of brutal repression against tribals. He compared the actions of Congress at that time to colonial-era atrocities, claiming that Congress shed tribal blood to suppress dissent. This, Modi argued, was indicative of Congresss attitude towards tribal rights, reinforcing his accusation that the party has historically disregarded tribal interests and welfare. The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating his vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Jharkhand, where tribal communities are afforded dignity, land rights, and opportunities for development. He implored voters to consider the BJPs track record in welfare initiatives, including education, healthcare, and employment, and to support the BJPs vision for a stronger Jharkhand. In another setback to the BJP ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, its senior leader and former municipal councillor B B Tyagi joined the AAP on Monday days after three-time former MLA Brahm Singh Tanwar quit the party and joined the ruling party last week. Tyagi, a former two-time municipal councillor and standing committee chairman of erstwhile East Delhi Municipal Corporation, also contested the assembly polls in 2015 from Laxmi Nagar constituency on a BJP ticket. Sources in the AAP claimed he could be fielded by the party from the Laxmi Nagar seat that is currently held by the BJP. Earlier this morning, AAP Convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met with Tyagi, and formally inducted him into the party. He took to X to share the news, and said, I welcome B. B. Tyagi into the Aam Aadmi Party family." Tyagi joined the AAP in presence of senior leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and MLA Durgesh Pathak at the party headquarters. Welcoming Tyagi into the AAP fold, Sisodia said he knew him as a leader with strong ground connect and added this kind of work was welcome in the party. I have always felt that B. B. Tyagi, with his approach to politics, truly belongs with AAP, especially under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, who has been working for the people for the past decade. AAPs work directly benefits people, whether its building roads in unauthorised colonies, improving conditions in the shanties of Delhi, or addressing larger issues impacting daily lives, he said. Tyagi said he was influenced by the AAP's work in the fields of education, health and supply of water and electricity, and it is the best party to be a member of if one wants to serve people. I had been with the BJP for a long time, but I was genuinely impressed by the AAPs efforts to uplift people and provide essential services. What does the average Delhiite need? Quality education for their children, which AAP, led by the Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, has arranged excellently. AAP is also providing free electricity, free water, free travel for women, and many other services, he said. He added that AAPs approach inspired him because he enjoys working with the public and is eager to serve them. I believe this party offers the best platform for making a meaningful impact. If I can positively affect even 10, 20, or 50 people, my decision to join will be worthwhile, adding to the work already underway. I joined AAP to actively engage with people and work alongside them, he said. Assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February next year. As part of preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025, the Yogi Adityanath government has prioritised the restoration of Prayagrajs historic temples, with renovations now close to completion. It is worth mentioning here that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised the importance of timely completion of the projects in a recent Maha Kumbh review meeting in Lucknow. The Tourism and Smart City departments and Prayagraj Development Authority are collaborating closely to finish these projects at an accelerated pace. The Tourism department is currently overseeing 15 temple corridor and renovation projects, with 14 set for completion by November 15 and the final project by November 30. Key projects nearing completion include the Bhardwaj Corridor, Mankameshwar Temple Corridor, Dwadash Madhav Temple, Padila Mahadev Temple, Alop Shankari Temple and nine additional temples. Meanwhile, the Smart City initiative is advancing three major projects, all slated for completion by November 15. These include the Akshayavat Corridor, Saraswati Koop Corridor and Patalpuri Corridor. The Prayagraj Development Authority is finalising two projects the renovation of Nagvasuki Temple, targeted for November 30, and the Hanuman Temple Corridor, set to be completed by December 10. Additional Mela Officer for Maha Kumbh Vivek Chaturvedi remarked, Preparations for Maha Kumbh are progressing at full speed. The temple corridor and renovation work are also in their final stages. The Mela administration has prioritised both the faith and the comfort of all devotees and tourists attending Maha Kumbh to ensure a memorable experience for them. During Maha Kumbh 2025, millions are expected to bathe at the sacred Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers converge. By visiting Prayagrajs revered temples, devotees will express their deep devotion to the Sanatan faith. In a significant move to boost foreign investment in Uttar Pradesh, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Lok Bhavan on Monday approved amendments to the Incentive Policy 2023 for FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and investment of Fortune 500 companies. This amendment provides significant relief to foreign investors. Now, foreign companies that secure funding through equity, loans or other sources can also invest in the state. This decision is expected to lead to an increase in foreign investment in Uttar Pradesh. Providing details on the cabinets decisions, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stated, The foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, introduced on 1/11/2023, has been amended slightly. The minimum investment threshold for eligibility under the policy remains at Rs 100 crore. According to the RBIs definition, FDI has so far only included equity investments. However, with this policy amendment, we have broadened it to include foreign capital investment. He further explained that until now, the FDI included investment made by a company in its equity alone, but many companies raise funds from external loans or other sources to expand. We have now allowed that as well. If a company has just 10 per cent equity and secures 90 per cent of its investment from other sources, it will still be eligible for benefits under this policy. He announced that this policy will now be known as the Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Capital Investment and Fortune Global 500 and Fortune India 500 Investment Promotion Policy, 2023. It will include preference shares, debentures, external commercial borrowing, standby letters of credit, letters of guarantee, and other debt securities for foreign companies investing in equity as foreign capital investment. Khanna further explained, Other methods outlined by the RBI for calculating foreign investment, including the Framework on External Commercial Borrowing, Trade Credit, and Structured Obligations, will also qualify. Foreign capital investments made by a company including at least 10 per cent in equity, with the remainder through debt and other instruments will be deemed eligible and factored into the total capital investment calculation. In a significant move aimed at supporting teachers in aided degree colleges across Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, on Monday, approved the new Higher Service Rules 2024, which allow teachers to request transfers after just three years of service, reducing the previous minimum requirement of five years. This decision is expected to provide notable relief, particularly to women teachers who are posted in distant districts, allowing them the opportunity to reunite with their families sooner. Under the new Higher Service Rules 2024, teachers in aided degree colleges across the state, appointed on a regular basis and permanently posted, can now request a transfer after completing just three years of service, instead of the previous requirement of five years. The updated rules also stipulate that teachers are entitled to only one transfer during their entire career. This decision by the Yogi government is intended to bring positive change within the teaching community, particularly benefiting women and others who face challenges working far from their families. This policy move is widely regarded as a step toward fostering balance and stability within the education system. The Yogi government recently enacted the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission Act, 2023, which came into force on August 23, 2023. With this new legislation, the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Service Commission Act, 1980 was repealed, effectively nullifying the transfer rules framed under the 1980 Act. Similarly, the rules set in 2005 have also been repealed, creating the need for a new regulatory framework. A revamped system for selection within the education service has now been introduced under Section 31 (1) of the 2023 Act, aiming to streamline the transfer process for teachers. Under this new system, teachers seeking a transfer must obtain approval from both their college management and the university. Once approved, the application is to be submitted to the director of higher education for final processing. This change is expected to bring transparency, streamline the transfer process and minimise unnecessary delays. Experts believe that this policy will enhance professional satisfaction among teachers. Additionally, the new rule supports women empowerment in education by offering greater flexibility for women teachers who are stationed away from their families. The decision is seen as a significant step toward creating a more balanced and improved educational framework within the state. Experts also believe this initiative will not only foster a stable atmosphere in educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh but also strengthen student-teacher relationships, contributing positively to the overall educational experience in the state. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said, This change will not only elevate teachers satisfaction levels but also benefit students, as teachers will be able to perform their duties with greater ease and contentment The minister emphasised the revision of transfer policies for teachers in aided degree colleges would positively impact Uttar Pradeshs education sector. Working near their families will boost teachers satisfaction and enthusiasm, leading to improved quality in educational institutions across the state. This initiative by the Yogi government provides a meaningful uplift for the teachers community while promoting higher standards in education, Upadhyay added. The cabinet also approved a proposal to amend the Uttar Pradesh Retirement Benefits Rules, 1961. Under this amendment, if an employee dies while in service or after retirement without receiving their gratuity and has no surviving family members or nominees, the gratuity can now be paid to the individual designated in a succession certificate issued by a court. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is in high demand for the assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Starting Tuesday, he will begin his election tour with his first stop in Jharkhand. He will kick off his campaign with a public rally in the Koderma assembly constituency, where he will address three gatherings to garner support for Bharatiya Janata Party and National Democratic Alliance candidates. In his third rally, he will appeal for votes for four BJP candidates simultaneously. On Tuesday, Yogis first rally will be held at Chandravati School grounds in Domchanch, where he will seek support for BJP candidate Dr Neera Yadav from Koderma. His second rally will be in support of Roshan Lal Chaudhary, the BJP candidate from the Barkagaon constituency. The third rally will be held at Ambagwan grounds in Jamshedpur. There, Yogi will encourage voters to back the BJP by supporting the partys candidates Purnima Das Sahu (Jamshedpur East), Saryu Roy (Jamshedpur West), Meera Munda (Potka) and Ramchandra Sahis (Jugsalai). As the Election Commission on Monday rescheduled from November 13 to November 20 the assembly bypolls to all nine seats in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that this is an old trick of the BJP to avoid losing elections. The AAP said the move has brought the credibility of EC "under question". In a post in Hindi on X, the SP chief said, "First the Milkipur bye-election was postponed, now the date of bye-elections for the rest of the seats has been rescheduled. The BJP was never so weak." Yadav further said that if they (BJP) postpone it, they will lose even worse. "The fact is that due to 'maha berozgari' (unemployment) in UP, people who go to different parts of the country for work have come to UP on Diwali and Chhath holidays. They were going to vote in the by-elections to defeat the BJP. "As soon as the BJP understood this, it postponed the by-elections, so that people's holidays end and they go back without casting their vote," the former chief minister said, adding that this is BJP's old trick. The Election Commission rescheduled assembly bye-elections to all nine and four seats in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, respectively, and one seat in Kerala from November 13 to November 20 in view of festivals. Parties including the Congress, BJP, BSP and RLD had urged the poll body to reschedule the polls in view of various festivals, saying that it could impact voter turnout. The BJP, BSP and RLD had said that in UP, people travel for three-four days ahead of Kartik Purnima, which will be celebrated on November 15. When asked about the SP chief's allegations, state BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said, "The bypoll date shift was demanded as the date coincided with Hindu festival. But Samajwadi Party has to do politics in everything. More so in this case as they are least bothered about majoritarian sentiment but about their vote bank." UP Congress president Ajay Rai said his party is not contesting the bypolls in the state. "Since we are not contesting the bypolls, so there was no need for us to make any representation to the EC for shifting bypoll dates. I am the president of the UP Congress and can talk only about UP," Rai told PTI when asked about the EC mentioning that the date for the bypolls was changed in view of the requests made by several political parties including BJP, Congress, BSP and RLD, and certain social organisations. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh alleged that the dates for the UP bypolls were deliberately postponed to favour the ruling BJP and said the move has brought the Election Commission under questioning. "The dates will be announced when it is convenient for Modi ji and Yogi ji after they are done with inauguration events. If it doesn't suit them, then there will be no Ayodhya election (Milkipur seat). When it is convenient for them, the by-election dates for Uttar Pradesh will be extended," Singh told reporters here. Singh said the EC's credibility was under question, as well as the rationale behind postponing the election dates in the state. In UP, the nine assembly seats going to polls include Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur City), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad). Eight of these seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as Lok Sabha MPs, while bypoll is being held on the Sisamau seat due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the high voter turnout in the assembly polls reflected the enduring faith of the people in the democratic process, but the aspiration for the return to statehood remains strong. In his maiden address to the first-ever legislative assembly of the Union territory of J-K, he said, "we gather here after the successful culmination of elections after a decade". Sinha said the high turnout particularly in regions that traditionally could not participate fully because of separatist sentiments was very encouraging. The LG, however, said the aspiration for the return to statehood in J-K remains strong. "PM Modi has reiterated the commitment for the restoration of J-K's statehood at the earliest. My government will make efforts for the restoration of the statehood, and create enabling atmosphere for development," Sinha said. He said the council of ministers has recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the restoration of statehood. It reflects the collective will and all stakeholders have to work together as one team to achieve that. Sinha said the people have high hopes from the government and all stakeholders should extend full support to the government to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people. He said the government is fully committed to fulfil its promises for further political empowerment of the people. "My government is committed to provide 200 units per household. The modalities are being worked out. We are exploiting the hydel electric resources, and J-K will be self-sufficient in electricity by the year 2026," he added. Protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at a Hindu temple in Brampton, triggering condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest occurred at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added. Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident. "The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday. Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Ottawa also issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the recent attack on Brampton's Hindu Sabha temple by "anti-India" elements. This incident disrupted a consular event co-organised by the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the Indian consulate. In its statement, the High Commission remarked, We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. Peel Regional Police said on X Sunday afternoon that they were aware of the protest taking place at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, and had increased its presence at the temple to maintain public order and safety. "We respect the right to protest in a peaceful and safe manner but will not tolerate violence and criminal acts," Chief Nishan Duraiappah posted on X Sunday after the videos began circulating. "Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested and charged." Peel police told CBC Toronto no arrests were made at the temple Sunday. Police did not provide further details about the social media videos, what happened or whether any complaints were filed. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the violence in a post on X Sunday afternoon, saying those responsible should be punished to the greatest extent of the law. "I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha," he said."Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship." The recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton witnessed widespread condemnation by Canadian politicians, including opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. "Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos," Poilievre said on X. Premier Doug Ford praised police for their quick response, adding that the incident is completely unacceptable and must be condemned. "No one should feel unsafe at their place of worship, he wrote on X. The Indian High Commission remarked, We have seen violent disruption today (November 3), orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto. The statement further added, "We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place. Despite these efforts by anti-India elements, our Consulate was able to issue more than 1000 life certificates to the Indian and Canadian applicants..." The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused Congress of making attempts to snatch reservations meant for tribals and hand them over to its "vote bank". Addressing an election rally in Chaibasa in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, the PM said he worships those who have been rejected by the others. "Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar has ensured the provision of reservation to protect tribal rights but Nehru-ji had opposed it. The Gandhi family opposed reservation till they were in control of power post-Nehru. Now once again they have openly announced that they will scrap reservations for tribals. They will snatch tribal reservations and hand it over to their vote bank," he said. "They (Congress) have devised one more strategy. They are declaring schools, colleges and universities as minority institutions. By this, the reservation of tribals, Dalits and backward is being stopped. Beware of this conspiracy by Congress," he added. He alleged that the JMM-led ruling coalition in the state has put tribal "identity, dignity and existence" at stake by "facilitating" Bangladeshi infiltrators to make fake documents. "Infiltrators are snatching your daughters, grabbing land and devouring your bread," he said, claiming that efforts were being made to change Jharkhand's demography. Modi said that if the BJP is voted to power in the state, it will bring stringent legislation to return land grabbed by infiltrators. He attacked the Congress-led opposition for "humiliating" BJP candidate Sita Soren in Jharkhand and a woman leader in Maharashtra, saying "insulting women is their habit". "Opposition used foul language against a woman leader in Maharashtra. Mothers and daughters are in shock, people will teach them a lesson," Modi said, referring to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant's remark targeting Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC. Polling for the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20. The Philippine military opened two weeks of combat drills on Monday that would include seizing an island in the disputed South China Sea and likely be frowned upon by China. More than 3,000 Filipino army, navy and air force personnel will take part in the maneuvers, which Philippine military officials said were not directed against any country. China has rapidly expanded its military and has become increasingly assertive in pursuing territorial claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. The tensions have led to more frequent confrontations, primarily with the Philippines and Vietnam, though the longtime territorial disputes also involve Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan. Last month, Indonesia said its patrol ships drove away a Chinese coast guard ship that disrupted a survey being undertaken by a state-owned energy company in a part of the South China Sea disputed by both countries. Our mission today is very clear, to prepare ourselves comprehensively to respond to any external threats that might challenge our sovereignty, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in the opening ceremony of the exercises. The maneuvers will include live-fire drills using artillery and assault rifles and beach landing drills. In the South China Sea, Filipino forces would simulate taking control of an island, Philippine army Col. Michael Logico told reporters without elaborating. Asked how China may react, Logico said he expected Chinese forces to undertake surveillance from a distance but added they would not likely make any hostile move. They have a front seat to the exercise. Theyll watch and we dont mind, Logico said. China has opposed such combat drills in the South China Sea, particularly if American and allied forces were involved. The outgoing Biden administration has moved to strengthen an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better counter China, including in any future confrontation over Taiwan. Americas moves dovetail with Philippine efforts to shore up its territorial defense amid a long-seething dispute mainly with China in the South China Sea. Next year, US and Philippines forces plan to stage their largest annual combat drills called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, that are also expected to include maneuvers in contested South China Sea areas. "Path of Friendship" event promotes Chinese culture in Vladivostok Xinhua) 10:59, November 04, 2024 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Speaking in the wake of a number of worrying announcements for the future of local agriculture, Sinn Feins Emma Sheerin has asked for the prioritisation of food producers in the north. The British Chancellors budget on Wednesday has created anxiety and uncertainty for the farming community in the North. Family farms are the backbone of our agriculture sector and rural economies in the north of Ireland. The announcement on changes to the inheritance tax threshold for farmers has caused significant concern about what it means and that it could make it more difficult to sustain family farms into the next generation which are vital to the future or our agri-food sector and many local rural communities. The announcement from the British government that there will no-longer be a ring-fenced budget for agriculture here is also causing uncertainty with regards to future funding for agriculture. This is in stark contrast with the situation of farmers in the rest of Ireland who continue to receive EU funding. It is important the Minister for Agriculture ensures family farms in the north are supported and the continued viability of our agriculture sector is protected. The Police Service of Northern Irelands Derry City and Strabane District Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney has committed to continue with a "high-visibility" presence in Derry after a number of attacks on women. She has said that she wants to ensure women and girls feel safe and empowered to go about their lives without fear. It follows a woman being attacked by a male with a knife in Drumahoe Park on Friday evening, before a woman was attacked in the Top of the Hill Park area on Saturday afternoon. The PSNI are currently investigating both incidents, including the possibility of the two incidents being linked. However, Chief Superintendent Kearney stated that they are ot linked to the attacks in the city centre last week. She said: At around 10pm on Friday evening, 1st November, a woman in her 20s was walking in Drumahoe Park in the city, when she was attacked by a male carrying a knife. She managed to break free and run for help. Shortly before 3pm on Saturday afternoon, 2nd November, a woman aged in her 40s was walking her dog in Top of the Hill Park area in the Waterside, when she was also attacked by a male carrying a knife. She called out for help and swung her dog lead at him, prompting him to run off in the direction of Corrody Road. He is described as a white man in his 20s, around 5 10 tall with a slim build and was wearing all black clothing. He had his hoody pulled tight around his face. Officers responded quickly to both reports and conducted thorough searches, however the attacker had left the area. Detectives are investigating the possibility that the attack in Drumahoe on Friday night is linked to the attack in the Top of the Hill area on Saturday. Chief Superintendent Kearney also provided reassurance to the local community, adding: We understand the concern these attacks will have on the local community, however, I want to reassure residents of Derry / Londonderry that we will have an increased high visibility police presence in key areas, including our local parks, which will continue throughout the city over the coming days. I can assure residents that there is no link to the attacks in the city centre last week. In both of those cases a suspect has been identified and those cases are ongoing. We are engaging with our communities and partners in the city around what we can do, as a collective, to ensure women and girls feel safe and empowered to go about their lives without fear. I would ask that if you notice someone acting suspiciously or if a persons behaviour causes you concern, do not approach and instead call police immediately. Witnesses or anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigations can call 101 or submit online via https://www.psni.police.uk/report. Following the spate of attacks a rally will be held in Guildhall Square on Friday, November 8 at 6.15pm. Local SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid is one of those organising the rally, which will feature a range of speakers. Cllr McDaid said: Women across our city are living in fear after the events of the past week. We have seen four violent attacks on women who were just going about their lives, while walking home or out walking their dog. Nobody should be subjected to something like this and there will be a lasting impact on the victims of these horrific attacks. We cannot allow this to pass without a proper response. We are seeing self-defence classes for women reaching maximum capacity and discussions around how women stay safe are becoming an everyday reality. This isnt an issue that has popped up this week, having to take safety precautions in normal situations is just part of life as a woman and points to a real sickness within our society. I think its really important that we come together as a city on Friday night to send a powerful message that this violence against women and girls must end. Everyone has their part to play in tackling this issue, we need a much improved response from the Executive, but we also need to see people taking responsibility for the actions and attitudes that have left women feeling unsafe in their own city. Meanwhile, a public meeting will be held in St. Columbs Hall on Thursday to discuss violence against women and girls after a series of sexual assaults in Derry. Alliance for Choice Derry, the pro-choice campaign group, have called the meeting for 7pm on Thursday. Following the recent string of attacks against women and girls in Derry, we understand people are scared, exhausted and angered. We want you to get involved and have your voice heard. We want our community to come together to create a list of demands we can campaign around, to make things better for our sisters, the group stated. People can register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with burglary of a parochial house and criminal damage to a window in a church. Jordan Leighton (24) of Duncreggan Road in Derry appeared charged with a number of offences that were said to have occurred on November 3. He was charged with burglary of St Joseph's Parochial House with intent to steal, criminal damage to a church window, going equipped for burglary by having gloves, possessing a knife, criminal damage to a shop window and attempted burglary of the same shop with intent to steal. A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. He told the court that police were called to a report of an attempted burglary at the parochial house at 7.45am where a man had been detained in the basement of the premises. A search uncovered a pair of gloves and a knife and a rock was also found that was believed to have been used to break the window. The court heard that at 6.56am police also received a report of an attempt to break into a local shop. CCTV was examined and a man matching Leighton's description was seen trying to break a window with a brick. Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and in order to protect the alleged victims in the case. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the defendant had his own address and there was no issue there. He said that the defendant denied being in the property to burgle but was there hiding from some people who were after him. The solicitor said that while the defendant had 'a formidable record' of some 54 previous convictions he could be suitable for bail. Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that the defendant had been offending for most of his adult life. He said there was a strong prima face case against the defendant and he did not believe he was suitable for bail. Leighton was remanded in custody and will appear again on November 28. Criminal barristers and solicitors in Northern Ireland are taking part in strike action over fees. They protested outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday during the stoppage as they withdrew services for work on criminal cases. Criminal barristers engaged in both criminal defence and prosecution work withdrew their services except for emergency matters in protest at what they have termed the departments neglect of the criminal legal aid system. Access to justice for all citizens is an essential part of the welfare state. It is regrettable that the Departments prolonged inaction has precipitated a withdrawal of services. Our asks are modest and achievable the DoJ must immediately publish the Independent Review of pic.twitter.com/R6XsuqJVU9 Bar of NI (@TheBarofNI) November 4, 2024 The Bar Council of Northern Ireland said they remain willing to engage urgently with the department of to address the current pressures. The Law Society of Northern Ireland, which represents solicitors, contended that the criminal justice system in the region will collapse without an immediate increase in legal aid rates for solicitors. They have called on Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long to remedy this situation as a matter of urgency. In a statement to the Assembly on Monday afternoon, Ms Long said the action by criminal practitioners reflects frustrations with the system, adding that she shares those frustrations, describing her department as consistently underfunded. She told MLAs she has undertaken a detailed assessment of how resources are currently used and of reform opportunities, and will update the Assembly on that in the coming weeks. Chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland Donal Lunny KC, said he and his colleagues regard strike action as a last resort. The Bar Council has, for many months, been exploring every possible alternative measure and has consistently called for urgent action from the Department of Justice to avoid any withdrawal of service taking place, he said. This is now a grave situation where we have been forced to highlight publicly that the current system is wholly unsustainable due to a lack of funding, engagement, and action, from the Department of Justice. Barristers are independent, self-employed practitioners, many of whom are not just struggling but are at breaking point. Our consistent warnings to the department have gone unheeded, and the foreseeable result is a serious access to justice crisis. He added: Todays initial strike action has not been taken lightly, it is very much a last resort. It is a regrettable but necessary measure to preserve the viability of the system of Criminal Legal Aid as a vital public service. Criminal cases are becoming increasingly complex, court delays are at chronic proportions despite criminal barristers working at 130% capacity, Crown Court fees have not been increased in almost 20 years and barristers are forced to wait three to four months to be paid. We understand the concern this will cause to victims and those seeking justice in relation to serious crimes. However, victims should be in no doubt that it is the departments prolonged inaction that has brought us to todays crisis. An effective, properly funded criminal justice system is as important, if not more important, to victims as it is to everyone else involved in that system. Our asks are modest and achievable the department must immediately publish the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid, which they have been withholding since August, provide a fair interim uplift in fees, and work with urgency and purpose to address substantively the long-standing problems of unfair remuneration and payment delay to preserve the viability of our system of Criminal Legal Aid and ensure access to justice for all. Ms Long told MLAs: Pressure on the system is at an all-time high and increasing. In 2023/24 the Legal Services Agency paid out approximately 114m to legal professionals, the highest level in the history of legal aid. In the interests of ensuring we are delivering the best possible outcomes there is a need to look critically at that investment, to examine why pressures and spend are increasing, to review benefits, to assess whether intended effects are being achieved and whether different delivery models might generate better, quicker outcomes. Ms Long said she has undertaken a detailed assessment of how resources are currently used and of reform opportunities. I am pleased to report that process is coming to an end, and I expect to update the Assembly on the detail of my reform programme in coming weeks, she said. She added: I trust those taking industrial action today will reflect on the impact. They say the system is broken, but they are aware I am working hard to progress reform and deliver a more effective efficient system for those we are here to serve. Precipitous action which distracts from that work does nothing for vulnerable people and does nothing to address the challenges to the system. My focus has and will continue to be constructive action to drive constructive change to ensure the system is accessible and fairer, more proportionate and responsive. Stormonts main political parties have universally urged the Police Ombudsman to release a report into its investigation of the Kingsmill massacre. It follows the conclusion of a long-running inquest into the killing of 10 Protestant workmen at Kingsmill in Co Armagh in 1976. The atrocity, which was one of the most notorious of the Troubles, saw the 10 workmen killed when their minibus was ambushed by a gang of at least 12 men posing as British soldiers. In April, following the inquest, a coroner ruled that the shooting was an overtly sectarian attack by the IRA. No-one has ever been convicted of the murders, which the Provisional IRA denied. Introducing a motion to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, DUP MLA Joanne Bunting called on the Police Ombudsman to release its report into the massacre. Ms Bunting said she was supporting the attacks sole survivor Alan Black and other campaigners, including the family of John McConville who was killed in the massacre. Mr Black, 81, has described himself as being in poor health and said he fears he will go to his grave before finding out answers he has campaigned decades for. He has sought the publication of the Police Ombudsman report but is continuing to wait. Ms Bunting, chairwoman of the Justice Committee, said the DUP was supporting the families in their pursuit of justice. She said: The Kingsmill massacre was one of the most horrific and blatantly sectarian atrocities in our history. The brutal murder of 10 innocent Protestant workmen by the IRA on January 5 1976 remains a painful reminder of the hatred that fuelled terrorism and robbed so many of their futures. That some in high office suggest that there was no alternative to such sectarian murder is utterly repugnant. Ms Bunting said it was appalling that the families were fighting statutory bodies in their search for truth as she accused the Police Ombudsman of withholding a report into the atrocity. The Ombudsman has previously said it would be published before May 1 2025. Ms Bunting said it is cruel that the report has not been provided to families, adding: This is no way to treat innocent victims, it is shameful. She said: Why the hold-up? Why are they not handing it over? These families are entitled to the information and are entitled to the report expeditiously theyve been through enough. Ms Bunting said recent Government decisions on legacy issues have perpetuated a hierarchy which suggests some murders are more deserving of investigation than others. Kingsmill offers the Government the chance to address this imbalance and show genuine support for victims seeking truth and transparency, she said. Ms Bunting also accused the Republic of Irelands Government and An Garda Siochana of weak and obfuscatory disclosure over the matter. Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon said the party was supporting the motion. She said: We have repeatedly called for a human-rights compliant approach to legacy cases and issues for all conflict-related incidents. Ms Dillon added: All victims and survivors and their families are entitled to receive truth and justice irrespective of the circumstances surrounding the death or serious injury; irrespective of their political or religious persuasion; irrespective of which organisation or individual was responsible. Representatives from the UUP, Alliance, SDLP, TUV, and People Before Profit also said they were supporting the motion, which passed on Monday evening. The Police Ombudsman said it is committed to providing Mr Black and the Kingsmill families with its findings as soon as it possibly can. A spokesman said: Our investigation is complete and we are currently drafting our conclusions. Once ready, these will be provided without delay. We are also continuing to work towards concluding a broad range of other cases by April 30 2025, as required following the enactment of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. Ive been reflecting a lot lately on the changes sweeping across the digital landscape, particularly with Googles introduction of AI-generated summaries in search results. At first glance, these summaries seem like a handy tool, giving us quick snippets of information without the need to click through to full articles. But when I dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that this convenience comes at a significant costnot just to publishers, but to readers like you and me, and ultimately to Google itself. The immediate impact on publishers Lets start with the publishers. These are the organizations and individuals who invest countless hours and resources into creating the high-quality content we consume daily. With Googles AI summaries providing key information upfront, users have less incentive to visit the original websites. This means fewer clicks for publishers, leading to a drop in ad revenue, subscriptions, and overall engagement. As publishers, we craft our articles with care, adding depth, context, and a unique voice. But when our content is reduced to a couple of sentences on a search page, we lose the opportunity to connect with our readers. This reduction in traffic doesnt just affect the bottom line; it undermines the relationship between publishers and their audience. The trust and loyalty built over years can erode when readers no longer engage directly with the source. Also Read: Gadget shopping hacks with a twist Readers get shortchanged Now, lets consider how this affects us as readers. When publishers see diminishing returns from their content, theyre forced to adapt. Some may decide to produce more generic, click-friendly pieces tailored to fit AI algorithms, stripping away the nuanced analysis and distinctive voices that make journalism engaging and informative. Imagine reading article after article that feels bland and impersonal because its been optimized for AI summarization rather than human connection. The richness of diverse perspectives, in-depth reporting, and thoughtful opinion pieces could give way to homogenized content that fails to challenge or inspire us. Moreover, if high-quality publishers start pulling out or paywalling their content due to revenue losses, we might find ourselves with access only to lower-quality sources. This not only diminishes our reading experience but also poses a risk to how well-informed we are about the world. The inevitable consequence for Google You might think that Google benefits from keeping users on its search page, but this strategy could backfire in the long run. Googles search engine is only as valuable as the quality of the content it can provide access to. If publishers reduce the quality or quantity of their content, or restrict Googles ability to index it, the overall usefulness of Googles search results declines. Users may begin to notice that the information theyre getting is less reliable or lacks depth. Trust in Googles ability to deliver accurate and comprehensive search results could wane. In a digital age where alternatives are just a click away, this could lead users to seek out other platforms or search engines that prioritize quality content and respect the publisher-reader relationship. Connecting the dots Connecting the dots, its clear that Googles AI summaries initiate a domino effect. Publishers suffer first as reduced traffic leads to lower revenue and forces them to alter their content strategies, often at the expense of quality and originality. Readers feel the impact next; we receive less engaging, less informative content, the diversity of voices shrinks, and the depth of journalism declines. Ultimately, even Google stands to lose. As the quality of content decreases, so does the value of Googles search results. User trust erodes, potentially driving people away from the platform. Is convenience worth the cost? While the allure of instant information is strong, its worth questioning whether this convenience is worth the broader costs. High-quality journalism and content creation are pillars of an informed society. They foster critical thinking, hold power to account, and enrich our cultural landscape. By disrupting the ecosystem that supports these endeavors, we risk not only the livelihoods of those who create content but also the quality of information available to all of us. In the end, an internet filled with generic, soulless content benefits no onenot publishers, not readers, and not even the platforms that host it. Where do you stand on this issue? Do you see AI-generated summaries as the way forward, or do you fear they might commoditize journalism and ultimately destroy its true essence? I invite you to share your thoughts on this sensitive topic, which has serious implications for the very foundation of the internet as we know it today. Please write to me at soham@digit.inI look forward to hearing your perspective. HIGHLIGHTS Rumours surrounding the 2026 MacBook Pro have already started doing rounds. As per Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young, by the year 2026, Apple might switch from mini-LED to OLED displays. The future MacBook Pro models are expected to offer higher brightness, deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency. After its iPhone 16 launch in September, Apple also unveiled its latest Mac lineup recently. We got to see a new MacBook Pro lineup with the M4 and M4 chipset on the 14-inch and 16-inch variants respectively. Now, just a couple of days after the launch of the new MacBook lineup, rumours have started to come in for the future MacBooks. Read along to know what Apple might have in store for its fans in the future. Rumours surrounding the 2026 MacBook Pro have already started doing rounds. Currently, the 2024 MacBook Pro models pack a mini-LED display. As per Apple analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young, by the year 2026, Apple might switch from mini-LED to OLED displays. With this change, the future MacBook Pros are expected to offer higher brightness, deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency. In addition to this, previously Mark Gurman had suggested that the MacBook Pro can even get slimmer in the future. But there are two years before Apple launches the MacBook Pro 2026, what changes it finalises upon, only time will tell. Until then, lets quickly rewind to what the newly launched MacBook Pro laptops have to offer. MacBook Pro with M4 specifications The newly launched MacBook Pro features an upgrade to the more powerful and AI-ready M4 chipset. The base model now comes with a minimum of 16GB RAM, while the M4 Pro and M4 Max models come with 24GB RAM. This time, Apple has also incorporated the nano-texture display option. The USB-C ports now support Thunderbolt 5, which allows for transfer speeds of up to 120GB/s. As Apple is currently in the process of rolling out its Apple Intelligence features, these will also be available on the MacBook Pro with macOS Sequoia 15.1. In India, the MacBook Pro 14 starts at Rs 1,69,900, while the 16-inch version with the M4 Pro chipset is priced from Rs 2,49,900. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Tributes have poured in as the young man who died following a road incident involving a tractor over the weekend was named locally as Joshua Sullivan. The 19-year-old from Moneymore, Co Galway was a passenger in a tractor travelling across a farm in Oranmore on Saturday afternoon, when he fell from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. Emergency services rushed the teenager to University Hospital Galway, where he was sadly pronounced deceased on arrival. No others were injured in the incident on a local road in Rinn, and an investigation is ongoing. Gardai have assigned a Family Liaison Officer to support Joshua's family during this difficult time. In a statement, Gardai said they "are investigating a fatal road traffic incident near Oranmore, Co. Galway which occurred on Saturday 2nd November 2024." "Gardai were alerted to an incident involving a tractor which occurred on a local road in Rinn, Oranmore at approximately 3:30pm. A male passenger, 19-years-old, injured in the incident was transferred by ambulance personnel to University Hospital Galway, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. "No other injuries were reported. The scene was preserved for a technical examination which has since taken place and the road has reopened". Predeceased by his loving Mum Jackie and grandfather Tom, Joshua's death notice describes him as the "dearly beloved" son of John, and brother of siblings Shane, Jacob, Hannah and Erin. Joshua is adored and fondly remembered by all his family members, neighbours and school friends. Many heartbroken tributes were left for Joshua, with one writing: "I'm devastated. Josh was so full of joy, and love. He had a smile like no other and was so loved, and loving too, and by his family. All our love." Another added that "Joshua, no doubt, is in the arms of his loving mother Jackie". Many described the young man as caring, with one tribute saying Joshua "was an extremely gentle and kind soul who always made me smile on his visits into Abbott to drop the paper and have a chat". Joshua will be reposing at Tearmann Mhuire on the grounds of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore (H91 XC61) this Wednesday evening the 6th of November from 4pm to 6pm. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday 7th November in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore at 11am. READ NEXT - The 'Dublin bubble' lecture farmers about climate change, Simon Harris tells The 2 Johnnies In a significant boost to seasonal employment, Tesco Ireland has announced plans to create almost 1,200 temporary festive roles across its Superstores and Extra stores nationwide with 56 jobs in Louth. Tesco says that these roles are designed to offer flexible hours, a variety of shift options, and competitive benefits from day one, making them attractive for those looking for work over the festive season. From day one, Tesco says all employees will benefit from its "competitive reward and benefits package", which includes free access to a Virtual GP, life assurance, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering 24/7 emotional and wellbeing support to staff and their families. Speaking about the festive Jobs, Maurice Kelly, People Director at Tesco Ireland, said: We are delighted to be creating almost 1,200 additional festive roles across the country this Christmas with 56 roles in Louth. At Tesco, we know how important it is to offer meaningful and flexible job opportunities, alongside offering existing colleagues the chance to benefit from additional seasonal hours too. "The festive season is a fantastic time to join our team, and were pleased to offer new colleagues an industry-leading benefits package from day one. This initiative highlights our continued investment in providing quality employment at a local community level across Ireland. The positions available span the length and breadth of Ireland, and Tesco is encouraging interested candidates to apply online as soon as possible. After the holiday season, temporary employees will have the opportunity to apply for any permanent roles that have become available, either in existing stores or in new Tesco locations planned for the coming year. Anyone interested in applying for a festive role at Tesco Ireland can visit https://roi.tesco-careers.com/festive/ to apply now. A Louth resident who recruited a number of people to allow their bank accounts to be used to facilitate a money laundering operation has been jailed for a year. Innocent Aigbekaen (31) of Mary Street North, Dundalk, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of money laundering involving 75,816 and 60,989 on dates between April 2016 and October 2017. Detective Garda Jennifer Connolly told Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, that Aigbekaen had been involved in a scheme over 18 months that resulted in the laundering of about 331,000 in cash. Sentencing Aigbekaen today Judge Pauline Codd accepted evidence that Aigbekaen was not the captain of the ship but rather a mule herder who recruited various people including his wife and co-workers to allow their bank accounts to be used to facilitate the ill-gotten gains from these frauds. He engaged himself in a highly reckless manner he should have known better than to do that, Judge Codd said. She set a headline sentence of five years before taking into account Aigbekaens plea of guilty and long history of employment. Judge Codd imposed a sentence of four years in prison. She took into consideration a probation report which she said indicated that Aigbekaen had demonstrated limited remorse and limited insight and had instead sought to shift the blame to (another individual) who is not involved and certainly has not been investigated. The final three years of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions for three years. Fergal Foley BL, defending, told Judge Codd at a previous sentence hearing that his client has not come to garda attention since the offence, apart from being caught with cannabis for his own use. The drug case was dealt with by way of payment and a strike out, counsel said. He said his client came to Ireland from Nigeria in 2014 to make a better life for himself. He studied to improve his written and spoken English. He asked the court to accept that Aigbekaen ultimately took responsibility for his role in the scheme. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Have you ever been to a 7-star resort in Ireland? The OSullivans of Ballincollig have. Barretstown, located in Co. Kildare, is an organisation that provides residential camps and programmes for children and their families who have been affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. Founded in 1994, it is marking its 30th anniversary this year, Barretstown is like a 7-star resort, says dad Cian OSullivan. We also went to Disneyland Paris, and we asked our kids which place they liked going to better. Elayna and Alex were unanimous in their choice - Barretstown. There was no contest! The family were happy campers. Barretstown allows children to be children again, away from doctors, nurses, hospitals, tubes, drips and the general medical environment, explains Cian. Elayna and Alex have one of the rarest diseases in the world. Glansmann Thrombasthnia (GT) is a chronic life-long condition. Sufferers bruise and bleed easily. It is caused by problems with platelets, the tiny blood cells that help your blood clot. If you have GT, a genetic mutation prevents your body from making a key protein in your platelets needed to make blood clots. One of the hardest things is being out and about with the kids and you can sense people judging you because Elayna and Alex would often have bruising on their bodies. Thats hard, says Cian. Having sick children is not fair. No child should ever be sick, says Cian. Its just so wrong. Nikki and I are living with an isolating, scary condition thats so rare, its estimated to affect only one in a million people. It can leave Elayna and Alex covered head to toe in swollen, massive bruises. "Or needing special meds and days in hospital to stop the bleeding, for scrapes and bumps that are just an ordinary part of growing up for other children. When did life change for Cian and Nikki? Hours after Elayna was born, the life we had imagined changed completely, says Cian. Id just made a quick trip home when Nikki rang me from hospital. Elayna had a problem. They wouldnt know why for months, says Cian. With all her bloods coming back normal, scans of her head, everything the experts could think of. New parents Cian and Nikki were baffled. Who would suspect Elayna had a disorder almost no-one on earth had? When our little man, Alex, came along a few years after, Crumlin and Cork specialists knew our children had Glanzmann Thrombasthenia. I think there are nine or ten people in Ireland who have it, says Cian. Yet, we found ourselves the young parents of two children with GT. Our children can bruise just from sleeping, says Cian. They bleed at a drop of a hat. And when they do, they dont stop. How does it affect Cian and Nikki? Taking to other parents at Barretstown, where we can all open up, your children can become a curiosity; be it because of a bald head, or a moon face, or obvious swelling. You can only imagine how people stared at my family, at me, at Nikki. We had two little children all patched up, says Cian. Bruised black and blue. Walking down the street, you get the feeling people think youre actually hurting your child, and thats a horrible feeling for a parent whos trying to do their best for their beloved little one, their complete bundle of joy. How did that negative attitude from some people affect family life? It got to where we tried to stay inside, says Cian. And thats a lonely way to live. Endless questions race through your head, adds Cian. With such a rare, serious diagnosis, could our babies ever be just kids? Yes they could. At Barretstown. Spending precious time there, where everyone becomes a child again, and where sick children can reclaim some of their lost childhood due to illness, is something special. Us parents become children again! says Cian. How does a 7-star venue operate? Cian laughs. I can tell you that the minute you enter the gate at Barrestown, it feels magical. The interaction with others, singing, dancing, not to mention being served delicious food, is like being in a different wonderful world. Barretstown is a magical place that creates a magical world for sick children and their families. When we rocked up, driving into the camp, looking at the lake, the beautiful woodland surroundings; we felt joy and there was a smile on all our faces, said Cian. Adventure, fun, games, activities, and friendship beckoned. We were so fortunate that our Crumlin and Cork Haematology teams told us about Barretstown, then we applied, says Cian. They got the 7-star treatment. A lovely smiling person greeted us, took our bags, and asked was there anything he could do for us before he showed us to our accommodation. We made lovely memories at Barretstown. Cian and Nikki left all their troubles behind when they left home with their precious children. I still get emotional thinking of how, without all the support Barretstown gets, we might not have been able to go, says Cian. Families like ours just cant go on holidays. Were trained to give medicine, and we take it everywhere we go. Alex still has a port, a cath fitted, and we always need access to a haematology clinic. To come up the drive into Barretstown, past the lake and wooded land, then to know theres a men shed on site with everything waiting - even a top- class medical team like the kind our Elayna and Alex need... it is a relief in ways I cant describe. Describe the vibe at Barretstown. There are no side-ways glances. No judgement. Just an aura of pure joy, says Cian. People power makes the magic happen. Its people donating, it all happens out of the goodness of their hearts, for little children like mine that you mightnt ever meet face-to face. Not all heroes wear capes. Alex went to Superhero Club, says Cian. He loved it, wearing his Spiderman, Pokemon, and Pikachu costumes. At home he wears his Barretstown jumper. Now we know how much Barretstown means to him. Forever memories are made there. Our Elayna loved the arts and crafts most, says Cian. It really resonated with her. All the kids love the fun and games together. Laughter is the best medicine. The fun is like another kind of medicine, says Cian. Its the healing they carry with them. Children experiencing the magic of Barretstown gain confidence and self-esteem that says with them. If you met Elayna today, youd see the confidence in her eyes, says Cian. Barretstown brought that out in her, that feeling she can do anything, despite her illness. Elayna, who loves swimming, dancing and gymnastics, does many amazing things. She and Alex go to the same school in Ballincollig where their teachers are very supportive, says Cian. If ever Alex is feeling down, Elayna is on hand to comfort him. Shes his mini mum! Since 1994, Barretstown has served over 125,000 campers. It aims to provide therapeutic recreation to sick children and their families. The camp is keen to stress that visitors to Barretstown should forget about illness, learn to have fun, and learn to rebuild confidence and self-esteem. Barretstown was founded by Hollywood legend Paul Newman, who envisaged a custom-built paradise for children that he would model on his USA Hole In the Wall Gang Camps, giving children with serious illnesses from Ireland, Europe and the USA a retreat. The actor started his charity with $2 million of his own money, while the Irish Government gave a generous donation of 500 acres of land in Co. Kildare for his project. I hope my legacy is not my acting, my racing, or my politics said Paul Newman, who passed away in 2008. I hope it is my camps. Phone:O45-864115 info@barretstown.org The cost of repairing a historic North Cork weir could top 5m and will have to be funded by central government, a Fine Gael general election candidate has said. Fermoys 250-year-old weir, which is located in the Blackwater river at the heart of the town and adjoins Kent Bridge, has fallen into an increasing state of deterioration over the past two decades. In February, An Bord Pleanala granted consent for remedial works on the listed, protected structure, and the building of a separate channel, a so-called fish bypass, which is to run parallel to the Blackwaters northern bank, west of the bridge. However, Cork County Council, which owns the weir, has said its attempts to secure funding for the works are at the very early stage. Problems Problems with the weir were first noted in 2006, when migrating salmon became trapped at the weirs damaged fish ladder and fisheries officials demanded the removal of the weir. A 2007 claim by the Government that the EU was demanding that the weir in Fermoy be replaced by a lower structure was challenged by the local rowing club, which feared such a change would destroy its training grounds, upstream of the weir. In 2009, members of Fermoy Rowing Club travelled to Brussels and met EU officials, who told them a simple repair of the weir would suffice, but the Government then said it could not commit State funding as its fisheries advisers said that a repair would not be optimal. Stalemate A stalemate persisted for a decade, and a 2019 breach caused a section of the weir situated east of the bridge to wash away, with water levels upstream collapsing. Five years ago, it was estimated by Cork County Council that the full cost of repairs would be in the region of 3m. Now Fermoy-based county councillor Noel McCarthy, who is running for Fine Gael in the upcoming election, has said the cost will likely run to about 5m, adding that he was committed to securing funding from central government. The most important thing is that funding will be made available. Planning is secured its gone through An Bord Pleanala so the next stage now is to see can we secure funding, but Im confident that we will, he said. Asked when the weir repair work would be completed, Mr McCarthy said it would be a case of one step at a time, with the first challenge being to secure funding. West Cork should be the location of the new special school promised for the county, a TD for the area has said. New figures show that 57 pupils are travelling from the region to special schools in the city every day. A Department of Education spokesperson told The Echo: The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation, managed by Bus Eireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, there are close to 21,000 children with special-educational needs transported on a daily basis to schools throughout the country. Bus Eireann has confirmed that there are currently 57 pupils travelling on school-transport services, who attend Cork city special schools from the south-west. Recently, Minister for Education Norma Foley, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton, announced that a new special school will open in Cork in 2025/2026. Consistently Cork South West TD and Social Democrats leader, Holly Cairns, says this school must be in her constituency, adding she has been raising this consistently with various ministers since her election. Minister Foley recently announced that an additional special school would be provided within Cork in 2025, Ms Cairns said. As West Cork is the only area in the county that does not currently have a special school, I would again be calling on the minister to provide one. Ms Cairns told The Echo: It is of huge concern that children in Cork South West must travel long distances to attend special schools and classes, arriving in schools already tired and not in a state conducive to learning. By forcing disabled children to attend schools outside their local areas, in order to receive the supports they need, children are being denied opportunities to make friends and connections within their own communities. Labour Party general election candidate for the region, Evie Nevin, has echoed Ms Cairnss calls, saying, It is unacceptable that rural communities are continuously overlooked when it comes to vital services. Every child, regardless of where they live, should have access to schooling that meets their needs. A local special school would transform the lives of many families in our area, giving children the chance to thrive in an environment built around their specific needs, she said. Volunteers from Douglas were in Dublin last Friday for the national SuperValu Tidy Towns awards ceremony at Croke Park, where Douglas retained the bronze medal status it earned for the first time last year. Host Marty Morrissey highlighted Douglas for a special mention at the ceremony, after the town secured a 12-point increase on its score from last year. Over the last four years of the competition, Douglas Tidy Towns has steadily increased its score by 48 points, all thanks to the hard work of local volunteers working all year round to plan and deliver community, heritage, and biodiversity projects, as well as the regular green-space maintenance and litter-picking activities. This hard work was recognised by adjudicators, who noted that Douglas Tidy Towns is indeed both a force for good and a resource for information and a can-do attitude. Furthermore, adjudicators said: We were very impressed with your focus on community involvement and growing your connections with all residents, environmental experts, other Tidy Towns groups and businesses in Douglas. You are committed to ongoing learning and sharing of ideas for the continuous loving care for your rich habitats. The green spaces in Douglas were highlighted for particular praise by adjudicators, who stated: There is certainly a lovely atmosphere in Douglas when you venture down the lanes and into the much-used community park and woodlands of Ballybrack and Domans Wood. Nature surrounds the town and is the backbone to connecting all the communities together. It was all smiles at Heuston Station, Dublin, last Friday as volunteers from Ballyphehane (left) and Douglas Tidy Towns met on the way to the national awards ceremony at Croke Park. The two groups know each other well, as they collaborate as part of the Tramore River Communities Group. It was a successful day for both groups, after Ballyphehane Tidy Towns won the national Young Persons in Tidy Towns award. When it came to the announcement of the national award, the Cork representatives were probably a little partisan in their delight for their colleagues in Ballincollig Tidy Towns, who scooped the overall prize. One of the key engagements that took place in Cork this year, and hosted by Douglas Tidy Towns, was a joining together of South City Tidy Towns groups to share ideas and provide support. This was facilitated by Cork City Council biodiversity officer Rosemarie McDonald, and will be an at least annual event. Douglas volunteers were also delighted to meet colleagues from Ballyphehane Tidy Towns (relative newcomers to the competition) on the train to Dublin and later celebrated their achievement of winning the Young Persons in Tidy Towns award. Volunteers wait with bated breath for the announcement of the national Tidy Towns awards at Croke Park last Friday Planning for next years activities has already begun, with some exciting plans around biodiversity and local heritage in the pipeline, which will all be highlighted on the Douglas Tidy Towns Facebook page and elsewhere in the coming weeks and months. All are welcome to contribute in whatever capacity they can. Contact info@douglastidytowns.ie. Planning sought for 19 residential units at The Orchard Planning permission has been sought for the development of 19 residential units on the site of The Orchard, which was recently sold at the Douglas Village end of the Rochestown Road. The application says that: We, Bridgewater Homes Ltd, intend to apply for permission for a development at The Orchard, Rochestown Road. The development consists of permission for the demolition of existing dwelling house and associated boundary wall and the construction of 19 residential units and all ancillary site development works, including vehicular and pedestrian access, car and bicycle parking, footpaths, lighting, drainage, landscaping and amenity areas at The Orchard, Rochestown Road. Vehicular and pedestrian access serving the development will be facilitated via the Rochestown Road. The Orchard was recently sold for a sum in excess of 1m and at time of sale it stated: The Orchard comprises a residential landholding extending to approx. 0.48 hectare (1.19 acre) with a frontage 54m to the R610 to the south and backing on to Douglas Court Shopping Centre to the north. It is located in a Grade A well-established area of the Rochestown Road/Douglas. There is potential for a new development of either exclusive large detached or a higher density scheme. The property is zoned in the Cork City Development Plan 2022 - 2028 as Z01 - Sustainable Residential Neighbourhoods which allows for residential and other uses. For those wishing to inspect or purchase the planning application they can do so at the office of the Planning Authority, City Hall. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of 20. Alan and Orlaith Leo from Douglas enjoying the music on the street during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Picture: David Creedon Read More Snow Patrol and Amble announce Cork gigs in summer 2025 Comhaltas na Duglaise have a busy schedule ahead Comhaltas na Duglaise traditional music classes were on mid-term break last week but have a heavy schedule between now and Christmas. The branch is encouraging as many as possible to participate in Ceol an Geimhridh which will take place in Macroom in January. Members are also encouraged to participate in the SCT trad music exams, entries need to be in before January. The branch is fundraising at the moment selling tickets for the Comhaltas National Draw which will take place in December. Comhaltas na Duglaise will hold its AGM on Monday next, November 11, at 7.30pm at Gaelscoil na Duglaise. Energywise offer for Douglas GAA Club members As part of their celebrations for being 15 years in business, Energywise Ireland recently got in contact with Douglas GAA Club regarding a great fundraising opportunity for the club. Theyre a registered One Stop Shop and provide home energy upgrades (solar panels, heat pumps, etc.) and are based at Blarney Road. If anyone is thinking of getting a home energy upgrade (which includes a Solar PV Installation, Heat Pump Retrofit, or a One Stop Shop Home Energy Upgrade), we recommend going with Energywise Ireland as they have promised to donate 250 for every eligible completed installation from members (including family and friends) of this club, a spokesperson for Douglas GAA Club said. They have been in business for more than 15 years and are one of Irelands leading solar panel installers. Theres no limit to the amount we can receive from them, so we really encourage anyone who is considering a green upgrade for their home to do so with Energywise Ireland. All you have to do is include the club referral code (Sports2024-DouglasGAA) when applying for your free consultation and Energywise Ireland will look after the rest. To get a quote from them, go their website enter the above code in the Your Club section when filling out the form. See more here. Tractor run fun The Ballygarvan tractor run in aid of the Mater Hospital Foundation Lung Transplant Ward organised by Barry Browne, his family and friends in the Ballygarvan Show had an entry of more than 200 vehicles. The run comprising tractors, trucks, vintage cars and motorbikes caused great excitement as the tractors travelled through Main Street, Carrigaline and Castle Heights on through Kinsale west along their way ending in the Half Way. A special childrens tractor run was held in the precincts of the GAA earlier. Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie Aspiring chefs are being invited to work in a professional kitchen. Trigon Hotels are encouraging prospective chefs to join their campaign, Open Kitchen Week, which gives a behind-the-scenes experience in a real professional kitchen. The hotel group, which includes the Cork International Hotel and the Metropole Hotel, will run the event from November 11 to 17, with bookable slots on offer in both hotel kitchens. Geared towards those interested in a professional culinary career, the aim is to allow aspiring chefs to gain first-hand experience in a fast-paced environment, to see if its something they might like to pursue in the future. Delighted Group executive chef at Trigon Hotels, Alex Petit, said: We are delighted to be part of the Open Kitchen Week again this year. Its a wonderful opportunity for people interested in cooking to come and see for themselves what its like to work in a professional kitchen. We have an incredible team at the Trigon Hotels and we are passionate about nurturing and developing talent. We know from being part of the initiative last year that participants find it hugely beneficial to be immersed in a hotel kitchen environment like this. Launched in 2023, Open Kitchen Week is an initiative of Chef Network, a professional community of chefs throughout the island of Ireland. We are grateful for the participation and support for this positive and proactive initiative to promote careers in culinary arts, said Mr Petit, who is a member of the Chef Network. I encourage prospective chefs to come and see what a career in culinary hospitality is like. Its great to get the opportunity to pass some of this on to fellow food enthusiasts. For more information on how to attend Open Kitchen Week, visit: https://openkitchen.ie/kitchensignup. A young woman with a heroin addiction was involved in the robbery of a 15-year-old girl of 1 and Confirmation necklace given to her by her late Grandmother and today she was jailed for two years. It was agreed by prosecution and defence that 30-year-old Natasha Morey of Liffey Park, Mayfield, Cork, was not the main mover in this and two other robberies committed at the same time. However, Judge Dermot Sheehan said: The two women involved were equally responsible but I will reflect the lesser participation of Ms Morey. The judge imposed a prison sentence of four years with the last two years suspended in the case against Natasha Morey at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Her co-accused got a sentence one year longer for her role in the crimes. Ms Morey pleaded guilty to the robbery of the 15-year-old and two other young teenagers with her at the time. The sentence was backdated to June as she has been in custody since then. Evidence Detective Garda Patrick Houlihan gave evidence of robberies carried out by Ms Morey ad her co-accused who was sentenced previously. The victims were teenagers two girls aged 15 and a boy who was 18. The two women demanded money from the three teenagers and put them in fear before small amounts of money were handed over. They became violent and grabbed the 15-year-old girl by her hair and threatened her before a 300 Swarovski chain was taken from her, Det Garda Houlihan said. Ms Moreys previous convictions include counts of theft, threatening behaviour and assault causing harm. Seamus Roche senior counsel said: It was the older woman with Ms Morey who was the main protagonist in this. She is very sorry. She could have done more to restrain the other lady and she was involved herself. She regrets this. She is on a methadone programme. The three counts of robbery arose out of the incident at the skate park at around 4pm on September 3, 2023. The teenaged victims had been together in a wooded area beside the skate park at Mardyke Walk, talking and enjoying the sun when they were set upon by the two women. The 15-year-old girl who only had 1 in cash her bus money home was caught in a head-lock and the chain from around her neck was removed. She had gotten this for her Confirmation. Planning permission has been refused by Cork City Council for 10 apartments and a super betting shop development encompassing 9A, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Castle St as well as 1-7 Paradise Place on South Main St. The site of the former Catholic Young Mens Society Hall, a curved two-/three-story building, had several retail units on the ground floor including Boyle Sports. Holren Properties Limited applied in August for change of use for the ground floor 11 and 12 Castle St units from retail to a betting shop, as well as demolition of ground-floor internal walls between units 10, 11, 12, and 13 Castle St to form one large unit. The plans would also see the first and second floors changed from storage to residential use with a development comprising of six one-bedroom apartments, one studio apartment, and three one-bedroom apartments with mezzanines. The ground floor units were formerly a jewellers shop, a vintage clothing shop, and a computer shop providing repairs as well as photocopying, scanning, printing services, and internet access, a city planner noted. The planners report noted that no change of use for the former retail unit at No. 10 Castle St to betting shop was sought, but its amalgamation was included in the floor plans and the description of the development. The Planning Authority has very serious concerns that the amalgamation of what will result in four former separate retail frontage units into one super betting office, the report said, adding that this would significantly adversely affect the vitality and viability of the streetscape, as well as having a negative visual effect. Combing the retail units into one large betting shop could set a highly undesirable precedence within the city centre, the report said. Additionally, the planner noted that the development site is a designated protected structure which has an important and long history within Cork city. While there may be scope for some apartments on the upper floor, the change of use of the vast halls to residential will constitute a significant loss of historic social and community use, the planning report added. The councils decision letter noted that the loss of these historic shopfronts on the streetscape would have a negative visual impact and that the proposed development would be contrary to the City Development Plans aims to maintain a suitable mix of retail and other uses. Additionally, it said that the proposed development would seriously injure the physical and visual architectural integrity of the historic sites. Two men walking home in the early hours from a night out socialising in Cork city centre came under attack from a gang of four who robbed them of their belongings. Now one of the men involved in that group who carried out the attack has been jailed for two and a half years at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. 19-year-old Hamid Azrag with an address at Ard Na Ri, Banduff Road, Cork, was sentenced to four years with the last 18 months suspended by Judge Dermot Sheehan. The two robbery charges relate to February 11 at Tobin Street, Cork. Defence barrister Nikki OSullivan said the accused admitted his part in the crime and was concerned about the impact it had on the victims. She said Mr Azrag was addicted to drugs at that time which were a source of problems in his life. At the time he made very bad choices and did not understand the consequences of his actions. He was in the throes of addiction at the time, Ms OSullivan said, adding that the other three men were not people with whom he had hung around with before this time. Detective Garda Patrick Houlihan testified that Garda David OSullivan caught the defendant after chasing him on foot from the scene of the crime. Judge Sheehan said, Before the court are two counts of robbery and possession of a knife. In the very early hours of the morning two men making their way home after a night out were set upon by four men, knocked to the ground and there was a robbery. Substantial property was taken - personal possessions like wallet, phone, money and a watch. It seems to have been captured on CCTV. Guards were able to see what was happening. Guards were dispatched and the accused was caught nearby. And part of the proceeds of the crime were found on him. He admitted that he was present. He entered signed pleas of guilty. These offences come in the mid-range of such offences four men offering moderate violence, it happened at night. Both injured parties were fortunate not to suffer severe injuries. One of the victims sustained a fracture to an eye socket an injury which the judge described as being slow to heal. Judge Sheehan referred to the victim impact statements which confirmed that both men were shaken and upset and, like any person, they felt entitled to go out without being set upon by people who would rob them. As for the accused man, the judge said he read a letter he wrote to the court outlining a difficult childhood, including a period of homelessness. He wants to make good of himself and he has taken steps. I will suspend the last 18 months. I will backdate the sentence to April 24 when he went into custody, Judge Sheehan said. We had a close call with scammers recently. We were in Cyprus, and my wife got a message from what she thought was our bank at home. It looked genuine and, to cut a long story short, it sucked us in. She spoke to a guy on the other end of the phone who was very convincing. He even told my wife to hang up and he would call her back just to ensure the call was genuine. The scammer did receive a lot of information before the call ended. A few minutes later, however, we got another phone call. This time it was from the Fraud Section of the PTSB who told us they had discovered a suspicious transaction on our account which they thought looked peculiar. Someone was trying to relieve us of 2,500. The bank blocked the transaction immediately and put a hold on our account. T he scammers were good, but fortunately for us, the fraud guys were better, and they prevented us from losing a substantial sum of money. Apart from the potential financial loss, these fraudsters cause a huge amount of inconvenience too. The bank had to cancel our credit cards, and thats the second time its happened to us out here. Because our cards were cancelled, we had to order replacements and, as happened previously, they were sent to our home address in Cork. We had to arrange to get them out here to us, but in the meantime, our standing orders were bouncing back to us, so we had to rearrange all those as well. These thieves have caused us an amount of inconvenience and stress and its all very frustrating. I only hope that, some day, the law will catch up with them and give them their just rewards. In the meantime, I wish them all kinds of excruciating pain for the remainder of their miserable lives! It is also very embarrassing that someone who has spent 35 years in An Garda Siochana should have been duped so easily. My wife isnt feeling too good about being codded either. She is annoyed because she would have considered herself to be street-wise too. Were both computer-literate and reasonably tech-savvy for our years, but I know many of my generation and older who would be even more trusting than we are, which makes them soft targets for scammers. I wonder how many more vulnerable people are being robbed on a daily basis? So, how do we protect ourselves? Well, for starters there is plenty of professional advice available and we need to start listening to it. FraudSMART is a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, and they aim to raise consumer and business awareness of the latest financial fraud activity and trends and provide simple and impartial advice on how best they can protect themselves and their resources. They are advising consumers to be on alert for text message and phone scams currently in circulation claiming to be from your bank. These are very convincing and sophisticated scams. I have merely glanced over this kind of advice in the past because I thought I was really tuned in and could never be caught. But when you get a call or a message, that has all the appearance of being genuine, advising you that you are at risk of losing money from your account, it kind of throws you into a bit of a spin. The professional scammers are very practised in what they do and once you take the initial bait, they skilfully reel you in. As someone who has had a close call and feels a bit foolish, I would encourage everyone to read the advice from FraudSMART. Not just to read it, but to actually take it in and be ready for the scammers when they come calling. So, how does the scam happen? You may receive a phone call and/or text message which creates a sense of urgency in relation to a suspicious payment from your account or other security issue. A text message may ask you to click on a link, call a number, or even expect a call from their security team using a landline or private ID. If you do click the link, you may find yourself on a fraudulent online banking login page that mimics the real bank login page. In some cases, you may receive an authorisation code and be asked to input it on screen to reactivate your account or cancel a fraudulent payment - however, this actually gives the fraudster access to your account. If you receive a fraudulent call, the number may mimic the genuine number of the bank. The fraudster will try to get personal, financial and security information. The fraudster may imply that, if you dont act immediately, it will have negative consequences - for example, that money will be lost from your account. Remember that a bank will never text/email/phone you asking for personal information, will never send you a link on a text message, will not ask you to delete your banking app, or to avoid logging into banking online. A bank will never ask you to click on a link or for personal information. If you take nothing else from this piece of advice, heed this. If someone is pressurising you on the phone to take urgent action, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit/credit card. Never give away personal information, bank card payment details, bank account details or security details such as your PIN or online password to anyone. Block the sender of a suspicious email or text message and delete the message. Anyone can be a target of this kind of scam, as I found out. It was one of the best Jazz weekends yet! The line-up was incredible, most of the gigs were sold out, and Cork was buzzing. From a personal view, it started as early as last Tuesday when I attended a very special Cyprus Avenue rehearsal of Brian Jacksons one-off We Almost Lost Detroit tribute to his musical partner Gil Scott Heron. The show, which took place in Cork Opera House on the following evening, also featured the influential Detroit DJ and producer Theo Parrish and regular visitors to Cork, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. They were joined by their mum, Aquilla Sadalla, and it was a very special show that spanned three or four generations of music. I attended the whole rehearsal, which was mind blowing, and it was great watching Brian Jackson up close and personal, chopping it up with fellow musicians. Brian spent the whole week in Cork, and he was unbelievably generous with his time, patiently attending every media obligation and speaking with everyone he met. Musically, the guy is on another level. It was great watching him play an array of shows with a number of different musicians. Brian Jackson is one of those massively influential music figures who is really respected by all of the music heads, and he made a lot of new friends in Cork. His body of work and musicianship is immense, and its always a great relief when the person behind the music is a true gentleman too. By Thursday, the weekend was already brewing up nicely, and I welcomed an all Cork based line-up to the Kino which was a new addition to the official Guinness Cork Jazz Festival this year. AbbieLee, Catherine, DeCarteret, and Projective were all incredible and showed that the South has something to say! This was the phrase I borrowed from Outkast for a late night club gig in the same venue on Saturday. Over the weekend, the Kino proved that music in this country is in a great place. The Washington St venue also hosted sold out shows by the likes of Cooks but were Chefs and the X Collective, plus a Soft Boy Records night that featured Kean Kavanagh DJing with Kojaque after his own solo live set. The Kino was great this weekend! Thursday also saw the opening of the stunning Blue Note 85 exhibition in St Peters, and the North main St venue was busy all weekend hosting a pop-up shop which sold lots of vinyl and merch. On Friday, I checked out Qbanna and Maya Delihah in St Lukes, the Alice Coltrane celebration in the Triskel, and the Fox Gluv all girls DJ set in the Kino, before visiting a packed Cyprus Avenue for the amazing Theo Parrish. By Sunday, I was in the mood for some of the big Cork Opera House gigs, and I was happy to have a birds eye stage view of some epic shows as I was on warm-up DJ duty for the evening. First up was De La Soul and special guest Talib Kweli, and what a show this was. Ive DJd at many De La Soul shows over the years, but this was probably the best one yet. Talib Kweli is a legendary MC in his own right, and he performed loads of his own tracks to a hyped up energetic crowd. De La Soul are enjoying a new lease of life and are now free from the legal wrangles which kept their songs off digital platforms until recently. The sad death of Trugoy the Dove was a big loss, but it seems to have spurred the Pos and Maseo into a new era where the outpouring of love seems more universal than ever. This was a show to remember. I snuck up to the Everyman to catch a little Seun Kuti, who delivered the goods, before returning to the Cork Opera House for a Bricknasty all-star session that saw the Dublin group welcome some of Irelands finest musicians to the stage. Khakikid, Curtisy, Shiv, and F3miii were the guest vocalists and all delivered amazing performances, before the Bricknasty crew themselves took it all home in style. This was another sold out show in the Cork Opera House that showed that Irelands finest can go toe-to-toe with anyone else, and it was a perfect way to end an amazing week of music! Meta is opening up its Llama AI models to government agencies and contractors working on national security, the company said in an update . The group includes more than a dozen private sector companies that partner with the US government, including Amazon Web Services, Oracle and Microsoft, as well as defense contractors like Palantir and Lockheed Martin. Mark Zuckerberg hinted at the move last week during Metas earnings call, when he said the company was working with the public sector to adopt Llama across the US government. Now, Meta is offering more details about the extent of that work. Oracle, for example, is building on Llama to synthesize aircraft maintenance documents so technicians can more quickly and accurately diagnose problems, speeding up repair time and getting critical aircraft back in service. Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, according to Meta, are using Llama to support governments by hosting our models on their secure cloud solutions for sensitive data. Around half of its staff are said to have quit over a relocation requirement and the end of a remote work policy. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Grindr. According to Bloomberg, the agency alleges that a return-to-office (RTO) mandate that limited remote work and effectively meant a relocation requirement for many workers was an attempt to fend off a unionization drive. Around 80 of Grindr's 178 employees quit as a result of last year's RTO demand, according to the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The NLRB's general counsel office has accused Grindr of violating labor law by retaliating against workers who were attempting to organize. Per Bloomberg, the agency additionally claims the company refused to recognize the union or to negotiate with it in good faith, which would also be a violation of labor law. A Grindr spokesperson told the publication that the claims were "meritless." They added that some employees started signing union cards "only after it was known that the transition back to in-office work was underway." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the CWA, the company announced on August 4 last year that workers would have to attend its offices at least two days a week. A supermajority of workers announced their unionization in July. The union claims that, by the end of August, around half of the staff had been forced to resign. This, in part, was said to a result of relocation requirements. Among other issues, having to relocate would have required some of Grindr's trans employees to find alternate healthcare providers, the union has said. "The RTO mandate gave workers two weeks to choose between ending their tenure at Grindr or relocating to their respective teams newly assigned 'hub' city to work in-person twice a week," the CWA said when it filed an Unfair Labor Practice against Grindr in September 2023. As CNN noted, many of the workers who had been hired remotely were suddenly required to report to a Grindr office in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington DC. This is hardly the first time Grindr has been in hot water lately. Earlier this year, the company was sued for allegedly sharing personal information including HIV statuses and test dates, ethnicity and sexual orientation with advertising companies without users' consent. In a statement sent to Engadget, Grindr United-CWA called today's complaint "another huge victory" for the union. The full statement follows: Todays complaint from the NLRB is another huge victory for our union. After management instated a retaliatory relocation policy just days after we went public about our organizing efforts, more than half of our colleagues were either forced to relocate to a hub to work in person, or leave the company with a severance in exchange for our silence. When we filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB last year, we collectively held Grindr accountable in protecting workers rights and our right to form a union. Thats why we formed Grindr-United: to ensure collaboration and a seat at the bargaining table. We hope this NLRB filing sends a clear message to Grindr that, with a union, we are committed to negotiating fair working conditions in good faith. As we continue to build and expand worker power at Grindr, this win in our favor is a positive step toward ensuring that Grindr remains a safe, inclusive, and thriving place for users and workers alike. Update, November 4, 5:40PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include a statement from Grindr United-CWA. At the start of the weekend, the FBI issued a statement addressing videos falsely claiming to be from the FBI relating to election security. That includes one claiming the bureau had apprehended three linked groups committing ballot fraud, and one about Kamala Harris husband. Disinformation has seemingly grown substantially in the final few days, with the presidential election kicking off tomorrow. Late last week, the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said theyd traced two other videos back to Russian influence actors, including one falsely depicting individuals from Haiti voting illegally in multiple counties in Georgia. Just a couple of days to go, then everything will be fine. Right? Mat Smith ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest tech stories you missed Amazon Primes free games for November include Dishonored and Guardians of the Galaxy Election 2024: What will the candidates do about the digital divide? Engadget review recap: Amazons colorful Kindle, DJIs latest action cam and more Its all about the Mac mini. In this episode, Devindra and producer Ben Ellman dive into all of Apples new M4 hardware: the new iMac, Mac mini and refreshed MacBook Pros. But seriously, its mostly them fanboying over the Mac mini. Listen here. Hands-on with Metas first AR glasses. Engadget If youre a little curious about the future of augmented reality, Metas Orion prototype makes the most compelling case yet. Theyre still incredibly chonky, but Orion is about more than finally making AR glasses a reality. Its also the companys best shot at becoming less dependent on Apple and Google, their app stores. Karissa Bell goes hands-on. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Continue reading. It could eventually be a 100-person group. Disney recently formed a dedicated emerging technologies unit. Dubbed the Office of Technology Enablement, the group will coordinate the companys exploration, adoption and use of artificial intelligence, AR and VR tech across all things Disney. A Disney spokesperson told Engadget the Office of Technology Enablement wont take over any existing AI and XR projects at the company. Instead, it will support Disneys other teams, many of which are already working on products using those technologies. Continue reading. Ryan Reynolds may have made his mark on Hollywood by playing a funny man, but Martha Stewart says "he's not so funny" in real life. Stewart shared her opinion on the "Deadpool & Wolverine" star during a special guest appearance on Bilt Rewards' November "Rent Free" game show. Bilt Founder and CEO Ankur Jain asked Stewart which celebrities she thought respondents had listed as being the most fun to hang out with, and she of course said her friend Snoop Dogg would be on the list, and added that Reynolds probably was, too. "He's probably on the list just 'cause he covers himself up in his movies and you don't see his face Ryan Reynolds, is he one of those?" asked Stewart, who is Reynolds' neighbor in Bedford, N.Y. "And you want to know something? He's not so funny in real life," she claimed. "No, he's not so funny. He's very serious." Stewart said her picks would be Brad Pitt and George Clooney, saying, "I'd like to hang out with those guys." Jain mentioned one seemingly obvious choice: Taylor Swift. "I was only thinking men," Stewart said. "Taylor Swift is lovely." After thinking about it, Stewart said she would place Swift at the top of her list, followed by Snoop Dogg. "Then I would take Ryan off it, and I would put in somebody else," she said. Jain expressed surprise at her insistence that Reynolds isn't funny, and she clarified that "he's a good actor." "He can act funny, but he isn't funny. Maybe he can get to be funny again," she said. "I'm going to get in trouble," she added. "He's my neighbor." -- With reporting by TMX King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were met with an angry crowd as they arrived in an area recently devastated by flash floods. The king and queen visited the eastern city of Valencia, where residents say they were "abandoned" after being ordered to stay home after flood waters became dangerous on October 29. Insults were thrown at the royal duo, in addition to mud and other items, upon their arrival, as one resident reportedly confronted King Felipe saying: "You've abandoned us. You're four days too late." Once hecklers caught sight of King Felipe and Queen Letizia who were also accompanied by the prime minister and regional leader of Valencia they began to throw mud at the group before calling them "murderers," per 'The Guardian.' Los Reyes, durante su visita a Paiporta (Valencia) esta manana. pic.twitter.com/0OpPm9pAp0 Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) November 3, 2024 One man also questioned the king on why the civil protection service overseen by their regional government sent the alert hours after the state's weather agency warned of dangerous conditions. "They knew it, they knew it, and yet they did nothing," he shouted at the monarch. "It's a disgrace," the man reportedly shouted at the royals. Photos obtained by the media outlet show King Felipe, 56, maneuvering through a large angry crowd with visible signs of mud on his face and clothing. His team can be seen holding an umbrella over the royal's head, in addition to sheltering him from items being tossed in his direction. He appeared to keep his composure, as he was also seen holding devastated residents closely, allowing them to cry in his arms, and hugging those that reached out to him. Video footage shows Queen Letizia, 52, holding the hands of devastated women and consoling residents at times with tears running down their faces. This scene from Valencia's October 29 disaster is beyond a movie. A man hanging on the wall is on the edge of the flood. A car pushed by the current is going to crush him. From the first floor someone throws a blanket. He climbs to safety.pic.twitter.com/84T9p7DDVv Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) November 3, 2024 "One has to understand the anger and frustration of many people given all that they have gone through, as well as the difficulty in understanding how all the mechanisms work when it comes to the emergency operations," Felipe reportedly told Valencia officials. A year's worth of rainfall pummeled Valencia within about eight hours, causing catastrophic events in the region on October 29. Over 200 bodies have been found so far, according to the 'Associated Press,' 213 of those were found in Valencia. Reports say the flood stands as the deadliest since 1996. Our deep gratitude for the messages of condolence, consolation, support and solidarity with the Spanish people due to devastating consequences of the DANA. pic.twitter.com/xIxQeVMBJY Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) November 2, 2024 The king and queen also addressed the devastating situation on Twitter, now known as X, sending "deep gratitude" to authorities and internal leaders and "condolence and consolation" to the Spanish people. Will Smith recently reminded fans of his "Big Willie Style" with two new singles, "Work of Art" and "You Can Make It." Although his music comeback has been well-received, his latest verse left fans with plenty of questions. On November 1, Smith posted a video of himself rapping on Yuki Chiba's "Team Tomodachi" remix, riding in a car and paying homage to his hometown of Philadelphia. He raps, "Straight outta Philly I came out the gutter/ I still hit the city with all of my brothers/ I might go to Overbrook to get me a cheesesteak/ cause I got all of this bread and butter." Fans, however, were quick to hone in on one particular line: "They tried to clone me/ make it a body double/ but I promise it won't be another/ I've had enough/ I ain't with the tough talk/ Did I st-st-stutter." After 'The Shade Room' reposted the video, many fans began speculating if Smith was hinting at hidden messages about "cloning" or merely referencing his 2019 movie 'Gemini Man,' where his character faces off against a clone of himself. Some fans took it as a nod to Hollywood conspiracy theories, with one noting, "These celebs tell us things but most think it's just lyrics. Stuff be so true." Others suggested his 'Bad Boys' character Mike Lowrey inspired the lyrics, joking, "This ain't Will Smith y'all, this Mike Lowrey." Regardless of the interpretation, fans celebrated Smith's return to music. One fan praised, "Will will always be the culture. We ain't never turning our back on Him," while another added, "Willard is still the only person to sell over 60 million records without a curse word. respect the word play." Does Peanut the Squirrel's headline-making death have more to do with porn than it does with domestically harboring wild animals? Peanut the Squirrel caused an internet uproar all over social media this past weekend after it emerged that the Instagram-famous pet was euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation following the squirrel's seizure by authorities, along with a raccoon named Fred, from owner Mark Longo in Pine City, New York. At the time of the squirrel's death, the pet had over 500,000 followers on Instagram, a number still growing after the sad news emerged. Longo, who made Peanut a star with endearing videos of the pet on Instagram (@peanut_the_squirrel12), coincidentally also moonlights as an internet pornstar with his OnlyFans account as "Squirrel Daddy." But now, in a new report, Longo has suggested that he suspects his online porn presence might possibly have something to do with Peanut's seizure and ultimate demise, based on what authorities told him when they arrived to take the pet last week. Indeed, Longo told TMZ on Monday (Nov. 4) that during the seizure he was asked by the authorities, "Do you have any cameras in your house?" The tabloid goes on to report that some sources believe the reference to cameras points to the authorities' probable focus on Longo and his wife's OnlyFans activities. However, Longo himself wasn't arrested, and hasn't heard anything further from the state's officers. "I think there's an ulterior motive here," Longo said to TMZ, "and it seems it has to do with my spicy social media presence, especially since other than taking the animals, they took no action against me." Peanut the Squirrel was reportedly seized due to anonymous complaints the state DEC had received about undomesticated animals living in the area, according to The Guardian. Last Friday, per CBS News, the state DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health confirmed, "On Oct 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies." The agencies added, "In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized." Longo wrote in a post announcing the pet's fate last week, "Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there's a special place in hell for you. Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024... The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut." He underscored, "He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. Im in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to, PNUT. For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He's been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don't know how to process this, emotionally. Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT's Name." Amber Rose has been vocal about her support for presidential candidate Donald Trump, though she's certainly taken it to the next level. The model and reality TV star shared on X that she bet $15,000 on Trump winning the election. I never bet but this feels right. Who are you betting on? @Kalshi pic.twitter.com/C9tW9nCab5 Amber Rose (@DaRealAmberRose) November 4, 2024 The bet was set through the betting app Kalshi, self-proclaimed as the first legal way to bet on the election in America. "I never bet," Rose noted, "but this feels right." Rose spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, voicing her support for the conservative nominee. She claimed she was initially swayed to believe "left wing propaganda" that Trump was a racist, but has come to a different conclusion on her own. Amber Rose gives a powerful speech at the RNC Convention: Im no politician and I dont want to be, but I do care about the truth, and the truth is that the media has lied to us about Donald Trump .. I know this because, for a long time, I believed those lies so Im here to pic.twitter.com/MUGxhSP0wj Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 16, 2024 "People have to do their research. I watched all the rallies. And I started meeting so many of you his red hat-wearing supporters. I realized Donald Trump and his supporters don't care if you're Black, white, gay, or straight it's all love," she shared. "And that's when it hit me: These are my people. This is where I belong." Wiz Khalifa's baby mother and ex-girlfriend of controversial rapper Kanye West -- who has also publicly supported Trump -- many were surprised to see Rose take such on such conservative views. She was famously known her for "SlutWalk" events, a feminist transnational movement aimed to bring an end to slut shaming. "I'm here tonight to tell you, no matter your political background, that the best chance we have to give our babies a better life is to elect Donald Trump president of the United States," the mother of two concluded during her speech. Diddy has broken his silence for the first time from jail in a new video that shows his kids wishing him a happy birthday over the phone, and he's heard responding over the line. It was shared on social media by one of his children to celebrate Diddy's 55th birthday on Monday (Nov. 4). The family appears to be putting on a brave face after Diddy, the famous rapper, producer and hip-hop record executive otherwise known as Sean Combs, was arrested and indicted in September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and more. He is currently awaiting the start of his trial in May 2025 from a cell in Brooklyn. Read more: Diddy Celebrates 55th Birthday Behind Bars With These Birthday Dinner Options On the phone with his children however, Diddy says that he is "happy" on his birthday and that he is looking forward to seeing them soon. Diddy's kids, ranging in age from one to 33, gather around the phone for the heartwarming moment as the youngest, daughter Love, tells her dad that she loves him. In the clip shared on Instagram by his 30-year-old son Justin on Monday (Nov. 4), Diddy can be heard telling his children that he's proud of them and "looking forward to seeing them" after they sing him "Happy Birthday," as Daily Mail reported. A birthday cake is centered on the table. Watch it below. #BREAKING: #Diddy speaks on prison call for the first time since his arrest as his kids wish him a happy birthday! pic.twitter.com/UpYDbiaQaW Gina Milan (@ginamilan_) November 4, 2024 On the phone call, Diddy is heard saying, "I love y'all so much. I can't wait to see y'all, I can't wait to see y'all and I just wanna say I'm proud of y'all, I'm proud of y'all." He continues, "Especially the girls. I mean all of y'all. Just for being strong. Thank y'all for being strong, and thank y'all for being by my side and supporting me." Diddy adds, "I love y'all, you're the best family in the world. My birthday I'm happy. Thanks to y'all for giving me this call, thank you very much. I love y'all." As mentioned above, Diddy is still in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. But he reportedly got a nice meal for his birthday a breakfast that included a choice of biscuits and gravy, oven-browned potatoes, bread and oatmeal. As far as his lunch, the Bad Boy Records founder evidently got to enjoy cheese pizza, pasta salad and green beans, according to New York Post, which obtained the menu. His birthday dinner options included chicken or tofu, fried rice with black beans and carrots. Article originally published on 'Music Times.' One of the UKs most successful and respected pedigree livery experts has been chosen as the winner of the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award. Falkirk-based cattle livery winner Richard Rettie was presented with the coveted award at the Borderway Agri Expo on 1 November. The award's judges said Mr Rettie has a unique reputation for his dedication in preparing cattle for the UKs most prestigious show rings. In announcing the recipient, the judges agreed fully with the summary in his nomination, that Richard 'is a master at his profession'. They said: "He has earned the trust of the pedigree cattle industry throughout the UK and has a vast number of customers who rely on his ability to produce pedigree cattle to the animals full potential. He is always the first to credit his wife, Carol for making their success possible, and we all hope very much that they will continue to push the standards of showing ever higher and with ever greater success. "They support the industry and the agricultural community, and they are a wonderful inspiration to the next generation of breeders and showers. The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award aims to put the spotlight on livestock farmers' commitments and accomplishments. It is dedicated to one of the industrys most respected figures, David Thomlinson, who was tragically killed on his farm five years ago. Inaugurated in 2021, the aim of the award is to acknowledge a person who has a passion for the future success of the industry and is an inspiration to others. On winning the award, Richard said: David Tomlinson was a mentor and an inspiration to me early in my career, and this is a very great honour to receive his award for doing something that I love. "It makes me feel old, but I am absolutely overcome to have received such a prestigious award." From a farming family with a long tradition of pedigree livestock showing success, Mr Rettie has been associated with some of the UKs most respected cattle breeders and leading bloodlines throughout this career in the industry. Since establishing himself as a leading freelance 27 years ago, he has become synonymous with the highest standards of preparation and skill in showing pedigree cattle to their best advantage. His first breed win came in 2006 with Beef Shorthorn cow, Holmeere Georgia Rose, for Mark Holmes. In 2007, the same team won again with Holmeere Alastair and a year later their season was dominated by champion stockbull Cairnsmore Thrasher. As well as winning the Great Yorkshire with Cairnsmore Thrasher in 2008, Richard was also presented with the John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy at the Royal Highland Show. Tesco and its milk suppliers Arla and Muller have launched a new partnership which aims to 'transform' the dairy sector by putting more emphasis on sustainability. The 'Future Dairy Partnership' aims to accelerate the reduction of emissions, roll out nature-friendly farming methods and commit to higher animal welfare standards. Tesco, Arla and Muller have pledged to bring together other organisations from across the sector to reduce on-farm emissions by 30% by 2030. With both Arla and Muller in the partnership, all 400 of Tescos Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) farmers across the UK will be part of the initiative. The partnership will include on-farm projects, such as the trial and roll-out of methane-reducing feed additives. It will also explore new levers through a dedicated farmer focus group, who will test nature-led initiatives alongside reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, the partnership will review how to up-scale these innovations for adoption across the UK dairy industry.. Ashwin Prasad, chief commercial officer at Tesco, said the retailer had been playing a 'leading role' in transitioning to a low carbon agriculture sector. "The group has pioneered ground-breaking work on a number of areas, including animal welfare improvements, carbon foot-printing and introducing innovations such as methane reducing additives. Whats clear is that to achieve our stretching climate goals, we must work together as an industry to implement transformational improvements at pace, so were delighted to be partnering with Arla and Muller on this project." As part of the partnership, a new 'sustainable dairy blueprint' will also provide farmers with guidelines on sustainability targets and ethical practices. And an industry-wide report will be produced that highlights the pathway to more sustainable dairy, as well as financial support to achieve this ambition. The suppliers and retailer are also broadening the partnership by reaching out to other organisations across the dairy industry for input and support. Bas Padberg, managing director at Arla Foods UK, said the sector "must accelerate action to address the challenges that the climate emergency presents to our food system." "We are now in a strong position to lead the change that is needed, together with our farmer owners. The time is now to unite, invest, and make a lasting impact for generations to come. China contributes to global deep space exploration with accelerated lunar sample research 11:22, November 04, 2024 By Yu Sinan, Liu Shiyao, Wu Yuehui ( People's Daily China's Chang'e-6 mission returned to Earth on June 25, bringing back 1,953.3 grams of lunar samples. The lunar samples, which were collected from the far side of the moon for the first time in human history, have garnered worldwide attention. They will offer fresh perspectives on the disparities between the near side and far side of the moon, as well as the evolution of the moon. On August 21, China National Space Administration (CNSA) selected 16 research teams from 13 institutes that excelled in the research of lunar samples brought back by the Chang'e-5 mission to participate in the initial round of sample research proposal and application review for Chang'e-6 lunar samples. The Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) secured a spot in this selection based on its exceptional performance in the study of the Chang'e-5 lunar samples. A researcher with the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) analyzes a lunar sample collected by the Chang'e-5 mission, October 14, 2022. (Photo from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) The Chang'e-5 probe returned to Earth on December 17, 2020, with 1,731 grams of lunar samples. The IGG received three grams of these samples and divided them into two small bottles, one holding one gram and the other holding two grams. Li Xianhua, an academician with the CAS and a researcher with the IGG, still vividly remembers the moment when he saw the soil samples. "The moon soil was incredibly fine, with an average particle size of only 50 microns," said Li. "We hesitated to open the samples easily because many very fine particles not only adhered to the glass but could also escape from the bottle," Li recalled. After receiving the soil samples, the IGG wasted no time in calling for a project kickoff meeting. Wu Fuyuan, head of the IGG, laid out the team's tasks clearly: conduct radiometric dating, delve into petrology and geochemistry, analyze water content, and study strontium, neodymium, and hydrogen isotopes within a week, followed by the drafting of papers for submission within another week. The plan was not haphazardly put together. Prior to this, each member of the research team had made thorough preparations, possessing a wealth of knowledge and technological expertise. The micrograph shows the crossed polarized light image of the thin section of a basalt lunar soil particle collected by the Chang'e-5 mission. (Photo from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) Through relentless efforts, the team quickly achieved the first significant milestone as planned, setting a new benchmark for speed in lunar soil research. With just 0.15 grams of lunar soil, the team completed the analysis in seven days, finalized the paper in 16 days, and published three papers on Nature within 100 days, pushing back the known end time of lunar magma activity by one billion years. "The swift progress was also attributed to the careful selection and assessment of the landing area by researchers before the Chang'e-5 mission, enabling the successful collection of the youngest lunar basalt samples. The new samples that had never been studied before allowed us to swiftly gain many new insights," said He Huaiyu, a member of the research team and a researcher with the IGG. Over the past three-plus years, the CNSA has shared 85.48 grams of lunar samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission with 131 Chinese research teams in seven batches. The initial round of international applications has undergone expert evaluation. To date, more than 100 papers have been published, continuously enhancing human understanding of the moon. International cooperation was a prominent aspect of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe mission. The mission carried four international payloads, including Pakistan's ICUBE-Q. It marked Pakistan's first venture into lunar exploration. The cube satellite was jointly developed by Pakistan's Institute of Space Technology and China's Shanghai Jiao Tong University, with Professor Wu Shufan from the university's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics leading the Chinese team. China's Chang'e-6 lunar samples retrieved from the far side of the moon make their global debut at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Milan, Italy from October 14 to 18, 2024. (Photo/De Yongjian) "Despite its small size, ICUBE-Q boasts quite many technological innovations," Wu said. For instance, it is equipped with on-orbit fault diagnosis algorithms that enable the satellite to automatically detect and diagnose potential system failures. The satellite also implements dynamic intelligent task scheduling strategies and utilizes advanced materials such as special magnesium alloys and honeycomb carbon fibers. According to the mission requirements, the satellite was designed for a nominal lifespan of five hours, but in reality, it was operational in orbit for 55 days, continuously transmitting images and monitoring data, and providing valuable firsthand information for Pakistan's lunar research. "The achievements have far exceeded expectations," Wu said. China's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission will carry six international scientific instruments developed by six countries and one international organization, and Chang'e-8 will offer 200 kilograms of international payload capacity and has garnered over 30 applications. "Chang'e" belongs not only to China but also to all humanity, providing a broad stage for international space cooperation, and contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to global deep space exploration. The Chinese lunar exploration project will continue advancing without pause. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Adrianna Edwards "loved" her fight scenes in 'Bloodline'. Adrianna Edwards stars in Bloodline The actress plays the lead role of Bella in the new movie - which she co-wrote with directors Temple Capital and JoJo George - and she relished the chance to work with Indian stunt co-ordinator Mafia Sasi aka Sasidharan. Speaking at the premiere of the movie in London's Leicester Square last week, she said: "I loved working on the fight scenes with Mafi Sasi." Her co-star, Abbas Alizada - who portrays Lee - is also very "proud" of the film. He said: "I'm proud of what we have achieved with this film." Meanwhile, co-director JoJo, who also plays Adharva in the movie, was delighted with the audience response at the premiere. The filmmaker said: We couldnt be more thrilled with the reception tonight. Seeing the audience connect with the story and characters on such a personal level means the world to us. The premiere was hosted by Phoenix Chi Brown, and the presenter was filled with praise for 'Bloodline'. She gushed: "It is in incredible movie, shot in the jungle, in India with amazing actors." 'Bloodline' - which was shot in southern India - was produced by Temple Productions in collaboration with 13B Films and The Bashford Twins. Following the UK premiere, 'Bloodline' is set to continue its journey with upcoming releases in global markets, thanks to its recent distribution partnership with Indywood Distribution Network. Colman Domingo has remembered Quincy Jones as a "king". Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91 The 'Rustin' actor has paid tribute to the late producer following his death on Sunday (03.11.24) night at the age of 91 and recalled how "thrilled" he was when he got to meet the music legend. Taking to X, Colman wrote: "He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater. I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King. Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound." 'James Bond' actor Colin Salmon also paid tribute to Quincy and declared the "maestro" had "changed the world". Sharing a photo of them together, the 62-year-old star wrote on X: "Quincy Jones was a true musical Don, from Ray Charles, Sinatra, Michael Jackson; more recently championing Jacob Collier and beyond. As a kid his major influence for me was the soundtrack to the Italian Job. "Yes the Self Preservation Society was penned by him. Thank you Maestro you changed the World. RIP (sic)" The 'Thriller' producer's death was announced in a statement by his family. They said: Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him. He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones heart will beat for eternity. The producer is survived by his seven children. Matthew Lewis thinks he managed to "avoid the pitfalls" of child stardom. Matthew Lewis starred as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series The 35-year-old actor rose to fame when he was cast in the 'Harry Potter' film series alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint and explained that because he entered showbiz amongst a cohort of other young actors, they were able to navigate sudden fame together. Speaking at Rhode Island Comic-Con on Sunday (03.11.24), he explained: "We're very good at hiding all of those stories. Although, that said, I was very excited about the prospect. I have quite a short attention span, so that's probably why I've never chosen a real career. "[After] 10 years in Harry Potter, I was ready to do something else and also was not keen to do anything that was going to lead to multiple series. "One of the questions that was asked earlier about the pitfalls of being a child actor that we seem to have avoided, I would posit that a large degree of that was because we were all there together." "Frequently, you hear many stories of how they were the sole actor in that movie and having to carry that movie on their own and all of the pressures and anxieties that come with that. Whereas, we were all kind together." The 'Baby Done' star is still in touch with his peers from the film series - which was based on the books by J.K. Rowling and was filmed over the course of a decade from 2000 until 2010 - and claimed that his relationships from the are what he has "carried with" him to this day. He said: "It's one of the things that I've carried with me is those friendships. I don't go back and read the books. One of the only things that I still kind of hold onto is those relationships that we forged throughout those films." Hugh Jackman has jokingly agreed with Martha Stewart after she branded his friend and co-star Ryan Reynolds "not funny". Hugh Jackman is weighing in on Martha Stewart's fallout with his pal Ryan Reynolds The 'Deadpool and Wolverine' star wasn't impressed when the 83-year-old lifestyle guru - who he lives close to in Bedford, New York - claimed his wisecracking ways were part of an act but joked it wouldn't be wise to "disagree" with her. Martha admitted she was "going to get in trouble" when she dissed "serious" Ryan. Asked during an appearance on Bilt Rewards Rent Free game show which top three celebrities would be the most fun to hang out with, she mused: Hes probably on the list just cause he covers himself up in his movies and you dont see his face Ryan Reynolds, is he one of those? And you want to know something? Hes not so funny in real life. No, hes not so funny. Hes very serious. "Hes a good actor. He can act funny, but he isnt funny. Maybe he can get to be funny again. Im going to get in trouble. Hes my neighbour. Responding to Martha's viral comments, the 48-year-old actor wrote on X: "Id disagree with her. But I tried that once. "The woman is unexpectedly spry. She really closed the gap after a mile or so." And now, Hugh, 56, who often playfully mocks his Marvel co-star, has reacted with the quip: "Finally someone says it." Ryan and his actress wife Blake Lively, 37, own a $2 million home near Marthas 153-acre property, and became friends with the couple as soon as they bought their house in her neighbourhood. She told the HuffPost in 2014: (Blake) moved into my neighbourhood a couple of years ago with Ryan before they got married, they bought a house right around the corner from my house. And they started to come over, not to borrow sugar, but just as friends. Theyre very friendly, very nice people. In a way, kind of shy not shy on the screen, at all, if youve seen any of Blakes movies but very shy in person. James Van Der Beek has apologised to those close to him who found out about his cancer diagnosis through the media. James Van Der Beek has apologised to those close to him who found out about his cancer diagnosis through the media The 47-year-old actor revealed on Sunday (03.11.24) that he had been diagnosed with a colorectal form of the disease in an interview with People magazine but shortly after social media, he took to social media to claim that the announcement had not happened on his "preferred timeline" and there were others he would have rather told in person before the news broke. He wrote on Instagram: "Ive been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. Im in a good place and feeling strong. Its been quite the initiation, and Ill tell you more when Im ready. "Apologies to all the people in my life who Id planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention. "Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support." The actor - who has six children with his wife Kimberly -revealed to the outlet that he had been "privately dealing" with the illness until now and noted that he has had support from his family along the way. He 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. Theres reason for optimism, and Im feeling good." Colorectal cancer develops in either the rectum or the colon. James didn't disclose what stage his cancer is or his course of treatment. James shot to fame as the titular heartthrob Dawson Leery on The WB's hit teen drama 'Dawson's Creek' between 1998 and 2003. Kathryn Hahn believes not being chosen for roles for her "sex appeal" has opened more doors for her. Kathryn Hahn doesn't need 'sex appeal' to land roles in Hollywood The 51-year-old actress is known for comedies such as 'Step Brothers' and 'Bad Moms' and has also taken on dramas including 'Revolutionary Road' and 'Captain Fantastic'. Kathryn is "eternally grateful" to have been offered more "complicated parts" and believes not relying on her looks as her "currency" has been a blessing for her career. Appearing on NPR's 'Wild Card with Rachel Martin' to discuss playing Agatha Harkness in Marvel's 'Agatha All Along', she was asked about ageism in Hollywood and how women can be viewed as "losing their power" at a certain again. When the interviewer suggested that the spin-off to 'WandaVision' sticks a middle finger to age discrimination, Kathryn agreed because most of the female cast members are 40 and over. She replied: "All the women are over 40. So it does feel like a really radical thing that we've been able to pull off. Though, because my currency in this business wasn't my sex appeal, I feel like I've been able to just kind of walk into more complicated parts, and I am eternally grateful for that. Patti LuPone, 75, and Debra Jo Rupp, 73, and Aubrey Plaza, 40, are among the female stars of 'Agatha All Along'. On the control she has gained over her career later in life, she added: "I really don't feel powerless. I feel actually more powerful than I did in my twenties or early thirties in this business. I definitely feel I have more control over my choices. I have more say. I'm definitely not as afraid to say it, which is really freeing." Sir Michael Caine wants to bring back national service. Sir Michael Caine wants to bring back national service The 91-year-old actor - who was on active duty in the Korean War as part of his compulsory stint with the British army between 1952 and 1994 - thinks young people should have to serve their country for a period of time because it will teach them a lot and help them to "grow up". In an extract from his memoir 'Dont Look Back, Youll Trip Over' obtained by Sunday Times magazine, he declared: "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." The 'Italian Job' star insisted his time with the Royal Fusiliers taught him some "invaluable" lessons and made him become a man. He wrote: "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. "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." And Michael recalled being "bloody scared" when on active duty during the war. He continued: "I was just an ordinary private soldier, one of 500 others. We had to get up every night and fight the Chinese army the Chinese government had sent half a million troops to help North Korea. It was a bugger. "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." Considering a new company car, well its time to rethink. Toyota will soon offering an alternative that will take your breath away as the are working with Joby Aviation to produce an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) yes you heard right. Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt and Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Toyota Group Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Joby Aviation (Joby) came together last week (2 November) at Toyota's Higashi-Fuji Technical Center (Shizuoka, Japan) to assert their ambition for air mobility. Joby's air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) was displayed at the event, having made an exhibition flight in Japan earlier in the week - the first time it has been flown outside the United States. As Toyota transitions to become a mobility company, it has worked with companies such as Joby to find new and exciting opportunities. Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, says he "looks forward to a world where our environmental footprint is smaller, a world where we're able to spend more time with the people and places that matter most to us, without having to worry about traffic jams." Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Toyota Group, has ambitions to bring the freedom of mobility to all people. The Joby electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft Bevirt commented: "This is a moment we have been looking forward to for a long time and marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality. We share Toyota's vision for the future of air travel and are honoured to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our exhibition flight in Japan." Hiroki Nakajima, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation said: "Air mobility has the potential to change our sense of distance and time and open a future with the new option of air mobility that will further enrich the lives of many people. Toyota is committed to deepening its collaboration with Joby and we will continue to work together to realise our shared dreams." The alternative taxi ride Since its founding, Toyota has been working to realise a society in which everyone can move freely. About 100 years ago, in 1925, Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group, offered a prize to encourage the development of a storage battery that could provide enough performance to fly an airplane across the Pacific Ocean. Since then, Toyota has continued to focus on the challenge of air mobility through the generations. Toyota Motor Corporation founder Kiichiro Toyoda also expressed a strong interest in the aircraft business, making prototypes of helicopters and aircraft components. After World War II, among other developments, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda was involved in the joint development of the world's first electronically controlled aero piston engine with an American company at Toyota's Higashi Fuji Technical Center. Today, Sakichi's dream carries on, with batteries seen as a viable source of power for eVTOL. About electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) An eVTOL is a type of aircraft designed for short-range, high-frequency operations suitable for the on-demand air taxi market, which is expected to be used by commuters, business travellers, and tourists in urban areas. Combining elements from helicopters, drones, and small aircraft, eVTOLs aim to excel in reliability, environmental performance (zero operating emissions), quiet operation, operational and maintenance costs, enhanced safety features, and more. by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Prince William has celebrated the "future changemakers" who will have a major "impact" on the world after arriving in South Africa. Prince William in Cape Town The Prince of Wales is spending four days in Cape Town for his Earthshot Prize ceremony - which awards a 1 million prize to five recipients fund their environmental initiatives - and his first engagement on Monday (04.11.24) was with 120 young people from across Africa and South East Asia as part of the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program. Speaking to the group about their ideas to tackle climate issues, William said: The Earthshot Prize believes in you, and the reason we set the prize up is for moments like this. All of you in this room are future changemakers, youre the leaders, youre the people going to make the difference going forwards. Its your platform. Use it as you need to, take it away, play with it, turn it into something different. Because we believe in you, and what youre going to do is change the world, I really believe that. This is the generation that are going to do that. And your solutions and your impact are so important and so needed right now. This is not noble, this is business, and what youre doing is creating solutions and a better life for all of us. "Keep it going. Keep the energy up. Ahead of his visit to Africa, William - who has three children with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales - admitted the continent will always hold a "special place" in his heart. He said in a statement: 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. Brazils cotton (HSN code 5201) exports reached $3,492.516 million in the first three quarters of the current year. It was 138.1 per cent higher than the exports of $1,466.687 million during the corresponding period of 2023. The countrys cotton exports were noted at $3,073.780 million in year 2023. According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, China remained the top buyer with imports of more than 36 per cent during the first nine months of the current year. The outbound shipment of cotton from Brazil to China was valued at $1,291.413 million in January-September 2024, which is 36.98 per cent of the total. Brazil's cotton exports rose 138 per cent to $3,492 million in January-September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. China led imports with 36.98 per cent, followed by Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Pakistan. Export volume reached 1,841 million kg, with an average price of $1.90 per kg, consistent with 2023's price level, when exports totalled $3,073 million. The other four countries among the top five marketsVietnam, Bangladesh, Turkiye and Pakistantogether imported around 50 per cent of cotton in terms of value. The export to Vietnam was noted at $639.165 million (18.30 per cent), Bangladesh $428.277 million (12.26 per cent), Turkiye $354.143 million (10.14 per cent) and to Pakistan $316.293 million (9.06 per cent). During the last year, Brazils cotton exports totalled $3,073.780 million. Of this, Chinas share was 48.76 per cent or $1,498.919 million in the previous year. The shipment to Bangladesh was $393.668 million (12.81 per cent), Vietnam $386.222 million (12.57 per cent), Turkiye $253.348 million (8.24 per cent), and Indonesia $188.710 million (6.14 per cent). As per TexPro, Brazil exported 1,841.008 million kg cotton in the first nine months of 2024. The average price of the shipment was noted at $1.90 per kg during the period. In comparison, during the year 2023, total exported quantity of cotton was 1,618.187 million kg and average price was at the same level of $1.90 per kg. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) The strain on supply chains and nations due to a surge in global shipping costs in the first half this year is intensifying, with vulnerable small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) facing the worst impacts, according to the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTADs Review of Maritime Transport 2024 estimates that global consumer prices could increase by 0.6 per cent by next year as shipping costs filter through supply chains. The strain on supply chains and nations due to rising shipping costs in 2024 first half is intensifying, with SIDS and LDCs facing the worst impacts, UNCTAD said. It estimates global consumer prices could rise by 0.6 per cent by 2025 as shipping costs filter through supply chains. More distances and fuel use, and higher insurance premia have contributed to a 'perfect storm' of cost pressures. Vulnerable economies like SIDS are expected to face an even sharper rise, with consumer prices climbing by up to 0.9 per cent, threatening food security and economic growth. For SIDS and LDCs, which rely heavily on shipping for essential goods, the rising costs are eroding trade competitiveness. SIDS have already seen their maritime connectivity decline by an average of 9 per cent over the past decade, leaving them disproportionately affected by freight rate volatility. Freight rates have skyrocketed this year due to rerouted vessels, port congestion and higher operational costs. As freight rates rise, so do concerns over trade sustainability, economic growth and the global effort to achieve sustainable development goals, UNCTAD noted. As of October 18, the Shanghai containerised freight index (SCFI) was down by 45 per cent from its 2024 high and 60 per cent below its record level during COVID-19. However, it remained 115 per cent above the pre-pandemic average and more than double the 2023 average. Beyond the primary trans-Pacific and Europe-bound routes, spot freight rates also surged. Disruptions in key routes through the Red Sea, Suez Canal and Panama Canal have significantly increased freight rate volatility. Factors like increased shipping distances, heightened fuel consumption and rising insurance premia have all contributed to a perfect storm of cost pressures, UNCTAD said in a release. UNCTAD estimates show that disruptions due to climate-induced low water levels in the Panama Canal contributed 49 percentage points (pps) to the overall 45-per cent rise in the Baltic dry index between October 2023 and January 2024. Similarly, the Red Sea crisis and Suez Canal disruptions contributed 148 pps to the cumulative 120-per cent increase in the China containerised freight index from October 2023 to June 2024. Overcapacity in container shipping has mitigated rate volatility, enabling the industry to accommodate increased demand. However, any further disruptions or spikes in demand could expose risks and increase freight rates, underlining the need for effective supply management to balance supply and demand, UNCTAD cautioned. UNCTAD called for urgent, coordinated action to reduce volatility in freight markets, mitigate impacts and support vulnerable economies. This includes monitoring freight market trends to detect cost spikes early and provide timely support to vulnerable economies; strengthening international cooperation to reduce chokepoint disruptions and rerouting pressures, helping to stabilise shipping routes and reduce costs; and investing in port and infrastructure upgrades to alleviate congestion and improve supply chain efficiency, especially in key transshipment hubs. Shipping routes should also be diversified and regional trade initiatives promoted to reduce dependence on long-distance routes, easing pressure on global shipping lanes, UNCTAD suggested. Low-carbon shipping and port solutions should be supported to mitigate the environmental impacts, improve efficiency and drive a sustainable transition for the maritime industry, it added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The direct connection to InstaPay marks Wise's sixth connection to domestic payment systems around the world; Enables instant (under 20 seconds) payments to PHP and provides more convenient funding methods for Filipino customers spending money Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world's money has been granted direct access to InstaPay, the Philippines' real-time payment system, and can also directly settle with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) real-time gross payment system, PhilPaSS Plus1 Wise has spent the last 14 years building an alternative to traditional correspondent banking. With over 65 licenses globally and now six direct connections to domestic payment systems, this infrastructure enables over 63%2 of all Wise transactions to be completed instantly (under 20 seconds), with an average fee of 0.62%. Wise's direct connection to InstaPay will enhance the cross-border payment experience for nearly 13 million Wise customers worldwide, and millions more users of some of the world's largest banks and financial institutions, such as Bank Mandiri, who offer their customers international payments through Wise Platform. The benefits include: Instant transactions when sending up to 50K Pesos from 28 currencies: Wise customers worldwide, including customers of Wise Platform partners, can now send up to 50,000 PHP (InstaPay's limit) to the Philippines instantly. Customers can still send larger sums, and while these won't be processed via InstaPay, 94% 3 of all transactions on Wise arrive in 24 hours. Wise customers worldwide, including customers of Wise Platform partners, can now send up to 50,000 PHP (InstaPay's limit) to the Philippines instantly. Customers can still send larger sums, and while these won't be processed via InstaPay, 94% of all transactions on Wise arrive in 24 hours. Fast and convenient withdrawals : Wise customers in the Philippines moving funds from their Wise account to their local banks or e-wallets will see the money 4 arriving in under 20 seconds. : Wise customers in the Philippines moving funds from their Wise account to their local banks or e-wallets will see the money arriving in under 20 seconds. Seamless top-ups for the Wise account and card in the Philippines: Filipino customers can now fund their Wise account and Wise card transactions quickly, affordably, and conveniently via bank transfers or e-wallets. This feature broadens access to the Wise Account, making it even easier for people to send and spend globally with Wise's competitive exchange rate and low fees. Filipino customers can now fund their Wise account and Wise card transactions quickly, affordably, and conveniently via bank transfers or e-wallets. This feature broadens access to the Wise Account, making it even easier for people to send and spend globally with Wise's competitive exchange rate and low fees. Helping Wise Platform partners deliver efficient payment experiences: Providing Wise Platform partners quicker, cheaper, and more reliable payouts to the Philippines with high straight-through processing rates. Wise has continued to invest in building direct connections to payment systems starting with the UK in 2018 where Wise was the first non-bank to connect to the Faster Payment System (FPS). That set the precedent for Wise to be granted direct access to payment systems in the EU in 2020, as well as Singapore and Australia in 2021. Last month, Wise also received approval to join Japan's domestic payment network, Zengin, and secured a Payment Institution licence to connect directly to Brazil's instant payment system PIX. Areson Cuevas, Country Manager for Wise Philippines said: "Six months after launching the Wise account and prepaid card in the Philippines, we're excited to be directly connected to InstaPay and to directly settle with PhilPaSSPlus. This milestone, following our successful direct integrations into five other payment systems worldwide, marks a significant step forward in our mission to make international payments faster, cheaper, and more convenient for our Filipino customers, and our Wise Platform partners." About Wise Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money. With the Wise Account, people can hold over 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world's money. One of the world's fastest growing, profitable tech companies, Wise launched in 2011 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker, WISE. In fiscal year 2024, Wise supported around 12.8 million people and businesses, processing approximately 118.5 billion in cross-border transactions, and saving customers over 1.8 billion. 1 The PhilPaSSplus is the lone Peso Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system in the Philippines, owned and operated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in accordance with its authority under the National Payment Systems Act. 2 As of Q3'24 (Q324 Mission Update) 3 As of Q3'24 (Q324 Mission Update) 4 Fortransactions up to 50,000 PHP View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241101510219/en/ Contacts: Media Alyson Tay alyson.tay@wise.com Long-term financial partner CVC DIF to take a stake in ECO's capital. Growth strategy confirmed for Singapore's leading hazardous waste company. Regulatory News: Seche Environnement (Paris:SCHP) and CVC DIF, the infrastructure arm of leading global private markets manager CVC, have reached a definitive agreement under which CVC DIF will hold 49.9% of ECO's capital following a reserved capital increase of approximately SGD 311 million (approximately 216 million1 CVC DIF's entry into ECO's capital reflects Seche Environnement's desire to associate a long-term financial partner with the development of its Singaporean subsidiary, a partner that is already heavily invested locally. This operation provides ECO with significant financial resources to accelerate its development in the buoyant industrial waste market of Singapore and, more broadly, the neighboring countries of Southeast Asia. On November the 1st 2024, Seche Environnement and CVC DIF have signed a definitive agreement enabling CVC DIF to acquire 49.9% of ECO's capital. ECO serves a distinguished clientele of leading industrial companies, offering the broadest array of hazardous waste management services in Singapore. The transaction will be completed in the coming weeks. Following this transaction, ECO will continue to be fully consolidated by Seche Environnement. CVC DIF is a leading global mid-market infrastructure equity fund manager with c.18 billion of infrastructure assets under management across the utilities, energy transition, transport and digitalization sectors. Gijs Voskuyl, Managing Partner at CVC DIF, said: "ECO's leading market position, their longstanding and diversified client relationships and the high barriers to entry in the sector make this an interesting investment for DIF Infrastructure VII. Moreover, this investment marks the first investment of CVC DIF in Southeast Asia, on the back of CVC DIF's global sector relationships and CVC's widespread local office network in the region. We are delighted to partner with Seche Environnement, a market leader in hazardous waste. Together with Seche Environnement and ECO's Singapore based management team, we are well-positioned to drive ECO's growth as a leader in sustainable infrastructure in the region Alvin Lim, Senior Managing Director at CVC Asia, added: "This acquisition is a pivotal entry point for CVC DIF in Asia. With CVC DIF's infrastructure sector expertise and CVC Asia's strong local presence, we are excited to support ECO's management team, in partnership with Seche Environnement, to further drive ECO's growth initiatives." Seche Environnement acquired 100% of ECO's capital on July 18, 20242 for SGD 608 million. With sales of around 66 million in 2023, ECO is the market leader in hazardous industrial waste in Singapore, with the widest range of products and services, a loyal clientele of top-tier industrial companies, and recent, high-performance industrial facilities. Thanks to ECO, Seche Environnement now occupies a major position at the heart of the dynamic hazardous industrial waste markets of Southeast Asia, where the Group was previously not present in. Benefiting from a particularly solid financial profile, characterized by high operating margins, robust free cash flow generation and limited net financial debt, this capital increase gives ECO significantly enhanced financial capacity to accelerate its growth. Maxime Seche, Chief Executive Officer of Seche Environnement, commented: "We are delighted that CVC DIF, a leading investor in the infrastructure sector, has joined us in the capital of ECO. This new governance structure reflects our desire to support ECO's growth with a long-term financial partner. CVC DIF and Seche Environnement share an ambitious industrial plan for ECO, and the pooling of our industrial and financial skills is an additional asset for the success of ECO's growth strategy in Southeast Asia Upcoming events Consolidated results to December 31, 2024 March 10, 2025 after market close About Seche Environnement Seche Environnement is a benchmark player in waste management, including the most complex and hazardous waste, and in environmental services, particularly in the event of environmental emergencies. Thanks to its expertise in creating circular economy loops, decarbonization and hazard control, the Group has been contributing for nearly 40 years to the ecological transition of industries and territories, as well as to the protection of living organisms. A family-owned French industrial group, Seche Environnement deploys the cutting-edge technologies developed by its R&D at the heart of the territories, in more than 120 sites in 16 countries, including some 50 industrial sites in France. With over 6,100 employees, including more than 2,900 in France, Seche Environnement generated sales of 1,013.5 million in 2023, 26% of which outside France. Seche Environnement has been listed on Eurolist by Euronext (compartment B) since November 27, 1997. The stock is included in the CAC Mid&Small, EnterNext Tech 40 and EnterNext PEA-PME 150 indices. ISIN: FR 0000039139 Bloomberg: SCHP.FP Reuters: CCHE.PA For more information: www.groupe-seche.com ____________________________ 1 Based on an FX rate of EUR/SGD of 1.44 as of November 1, 2024. 2 See press release dated July 18, 2024 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103073273/en/ Contacts: SECHE ENVIRONNEMENT Analyst Investor Relations Manuel ANDERSEN Investor Relations Director m.andersen@groupe-seche.com +33 (0)1 53 21 53 60 Media Relations Anna JAEGY Deputy Communications Director a.jaegy@groupe-seche.com +33 (0)1 53 21 53 53 Coty surpasses Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets and achieves a significant 65% reduction in Scope 3 air freight emissions. Establishes ambitious new targets for sustainable packaging and water use. Rejoins the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as a Network Member to implement and scale circular design. Achieves gender balance in leadership target ahead of 2025 commitment. Today, Coty (NYSE: COTY) releases its FY24 Sustainability Report, showcasing its significant progress across environmental goals, reaffirming its commitment to a more sustainable beauty industry, and exceeding certain key targets set for 2030 well ahead of schedule. As the beauty powerhouse celebrates its 120th year, Coty continues to advance sustainability in the industry, with bold commitments that reinforce its Beauty that Lasts strategy. Coty CEO Sue Nabi comments, "As we mark our 120th anniversary, we are immensely proud of our achievements in sustainability and innovation. In FY24, Coty made extraordinary progress toward our ESG goals, from achieving gender balance in leadership to setting ambitious new targets on packaging and water use. Sustainability remains central to Coty's success as we continue to make progress in areas critical to the future of beauty." Key highlights include: Coty surpasses its 2030 Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets, achieving an 82% reduction since 2019. Coty reports a 65% reduction in air freight emissions (compared to 2019) due to optimized logistics. Coty rejoins the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as a Network Member, pledging to cut virgin plastic use by 60% by 2030 (vs. 2019) and enhancing packaging transparency. Coty introduces its first water target to reduce water withdrawal by 25% by 2030 (vs. 2019) and new commitment for 90% certification of all fiber-based materials by 2030. Coty-owned factories and distribution centers are powered by 100% renewable electricity, and eight sites (including factories, labs, and offices) are carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.* renewable electricity, and eight sites (including factories, labs, and offices) are carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.* Coty recycles 85% of factory and distribution center waste, continuing to surpass its 80% goal. Coty uses 100% RSPO-sourced palm oil in production sites.** Coty updates heritage product packaging like CoverGirl Clean Invisible Foundation and Max Factor Facefinity Compact with more sustainable packaging profiles*** and launches Infiniment Coty Paris-our first full collection manufactured with 100% alcohol from recycled carbon emissions. Coty achieves gender balance in leadership ahead of its 2025 goal (Senior Director, VP, and above), and shares that the majority of named Coty patent inventors are women. Coty is recognized for DE&I leadership, with Coty US achieving a perfect score on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index, and Coty UK&I named among Stonewall's Top 100 Employers as well as receiving Disability Confident Committed certification. Coty completes its preliminary double materiality assessment and releases a summary of its Climate Risks and Opportunities Assessment, aligned with the TCFD framework. Coty's FY24 Sustainability Report reflects its commitment to driving progress and advancing sustainable innovation. The full Fiscal Year 2024 Sustainability Report is now available on Coty.com within the company's new ESG Reporting Hub. * This excludes third-party distribution centers and third-party manufacturers. For further details, please refer to the definitions and the disclosures on methodologies and standards in the full report. 96% RSPO Mass Balance and 4% Independent Smallholder Credits. ***The new CoverGirl Clean Invisible foundation comes in a squeezable tube made of 30% PCR plastic, representing a 94% reduced weight compared to previous bottle. The Max Factor Facefinity Compact is now available in a refillable format. ABOUT COTY Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass-market products in approximately 125 countries and territories. Coty and its brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty, and is committed to making a positive impact on the planet. For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING DIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION This Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report and our website "Coty.com" contain information about our social impact and sustainability goals, targets, initiatives, commitments, and activities. These efforts involve certain risks and uncertainties, such as changes in our business (e.g., acquisitions, divestitures, or new manufacturing or distribution locations), the standards by which achievement is measured, the assumptions underlying a particular goal or matter, and our ability to accurately report particular information. Actual results could differ materially from our stated goals or the results we expect. Changing circumstances, including evolving expectations for social impact and sustainability generally or to specific focus areas or changes in standards or the way progress or achievement is measured, may lead to adjustments in, or the discontinuation of, our pursuit of, certain goals, commitments, or initiatives. Moreover, the standards by which social impact and sustainability efforts and related matters are measured are developing and evolving, and certain areas are based on assumptions. The standards and assumptions could change over time. The selection by management of alternative acceptable measurements could have resulted in materially different amounts or sustainability metrics reported by the Company. In addition, statements made about our company, business, or efforts may not apply to all business units (e.g., ones that were more recently acquired) or joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Our disclosure concerning these matters, including this Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report and other disclosures on these topics, may use certain terms that third parties refer to as "material" in connection with certain social impact and sustainability matters. Used in the context of our disclosure and our Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report, however, these terms are distinct from, and should not be confused with, the terms "material" and "materiality" as defined by, or construed in accordance with, securities or other laws and regulations. Therefore, matters considered to be material for purposes of our Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report may not be considered material in the context of our financial statements, reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or our other public statements, and the inclusion of information on our website or in our Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report is not an indication that such information is necessarily material to the Company in those contexts. Our disclosure concerning these matters, including our Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our social impact and sustainability goals, targets, initiatives, commitments, and activities, as well as our future operations and long-term strategy. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, we cannot assure that actual results or outcomes will not differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements relating to sustainability. Forward-looking statements relating to sustainability include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors such as those described under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports we have filed and may file with the SEC from time to time. These forward-looking statements relating to sustainability are made only as of the date of this document, and we do not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise. In addition, we assume no responsibility to update the information contained on our website or in our Beauty that Lasts Sustainability Report or to continue to report any information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103447680/en/ Contacts: MEDIA INQUIRIES: Coty Press Team press@cotyinc.com INVESTOR RELATIONS: Olga Levinzon Olga_Levinzon@cotyinc.com GENEVA, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dukascopy Bank proudly celebrates 20 years of empowering traders and banking clients worldwide. Since its founding in 2004, Dukascopy has grown into a trusted, innovative leader in the fintech and online trading space, providing clients with advanced tools and a stable platform for smart financial decisions. Over the past 20 years, Dukascopy has reached major milestones that reflect its core values of stability, innovation, and putting clients first. From its proprietary JForex platform to the popular MT4 and MT5, Dukascopy offers a variety of trading platforms along with modern neo-banking services for both individuals, businesses, and institutions. The bank has also led the way in technology upgrades with White Label and banking-as-a-platform solutions. As Dr.Andre Duka, Dukascopy's founder, says, "Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. We aim to continue delivering these high standards into the future. Thank you, our clients, for choosing us for these 20 years." Currently, Dukascopy proudly serves over 400,000 clients across both trading and banking services. This commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, backed by Swiss-grade stability, has allowed the company to maintain long-term relationships with clients, many of whom have been trading and banking with Dukascopy for decades. As the company looks toward the future, Dukascopy remains focused on empowering traders and banking clients, expecting significant growth of its client base across all segments, from trading, to neo-banking, corporate to white-label services. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2543206/Dukascopy_Bank_20_Years.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2543207/Dukascopy_Bank_SA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dukascopy-bank-celebrates-20-years-of-innovation-and-stability-in-trading-and-banking-302292876.html Acuity RM Group Plc - Directorate Change PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 04 4 November 2024 Acuity RM Group PLC ("Acuity" or the "Company") Director Appointment Acuity RM Group plc (AIM: ACRM), the risk management software group delivering GRC SaaS solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Rajakovich to the Board as an independent non-executive director with immediate effect. David has over 14 years' experience building software companies in the corporate learning and development training sector. He has guided two successful private equity exits and led PE-backed companies together with two PE sponsors. He has led a SaaS private equity-backed organisation as CEO, delivering procurement and supply chain digital training to over 250 blue-chip clients and over 300,000 corporate professional learners around the world. He holds an MBA from the University of Exeter and is a joint British/American national, having served as a lieutenant in the US Army. Angus Forrest commented: "I am delighted to welcome David to Acuity. David brings relevant expertise to the Board with a proven track-record for growing software businesses. I am confident that his expertise and strategic outlook will assist the Board as it seeks to accelerate the growth of the Company." The following disclosures are provided in respect of David Florian Rajakovich, aged 45, pursuant to Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies. David does not hold any ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Current directorships / partnerships Past directorships held in last 5 years None Skill Dynamics Ltd SiPM Group NV SiPM BVBA SIPM UK Bidco Limited SIPM UK Midco Limited SIPM UK Holdco Limited SIPM UK Topco Limited Prometheus Procurement Ltd SIPM North America Inc There are no further disclosures required in accordance with AIM Rule 17 or Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules for Companies. For further information: Acuity RM Group plc 020 3582 0566 Angus Forrest, Chairman https://www.acuityrmgroup.com Zeus (NOMAD & Joint Broker) https://www.zeuscapital.co.uk Mike Coe / Sarah Mather 020 3829 5000 Peterhouse Capital Limited (Joint Broker) 020 7469 0936 Lucy Williams / Duncan Vasey Clear Capital Markets Limited (Joint Broker) Bob Roberts 020 3869 6080 Note to Editors Acuity RM Group plc (AIM: ACRM), is an established provider of risk management services. Its award-winning software platform, STREAM, which collects and analyses data about organisations to improve business decisions and management, is used by around 70 organisations in markets including government, utilities, defence, broadcasting, manufacturing and healthcare. The Company is focused on delivering long term, sustainable growth in shareholder value. In the short to medium term this is expected to come from organic growth and thereafter may also come from complementary acquisitions. Conroy Gold & Natural Resources Plc - Appointment of Chairman and Company Update PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 04 4 November 2024 Conroy Gold and Natural Resources PLC ("Conroy Gold" or "the Company") APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRMAN AND COMPANY UPDATE John Sherman appointed as Company Chairman Update on current Company activity Conroy Gold and Natural Resources PLC (AIM: CGNR) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of Conroy Gold has unanimously voted to appoint its deputy Chairman, Mr. John Sherman, as Chairman with immediate effect. Mr. Sherman assumes leadership of the Board following the death of Company founder and Executive Chairman, Professor Richard Conroy, last month. Professor Conroy had a unique ability to discover mines and his leadership has left the Company with an excellent foundation in the Discs of Gold project, a gold exploration project that includes the Clontibret gold deposit, two district-scale gold trends (Orlock Bridge and Skullmartin), and several gold targets with multi-million ounce potential. This project is a significant value opportunity for the Company and the Board would like to take this opportunity to update shareholders on the work the Company is currently undertaking to advance the prospective value of the project while simultaneously working on securing new partnerships to support the project. Discs of Gold Project The "Discs of Gold" project in Ireland is defined by two parallel district scale gold trends extending over c.90km, which are 100% held under license by CGNR, and anchored by the Clontibret gold deposit. The Clontibret target area contains a currently defined 517Koz gold resource @ 2.0 g/t Au (320Koz Au Indicated and 197Koz Au Inferred (2017)) which remains open in multiple directions. The Company has identified a further 7 gold targets in its license area with the Clay Lake and Creenkill gold targets being of particular interest. Gold occurs in multiple styles in the Company's license area which covers two gold trends, together totalling 90km, suggesting multiple hydrothermal events, including free gold, refractory gold in arsenopyrite and gold associated with pyrite and antimony. There are clear geological analogies between the "Discs" targets and large gold deposits in Southeastern Australia and Atlantic Canada. The "Discs" name references two gold "Sun Discs" in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland, dated to 2000BC found in Co. Monaghan, adjacent to the Company's license area, in the 19th century. The extensive "Discs of Gold" project is profiled in the Company's new corporate presentation, available on the Company's website (www.conroygold.com). Preparing for the Next Major Investment Cycle in the "Discs of Gold" Project The Conroy Gold geological team has initiated a re-logging program covering over 30,000m of drill core to extract more comprehensive and consistent information. The purpose of this work is to build a robust geological model, identify controls to mineralisation, progress /advance each target and realise the full growth potential of the emerging gold district in Conroy Gold's license area. The ongoing learnings from this effort will inform our choices for the next cycle of major investment in the project, including in the context of potential joint venture partnerships. The re-logging work and evaluation will apply the geological knowledge gained from recent successes at similar ore systems, including those in the Lachlan Fold Best of southeast Australia (Agnico's Fosterville mines (~10M oz), Southern Cross Gold's recent Sunday Creek discovery and Atlantic Canada (St Barbara's Atlantic operations (~2Moz), Calibre Mining's Valentine Lake deposit (5Moz+ MI&I), and New Found Gold's Queensway project). The Company intends to upgrade the geological model to provide a robust foundation upon which follow up drill programs will be based. Specifically, the understanding of alteration halos around such mineral systems has developed and can provide a larger footprint for targeting and growing ore zones. The zonation of such alteration halos, in addition to the structural understanding, can also be used as a vector to higher grade zones within the system. Whilst there are c.90km of favourable geochemical and structural trends which have barely been screened to date, a particularly attractive 7km trend from Clontibret to Clay Lake is an emerging focus of the geological work. The Clontibret target has a current resource of 517Koz @ 2g/t Au (320Koz Au Indicated and 197Koz Au Inferred (2017)). The Clontibret target generated favourable economics in an early study of a prior resource (601Koz @ 1.6g/t Au resource generated an 11 year mine life with 49% IRR and a 2 year payback, 2011). Since the last 2017 resource, additional drilling has been undertaken which intersected a large stockwork zone (95m @ 1.0g/t Au) associated with the Orlock Bridge Fault zone. A similar broad zone of mineralisation has been intersected in a shear zone c.7km to the northeast at Clay Lake gold target (100m @ 0.6g/t Au). Geochemical anomalism extends for the entirety of this c.7km corridor with negligible drill testing, and the styles of gold mineralisation indicates the potential for multiple hydrothermal events which are considered favourable for the formation of large gold deposits. The Clontibret gold deposit is sited on a historic Antimony (Sb) mine. The demand for antimony is increasing due to a constrained supply and its recognition as a critical mineral by many countries, and as such the metal is seeing record high prices. As part of the upgrading of the geological model and mineralisation controls, a focus on the antimony mineralisation, controls and potential contribution to project economics is being incorporated. Mr. Sherman commented: "I am honoured to have the confidence of my fellow directors to lead the Company as we all work diligently to commercialise its Discs of Gold project through the development of a mine. The geological team has initiated an intensive programme to re-log drill core, whose main purpose is to extract more comprehensive and consistent information from the drill core that will underwrite a more robust geological model to assist in identifying the controls to higher grade mineralization.This work will further inform the Company's choices in the next round of major investment in the ground.Simultaneously, the Company is actively engaging with interested parties to develop partnerships to accelerate and fund the next phases of the Discs of Gold project." For further information please contact : Conroy Gold and Natural Resources plc Tel: +353-1-479-6180 John Sherman, Chairman Maureen Jones, Managing Director Allenby Capital Limited (Nomad) Tel: +44-20-3328-5656 Nick Athanas/Nick Harriss Peterhouse Capital Limited (Broker) Lucy Williams / Duncan Vasey Lothbury Financial Services Tel: +44-20-7469-0930 Tel: +44-20-3290-0707 Michael Padley Hall Communications Tel: +353-1-660-9377 Don Hall Visit the website at: www.conroygold.com SUZHOU, China, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new UN publication on using smart technologies to plan and build fair and sustainable cities will launch at the World Urban Forum (WUF12). Authors of the book will present on its policy recommendations at Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo, Egypt on 5 November at 5:30 pm (GMT+2). In collaboration with UN-Habitat, experts from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in China and Seoul National University in South Korea wrote the book, titled "Monitoring Smart Inclusive Transition (SIT) Towards Equitable Urban Futures, Using the Global Urban Monitoring Framework". The book's publication comes at a critical time, with just over five years left to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. "Despite significant efforts and resources, achieving the SDGs appears challenging," says Dr Juhyun Lee, an assistant professor at XJTLU's Design School and the book's lead author. One challenge to achieving the target is rapid urbanisation, since cities often become hubs for systemic inequality, Dr Lee says. But cities also tend to be centres for innovation, which provides hope, she adds. "Smart inclusive transition is a timely pathway and practical monitoring tool for cities to drive radical urban transformation towards equitable urban futures," Dr Lee says. Importantly, cities use urban SDG indicators and datasets from UN-Habitat's Global Urban Monitoring Framework to track and analyse their SIT progress. SIT analysis guides cities in using smart technologies to ensure that all citizens - regardless of ability, location, and socioeconomic status - can access, exchange, and benefit from essential services and up-to-date information. Technologies would play a key role in enabling diverse groups to participate in problem-solving governance. "By adopting SIT, cities can accelerate progress on the sustainable development goals, shaping urban spaces that are truly built by and for everyone," she says. "With the SIT approach, we may achieve SDGs sooner than anticipated." In addition to the presentation, the book will be exhibited at XJTLU's booth, Hall 4, Academia Section of WUF12 from 4-8 November, along with other materials under the theme "Resilient Urbanisation for Inclusive and Sustainable Development". The WUF, established by UN-Habitat in 2002, is one of the biggest global conferences addressing the challenges of urbanisation. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/book-about-how-cities-can-use-smart-technologies-to-create-equitable-futures-to-launch-at-wuf12-302295120.html LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British miner Anglo American Plc (AAUKY.PK, AAL.L) announced Monday that it has agreed terms for the sale of its 33.3 percent minority interest in joint venture Jellinbah Group Pty Ltd. to its JV partner Zashvin Pty Ltd. for cash proceeds of A$1.6 billion or around $1.1 billion.The sale is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2025.Jellinbah Group owns a 70 percent interest in the Jellinbah East and Lake Vermont steelmaking coal mines in Australia. Anglo American does not operate the Jellinbah mines, or market any of the production volumes from Jellinbah.Zashvin already holds a 33.3 percent stake in Jellinbah alongside Anglo American and Marubeni.Anglo American noted that its 33.3 percent interest in Jellinbah in 2023 contributed $779 million to group revenue and $373 million to underlying EBITDA. In the first half of 2024, the interest contributed $354 million to group revenue and $153 million to underlying EBITDA.Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said, 'Our process to sell the rest of our steelmaking coal business - being the portfolio of steelmaking coal mines that we operate in Australia - is now at an advanced stage and we are on track to agree terms in the coming months.'Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 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. The multinational company has benefited from a "performance bond" of over 87 million Australian dollars to support clean energy storage in Australia. The performance bond was issued by BNP Paribas and is guaranteed by SACE. Regulatory News: BNP Paribas and SACE have accompanied the growth of NHOA Energy (Paris:NHOA) in Australia through a "performance bond" with an initial value of 87.7 million Australian dollars, issued by BNP Paribas itself and guaranteed in part by SACE. Alongside the project in Australia, which is now proceeding successfully, both BNP Paribas and SACE have also supported NHOA Energy in a further project, again related to clean energy storage, in Great Britain, through the issuance of commercial guarantees for 4 million pounds sterling, again issued by BNP Paribas and partly guaranteed by SACE. NHOA Energy, an Italian company among the world leaders in energy storage systems that make renewable energy sources stable and available 24/7, is building a battery energy storage system in Blyth, a location in South Australia, to store energy produced from renewable sources, with a capacity of 400MWh and in Coylton, a location in Scotland, with a capacity of 113MWh. Projects that are fully in line with the mission of NHOA Group, which also deals with electric mobility and operates, through Atlante, one of the largest networks of fast and ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles in Southern Europe. These important transactions, in light of the rapid growth experienced in recent years and which will continue in the future, confirm the confidence of financial operators in NHOA Energy's strategy. We are deeply grateful to BNP Paribas and SACE for the support and forward-looking approach in backing our technology play fully dedicated to the energy transition, commented Ilaria Scarinci, CFO of NHOA Energy The transactions we have finalized together with SACE, in favor of NHOA Energy, is in line with the ESG strategy of the Bank and the BNP Paribas Group. We are convinced that the challenges of sustainability also pass through the support of industrial realities of excellence, leaders in their reference sectors, able to aim, with their business, at technological innovation that is attentive to the environmental context and in line with a healthy and progressive energy transition, explained Marco Lattuada, Head of Corporate Institutional Banking of BNP Paribas in Italy and Executive Chairman Corporate Institutional Banking Italy for BNL BNP Paribas Supporting Italian companies in their internationalization processes is at the heart of our mission, in line with the INSIEME 2025 Industrial Plan. For this reason, we are proud to stand by NHOA Energy and support its growth plans in the Australian and British markets through projects in sustainability and technological innovation, underlined Valerio Perinelli, Chief Business Officer of SACE ___________________________ The BNP Paribas Group in Italy is present with 13 Legal Entities specialized in "Commercial, Personal Banking Services"; "Investment Protection Services"; and "Corporate Institutional Banking," serving over 5 million customers including retail, corporate, and institutional, and through approximately 17,000 employees. Internationally, the Group is active in 65 countries, with about 190,000 employees, of which about 148,000 are in Europe, where it operates in four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy, and Luxembourg. Media Relations: +39 06.42925362 press.bnl@bnpparibas.com @BNL_PR SACE is the Italian insurance-financial group, directly controlled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, specialized in supporting businesses and the national economic fabric through a wide range of tools and solutions to support competitiveness in Italy and around the world. For over forty-five years, the SACE Group has been the partner of choice for Italian companies exporting and growing in foreign markets. It also supports the banking system to facilitate, with its financial guarantees, companies' access to credit to support their liquidity and investments for competitiveness and sustainability within the Italian Green New Deal, starting from the domestic market. SACE is present in the world with 13 offices in target countries for Made in Italy, with the aim of building relationships with leading local counterparts and, through dedicated financial instruments, facilitating business with Italian companies. With a portfolio of insured operations and guaranteed investments amounting to 260 billion euros, the group is at the side of about 50 thousand companies, mainly SMEs, supporting their growth in Italy and in about 200 countries worldwide. For media inquiries SACE Ufficio Stampa ufficiostampa@sace.it Media gallery NHOA Energy NHOA Energy is NHOA Group's business unit that designs and delivers turn-key energy storage systems, transforming solar and wind farms into sustainable energy sources available 24/7. As a pioneer in microgrids with renewables and green storage systems, NHOA Energy ranks among the top global system integrators with almost 20 years of experience and over 2GWh of capacity online and under construction in five continents around the world. NHOA Energy with offices in UK, US, Taiwan and Australia, maintains research, development, and production of its technologies entirely in Italy. For further information, go to www.nhoa.energy follow us on LinkedIn View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104463311/en/ Contacts: CONTACTS NHOA Group Press Office NHOA Group: Claudia Caracausi and Davide Bruzzese, Image Building, +39 02 89011300, nhoa@imagebuilding.it Financial Communication and Institutional Relations: Chiara Cerri, media.relations@nhoagroup.com Original-Research: CS MEDICA A/S - from NuWays AG 04.11.2024 / 09:01 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions. Classification of NuWays AG to CS MEDICA A/S Company Name: CS MEDICA A/S ISIN: DK0061668225 Reason for the research: Initiation Recommendation: Buy from: 04.11.2024 Target price: EUR 2.30 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Christian Sandherr Revolutionizing alternative medicine; Initiate with BUY CS MEDICA, a Danish Med-Tech company founded in 2011, is at the forefront of developing CBD-infused medical devices that offer safe, effective alternatives for autoimmune and stress-related conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, pain and hair loss. The company utilizes CBD's proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties in >10 products, classified as medical devices or cosmetics and backed by clinical trials. With regulatory approval in major markets such as the EU, U.K. and the U.S., CS MEDICA has established itself as a key player in the rapidly growing alternative medicine space. CS MEDICA's capital-light business model focuses on R&D and distribution while outsourcing manufacturing to partners in Europe. This allows the company to scale efficiently while minimizing operational risks. As one of only few CBD-infused medical device company registered for sale in pharmacies, CS MEDICA occupies a unique position at the intersection of the pharmaceutical and cosmetics markets, offering clinically proven products with fewer side effects at competitive price points. CS MEDICA's hybrid product formulations, which combine R&D, clinical evidence, compliance, and the benefits of CBD, a natural ingredient, set the company apart from competition. Its flagship line, CANNASEN, includes highly effective treatments for pain, skin disorders, and hair loss, with superior bioavailability when applied topically. Strong growth prospects: Global demand for alternative treatments is booming, with the alternative medicine market projected to grow at a 15.7% CAGR until 2031. CS MEDICA is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. Especially non-European markets such as MENA and APAC offer high growth potentials once the regulatory hurdles have been overcome and social acceptance increased. The company's private/white-label segment (~ 2/3 of order intake), offers a steady revenue stream, while its CANNASEN brand continues to expand, contributing to rapid top-line growth. The market's strong growth prospects coupled with CS MEDICA's unique positioning should allow the company to strongly grow its top-line to DKK 108m by FY 2027/28e, implying a 61% CAGR (vs FY 2023/24e). At the same time, thanks to the resulting operating leverage, the EBITDA margin should turn positive, reaching 25%. We initiate the coverage with a BUY rating and a EUR 2.30 PT based on a SOTP valuation. You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/31171.pdf For additional information visit our website: www.nuways-ag.com/research Contact for questions: NuWays AG - Equity Research Web: www.nuways-ag.com Email: research@nuways-ag.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysag Adresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany ++++++++++ Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss bestimmter Borsengeschafte. Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach 85 WpHG beim oben analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollstandigen Analyse. ++++++++++ The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com 2021319 04.11.2024 CET/CEST dynaCERT Inc. (TSX: DYA) (OTC: DYFSF) (FRA: DMJ) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kevin Unrath as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. As the new COO of dynaCERT and the future Managing Director of dynaCERT GmbH based in Germany, Mr. Unrath will assist the President with hands on supervision and senior responsibilities leading the enterprise's further development and international global world-wide expansion with a view of growing the sales volume of the Company's products and the Company's new production initiatives. Mr. Kevin Unrath is a dedicated and results-driven executive with a track record and comprehensive experience in international leadership roles in the Automotive and the Off Highway industry as well as in Precision Machining. Mr. Unrath brings to dynaCERT top management level expertise having managed numerous entities. Mr. Unrath also brings to dynaCERT his experience in successfully driving profitable growth, performance increases, sustainable technology road mapping and digital transformation. He is keen on leading and further propelling dynaCERT's influence and positive impact in the hydrogen marketplace. Mr. Unrath has impressive business experience. He worked for six years at Hatz Motorenfabrik GmbH Co. KG and Hatz Components GmbH Co. KG where he grew sales and specialized in Lead Generation, Market Study, Target Customer Definition, and Customer Journey Development. He also achieved numerous milestones in Corporate Development such as founding, setup and development of the Hatz Components GmbH and M&A Process. He also worked eight years with MAN Truck Bus in several functions such as Head of MAN Spare Parts Production Systems, Project-Lead and PMO. He gained deep knowledge in topics such as Restructuring of Worldwide Spare Parts "Management Logistics Network", setup of New Spare Parts Central Warehouse, Management Restructuring of Logistics and Logistics Processes as well as Warehousing Supply Chain Management Mr. Unrath holds a Technical Master's Degree Master of Science in Logistics, Infrastructure, Mobility from TU Hamburg-Harburg focusing on "Production and Logistics", and a Business Administration degree from Technical University of Applied Sciences in Wurzburg including pre-degree (Bachelor) studies at FH Ludwigshafen am Rhein where he majored in Marketing ASEAN with a focus on Japan. Kevin Unrath, Chief Operating Officer of dynaCERT, stated, "I am looking forward to working at dynaCERT and expanding the HydraGEN Technology for retrofitting combustion engines worldwide. The market for this innovation is now ready and we will focus on further and accelerated growth worldwide. The core of my job as COO at dynaCERT will be to optimize the sales process to increase sales as well as to ensure that customer expectations are met and that the various models of HydraGEN units are available in a timely manner in continued quality and sufficient quantities. Particularly considering the European Union's "Green Deal", a sustained global interest for our devices can be expected because they are designed to help companies measure and improve their results for ESG reports." Bernd Krueper, President Director of dynaCERT, stated, "In the past few months, I have met several customers, investors and governmental authorities worldwide and explained to them our HydraGEN Technology and the diversity of our hardware and software product offerings. The fuel consumption savings and emissions reductions are convincing and impressive. Additionally, I will continue to foster the drive forward to meet the needs of application specific requirements of our customers. Considering the huge efforts necessary to reduce fuel saving of a typical automotive or Industrial engine that generally goes into achieving savings in the automotive industry, I am absolutely thrilled that dynaCERT has a product available today that is designed to achieve important fuel savings and reductions in carbon emissions. Our compact and easy to install HydraGEN models provide an outstanding solution for clients. I have worked in the past successfully with Kevin Unrath. I welcome him to dynaCERT and look forward to continuing our excellent teamwork now that we are both working together at dynaCERT. I look forward to working with Kevin Unrath and the outstanding team." Jim Payne, Chairman CEO of dynaCERT, stated, "The dynaCERT Board of Directors is very pleased to welcome Kevin Unrath as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. As we welcome Kevin, I am delighted with the continued growth and expertise of our management team along with the expansion of our data centre as we move into the new era of carbon credits with our HydraGEN Technology. Bernd and Kevin bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in growing companies within the diesel engine industry worldwide, their history and network of people and companies they bring along with their proven track record is extremely timely as we continue to grow." Pursuant to its stock Option Plan and in accordance with regulatory requirements, the Company announces that it has issued 1,500,000 options to purchase its common shares in the authorized share structure of the Company, the exercise price of each such option being $0.25 per share for a period expiring November 1, 2029. About dynaCERT Inc. dynaCERT Inc. manufactures and distributes Carbon Emission Reduction Technology along with its proprietary HydraLytica Telematics, a means of monitoring fuel consumption and calculating GHG emissions savings designed for the tracking of possible future Carbon Credits for use with internal combustion engines. As part of the growing global hydrogen economy, our patented technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through a unique electrolysis system and supplies these gases through the air intake to enhance combustion, which has shown to lower carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Our technology is designed for use with many types and sizes of diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, reefer trailers, off-road construction, power generation, mining and forestry equipment. Website: www.dynaCERT.com. READER ADVISORY Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance of achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release. On Behalf of the Board Murray James Payne, CEO View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104262780/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: Jim Payne, Chairman CEO dynaCERT Inc. #101 501 Alliance Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6N 2J1 +1 (416) 766-9691 x 2 jpayne@dynaCERT.com Investor Relations dynaCERT Inc. Nancy Massicotte +1 (416) 766-9691 x 1 nmassicotte@dynaCERT.com Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) and a global leader in helping clients realize their investment objectives, shape the future of work and enhance health and retirement outcomes for their people, today announced the completion of the acquisition of Cardano. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The addition of Cardano cements Mercer's position as one of the leading providers of pension services in the UK and the Netherlands and advisory and investment solutions to institutional investors globally. Michael Dempsey, Mercer's Wealth President, said: "We welcome Cardano's talented colleagues and their clients. Together, we will be well positioned to deliver greater value and meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our combined capabilities and resources will create a broad and relevant suite of investment solutions to support institutional investors and a timely partnership in working with large asset owners across the world." With this transaction, Cardano's UK Defined Contribution (DC) Master Trust, now:pensions, will broaden the range of DC Master Trust solutions from auto-enrolment through to bespoke offerings available to Mercer's clients in the UK. Benoit Hudon, Mercer's UK President and CEO, said: "This is an important milestone on Mercer's strategic path and will allow us to have a greater role in filling the savings gaps in the UK. With the addition of Cardano's talent and capabilities, we will have one of the broadest pension and investment offerings in the UK marketplace." Michael De Lathauwer, Cardano Group's CEO, said: "Getting to know Mercer throughout this process has reinforced my view that we are stronger together. I am excited for our future and serving clients with our enhanced investment, advisory and DC capabilities so that they can better navigate today's complex financial markets." As part of the transaction, more than 550 Cardano colleagues in London, Nottingham and Rotterdam will join Mercer. About Mercer Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), is a global leader in helping clients realize their investment objectives, shape the future of work and enhance health and retirement outcomes for their people. Marsh McLennan is a global leader in risk, strategy and people, advising clients in 130 countries across four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. With annual revenue of $23 billion and more than 85,000 colleagues, Marsh McLennan helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit mercer.com, or follow on LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103299159/en/ Contacts: Media: Tim Matthews Mercer +44 (0)7793088741 tim.matthews@mmc.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Pro-European Union incumbent president Maia Sandu has claimed victory in Moldova's presidential run-off.With almost all the votes counted, preliminary results show Maia Sandu won 55.41 percent of votes.Pro-Russian Party of Socialists candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo secured 44.59 percent of votes, according to the Moldovan election commission.The run-off was required as neither of the main candidates could win the threshold of 50 percent of votes in the first round of the presidential elections held last month.In a speech addressing her supporters Sunday night, Sandu said: 'Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books... Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed.' She stressed the need to stand united.The 52-year-old former World Bank economist wins a second term on the strength of expatriate voters, reports say.This is in contrast to Sandu's landslide victory during the 2020 presidential election. The first female president of Moldova, Sandu is a strong supporter of the accession of Moldova to the European Union, overseeing Moldova's granting of candidate status, and is considered pro-Western. She has criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine and supported subsequent steps to reduce Moldova's economic dependence on Russia.The United States had expressed concern that Russia will again attempt to prevent Moldovans from exercising their sovereign right to choose their own leaders during the runoff.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged that Russia did everything in its power to disrupt the election and referendum to undermine Moldova's democracy, including through illicit financing and vote buying, disinformation, and malicious cyber activities.Sandu's national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru on Sunday alleged 'massive interference' at overseas polling stations.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 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. Grid Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "Grid") (TSXV:GRDM)(OTCQB:MSMGF) today announced the results of the voting at the Annual and Special Meeting of the Company held on October 28, 2024 (the "Meeting"). The Company is pleased to report on the following matters and resolutions proposed in the meeting circular. Election of Directors The number of directors of the Company was set at five (5) and the following directors were elected at the Meeting - Robin E Dunbar , Thomas W Meredith, Constantine Karayannopoulos , Patrick Murphy and Grant McAdam. Equity Incentive Plan At the Meeting a resolution approving the Equity Incentive Plan was approved by a majority of disinterested shareholders. Appointment of Auditors Shareholders also voted in favour of the appointment of UHY McGovern Hurley Cunningham LLP as auditors. There were no other matters brought before the meeting. Grid Attendance at the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention The Company will be sponsoring as well as attending the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention (CCMEC) in Winnipeg on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, 2024. The conference is an excellent opportunity for the Company to meet with investors, government officials, First Nation partners and other stakeholders. About Grid Metals Corp. Grid Metals is focused on critical metals in the Bird River area approximately 150 km north east of Winnipeg Manitoba. The Company is currently drilling its Mayville East Copper Nickel property located on the north arm of the Bird River Greenstone Belt. On Behalf of the Board of Grid Metals Corp. For more information about the Company please see the Company website at www.gridmetalscorp.com or contact: Robin Dunbar - President, CEO & Director Telephone: 416-955-4773 Email: rd@gridmetalscorp.com David Black - Investor Relations Email: info@gridmetalscorp.com We seek safe harbour. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements include the Company's closing of the proposed financial transactions, sale of royalty and property interests. the overall economic potential of its properties, the availability of adequate financing and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risk, uncertainty of production and capital costs estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, metallurgical risk, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of nickel, cobalt, copper and other metals, completion of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the most recent financial period and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. SOURCE: Grid Metals Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - US Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: USCM) (OTCQB: USCMF) (FSE: 0IU0) ("USCM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update regarding its portfolio of US assets and strategy going forward. Despite market headwinds, USCM has maintained its portfolio of assets including the: McDermitt East Lithium Project in Nevada, Clayton Ridge Lithium Project in Nevada, Long Canyon Vanadium and Uranium Project in Idaho, Sheep Creek Rare Earth Project in Montana, and Haynes Cobalt Project in Idaho. Each of these projects provides exposure to commodities critical to US interests and combine exploration potential and unique geologic features. The core strategy of the Company over the last year has been to control costs, while advancing these projects to a drill-ready stage, with defined targets that the Company can further pursue. As the market for commodities enters into a phase of renewed interest, USCM is poised to advance these assets and assess the potential to further expand its portfolio in the US and potentially internationally. Mr. Darren Collins, CEO and Director of USCM, comments: "Although we have seen a significant correction in the value of critical metals such as lithium, we see significant potential for the future as markets recover. Our core shareholders, management team and board of directors remain committed to the Company and ensuring we are able to capitalize on the unfolding opportunities in commodity markets. Our team has been involved in multiple past successes and we intend to replicate these achievements with USCM. As a founder, executive officer and a large shareholder of USCM, I am personally dedicated to this pursuit and would like to thank shareholders for their patience as we move forward with the next chapter of the Company." Asset Updates McDermitt East Lithium Project: Positioned within the McDermitt Caldera and approximately 20 kilometers from Thacker Pass, a construction stage asset controlled by Lithium Americas in financial partnership with General Motors and the US Government. USCM believes as Thacker Pass advances towards production, a significant rerating in value will occur for lithium clay projects and assets within the immediate region of Nevada. USCM confirmed grade potential of the asset this year with a sampling program (see press release of the Company dated June 26, 2024) and maintains the earn-in relationship with Live Energy Metals (see press release of the Company dated September 18, 2023). All claims remain in good-standing with the Bureau of Land Management (the "BLM"). Clayton Ridge Lithium Project: Positioned within a hanging basin above the Clayton Valley, the only lithium producing region in the US. USCM holds a 100% interest in this project. USCM completed a multi-phase drill program and identified several areas for further exploration potential (see press release dated January 30, 2024). Specifically, the highest-grade values and corresponding widths are expected to be along the eastern fence of the drill holes as the Li-bearing sequence appears to thicken to the east and north where it dips beneath the volcanic tuffs into the basin's eastern margin. Based on the results of the drill program, USCM maintained 74 project claims where the highest-grade intercepts were reported and additional targets identified. All existing claims remain in good-standing with the BLM. Long Canyon Vanadium and Uranium Project: Positioned within an emerging exploration opportunity hosted by black shale, the project has historically revealed elevated uranium and vanadium grades as well as other potentially economic minerals including nickel, lead, zinc and molybdenum. The Company recently completed an initial exploration program and is currently analyzing results in relation to the historic samples to determine future exploration plans. The Company is partners with IDEX Exploration and has a 70% interest in the joint venture corporation. All claims remain in good-standing with the BLM. Sheep Creek Rare Earth Project: Positioned within an emerging exploration opportunity in carbonatite-type host rocks. The project has produced positive exploration results from both surface and sub-surface sampling. The Company has a 14.25% interest in this project and intends to explore further options to create value form this investment. All claims remain in good-standing with the US Forest Service (the "USFS"). Haynes Cobalt Project: Positioned within one of the only regions in the US with primary cobalt mineralization, the project is located on trend with the fully permitted Black Bird Mine, an asset controlled by Jervois Mining. The project includes historic underground workings and sampling that indicates the potential for elevated cobalt and copper grades. USCM holds a 100% interest in this project and all claims remain in good standing with the USFS. The comparable information about other issuers in this press release was obtained from public sources and has not been verified by the Company. Comparable means information that compares an issuer to other issuers. The information is a summary of certain relevant operational attributes of certain mining and resource companies and has been included to provide an overview of the performance of what are expected to be comparable issuers. The comparables are considered to be an appropriate basis for comparison with the Company based on their industry, commodity mix, jurisdiction, and additional criteria. The comparable issuers face different risks from those applicable to the Company. Relevant material concerning any adjacent or comparable properties included in this press release is limited to information publicly disclosed by the owner or operator for such adjacent or comparable property. The Company has relied on the Qualified Persons responsible for such information and has not independently verified such information. The Company cautions that past production, mineral reserves, resources or occurrences on adjacent or comparable properties are not indicative of the mineralization on the Company's properties. Readers are cautioned that the past performance of comparables is not indicative of future performance and that the performance of the Company may be materially different from the comparable issuers. You should not place undue reliance on the comparable information provided in this press release. Stock Option Grants The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 500,000 stock options ("Options") to a consultant of the Company pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The Options vest on the date of grant and entitle the holder to purchase common shares of the Company at a price of $0.08 for a period of five years from the date of grant. The Options bear a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with CSE policy. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert J. Johansing, BSC. geology, MSc economic geology, who is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Johansing is a consultant of the Company. About US Critical Metals Corp. USCM is focused on mining projects that will further secure the US supply of critical metals and rare earth elements, which are essential to fueling the new age economy. Pursuant to option agreements with private Canadian and American companies, USCM's assets consist of three agreements, each providing USCM with the right to acquire interests in four discovery focused projects in the US. These projects include the Clayton Ridge Lithium Property located in Nevada, the Haynes Cobalt Property located in Idaho, the Sheep Creek located in Montana, and Lemhi Pass located in Idaho. A significant percentage of the world's critical metal and rare earth supply comes from nations with interests that are contrary to those of the US. USCM intends to explore and develop critical metals and rare earth assets with near- and long-term strategic value to the advancement of US interests. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to USCM within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause USCM's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, exploration plans and expected exploration and drilling results at the Company's projects, results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company. Although USCM believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the Covid-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that USCM maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; USCM's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of USCM to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work; risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that results will not be consistent with USCM's expectations; as well as other assumptions, risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to USCM, including as set forth in the USCM's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of USCM as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While USCM may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228636 SOURCE: US Critical Metals Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Fathom Nickel Inc (CSE: FNI) (OTCQB: FNICF) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on November 6th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET. We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud. The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website. For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-fni/. Fathom Nickel Inc. CEO and VP Exploration will be discussing advances at the Gochager Lake and Albert Lake projects Commodities to be covered: Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, PGE's About Fathom Nickel Inc Fathom Nickel Inc. Exploration and Development company focused on magmatic nickel sulphide deposits About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry. For further information: For additional information contact marketing@redcloudfs.com or visit: www.redcloudfs.com www.facebook.com/RedCloudFinancialServices www.twitter.com/RedCloudFS www.linkedin.com/company/red-cloud-financial-services-inc www.youtube.com/c/RedCloudFinancialServicesInc www.instagram.com/redcloudfs SOURCE: Red Cloud Financial Services Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of a diamond drill program at its 100% owned 3Ts Project, located approximately 185 kilometres ("km") southwest of Prince George, British Columbia and situated 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Project. The 3Ts Project is comprised of seventeen mineral claims covering approximately 8,840 hectares in the Nechako Plateau region of central British Columbia. The project covers a low-sulphidation epithermal quartz- carbonate vein district within which more than a dozen individual mineralized veins, ranging from 50 metres ("m") to more than 1,100 m in strike length and with true widths up to 25m have been identified. The planned drill program will consist of approximately 25 drill holes totaling a minimum 7,500 m and will focus on the underexplored sections of the Ted-Mint and Tommy Vein Systems, especially at depth where there is the potential for high-grade intercepts which will be used to expand the existing mineral resource (see report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the 3Ts Gold Project, Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada" authored by Armitage and Miller, effective August 18th, 2022; please see news release dated August 18, 2022 for further details). Additional drilling of the Ian, Johnny and Larry Veins will focus on testing mineralization along strike and at depth which will be incorporated into the overall project resource. The Ootsa and Balrog targets will also be a focus for this drill program, building on the geophysical and geological data that was collected during the summer 2024 exploration program. Randy Turner, President and CEO of the Company commented "We look forward to building on the success of recent drill programs at 3Ts. With a larger and more extensive drill program planned, including deeper holes to test the major vein systems below the microdiorite sill and further testing of the newly discovered Ootsa and Balrog targets, we anticipate a very busy and exciting year ahead." About Independence Independence Gold Corp. is a well-financed mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca. Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP. "Randy Turner" Randy Turner, President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.c a . Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228686 SOURCE: Independence Gold Corp Attorneys at U.S.-based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP announce new affiliate effort to support publishers in France An acclaimed team of pro-publisher attorneys and experts in antitrust litigation and EU regulation has launched HBSS France, a Paris-based affiliated groupement with globally renowned U.S. class-action law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP. The new endeavour aims to champion the rights of publishers and digital business users through a specialization in antitrust/competition law and EU regulatory cases. HBSS France is comprised of a team of globally recognized attorneys and experts, pooling their resources against modern malfeasance for the greater good of consumers and others. The launch will take place at the Musee Baccarat, an ideal setting for recognizing Franco-American unions, located in the Place des Etats-Unis ("United States Square") in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The event will bring together market experts, legal community members, law professors, economists, local journalists, as the firm's team shared aspirations and goals for HBSS France. The team is managed by Fayrouze Masmi-Dazi, founding partner of Dazi Avocats, a leading antitrust lawyer with more than 15 years of experience battling unfair restrictions and anticompetitive policies enforced by major corporations, including Apple Inc. She notably represents publishers of online content, particularly members of the French press, media agencies and ad techs against the tech giant regarding excessive restrictions allegedly imposed thorough its App Store. She represents members of the French press and online publishers in a massive follow-on damage claim against Alphabet Inc. after having successfully fought for press publishers against the same corporation in the neighbouring rights case before the French Authority. She battles in parallel in the field of EU digital regulation against the same major corporations. Masmi-Dazi has also guided her practice in intervening in mergers between powerful institutional players, investment funds and others, ensuring healthy competition for the benefit of the public. She also serves as a non-governmental advisor to the French Competition Authority at the International Competition Network and as an independent member of the French Superior Council of Literary and Artistic Property appointed by the French Minister of Culture for which she undertakes a study on interoperability in the economy of cultural contents. "Hagens Berman has earnestly represented millions of people against well-defended corporations that sought to undermine publishers and consumers and flout competition in various markets," Masmi-Dazi said. "I greatly look forward to our joint accomplishments and see no better alliance in this space than our transatlantic strategic approach to the challenges in the increasingly important areas of competition, unfair commercial practices, consumer and data protection in the digital economy." Co-leading the effort is Hagens Berman's founder and managing partner, Steve Berman, a globally recognized plaintiffs' attorney who has championed the rights of class members in the world's largest lawsuits, including the largest settlement in world history, $260 billion against tobacco companies. Since founding Hagens Berman in 1993, Berman has secured historic victories, especially in the area of antitrust law, and continues to revolutionize the practice area through novel applications of the law and unmatched investigatory expertise. Under his leadership, the firm has secured settlements valued at $320 billion on behalf of consumers, employees and other class members. "Fayrouze and her team have successfully represented many in France, and we believe this united effort will become greater than the sum of its parts, building better and bolder legal support on a larger scale," Berman said. The team also includes attorney Abigail D. Pershing who clerked at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France and also served as a fellow in the court's Research Division, and associate Celine Hu whose practice is committed to advancing a merit-based and sustainable competitive digital future and is involved in active competition matters involving the French real estate sector. Legal counsel Umberto Valenza litigates EU competition cases in digital markets, including effective implementation of the EU Regulation Digital Market Act. The team's complex expertise ranges from digital regulation, privacy, AI to large-scale antitrust and competition litigation pertaining to the areas of tech, real estate, manufacturing and many of the world's largest and most well-financed areas of business. HBSS France joins Hagens Berman EMEA, a London-based law firm focusing its practice on competition and group litigation, as well as investor fraud, and currently leading litigation against Amazon related to its Buy Box algorithm. Together they expand the global reach of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP with U.S. offices in Seattle; Berkeley, Calif.; Boston; Chicago; Los Angeles; New York; Phoenix and San Diego. Find out more about HBSS France. About HBSS France HBSS France enables large-scale and complex legal actions involving antitrust and competition, especially in the areas of technology, platform economy, EU regulatory and consumer protection. HBSS France's team is comprised of attorneys renowned for their expertise and investigatory dedication, having handled matters against some of the world's largest companies. HBSS France is affiliated with Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, a U.S.-based law firm currently pursuing antitrust, price-fixing and price gouging allegations against various entities. The firm's highlights since its founding in 1993 include State Tobacco Litigation ($260 billion settlement), Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litigation ($25 billion settlement), Volkswagen Emissions Litigation ($14.7 billion settlement), E-books Antitrust Litigation ($568 million settlement), NCAA Grant-in-Aid Scholarships Litigation ($208 million settlement), Apple iOS App Store Antitrust Litigation ($100 million settlement), Google Play Store Antitrust Litigation ($90 million settlement), as well as many other record-setting achievements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104272702/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Ash Klann Hagens Berman ashk@hbsslaw.com Commercial license to Synaffix technologies follows a series of successful initial preclinical proof of concept studies Collaboration underscores Lonza's commitment to helping customers deliver innovative new therapies to patients by offering a comprehensive service offering for differentiated ADCs BigHat's artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML)-powered antibody design platform, Milliner was used to design a highly differentiated antibody that was paired with Synaffix's GlycoConnect, HydraSpace and toxSYN ADC technologies to generate a next-gen ADC AMSTERDAM and BASEL, Switzerland, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaffix B.V. ("Synaffix"), a Lonza company (SWX: LONN) focused on commercializing its clinical-stage platform technology for the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with best-in-class therapeutic index, today announced that it has licensed its ADC technology to BigHat Biosciences, Inc. ("BigHat"). BigHat will combine Synaffix technology with its world-class ML antibody design platform for the development of a new ADC pipeline program. Under the terms of the agreement, BigHat will receive target-specific access to Synaffix's late-clinical stage, site-specific ADC technology platform, which enables the transformation of antibodies into proprietary, best-in-class ADC products. As a result of Lonza's acquisition of Synaffix in June 2023, BigHat will also gain access to Lonza's end-to-end ADC offering. This DNA-to-IND offering enables drug developers to seamlessly receive all necessary cGMP/non-cGMP ADC batches leading up to the first clinical trial under a single quality system encompassing all critical development and manufacturing activities, including the production of the antibody, bioconjugation, and drug product filling. BigHat's AI/ML-powered antibody design platform, Milliner, integrates a synthetic biology-based high-speed wet lab with state-of-the-art ML technologies into a full-stack antibody discovery and engineering platform, to engineer antibodies with more complex functions and better biophysical properties. This approach reduces the difficulty of designing antibodies and other therapeutic proteins to tackle conditions ranging from chronic illness to life-threatening disease, while also massively speeding up candidate discovery and validation. The collaboration with Synaffix/Lonza is instrumental to advancing BigHat's next-gen ADC program, which is at IND-enabling stage and is on track to be BigHat's first clinical stage program. BigHat's next-gen ADC was optimized on BigHat's Milliner platform for maximum payload delivery to tumor cells and optimal drug-like-properties. The incorporation of Synaffix's GlycoConnect, HydraSpace and toxSYN ADC technologies is intended to further improve the safety and efficacy of Big Hat's next-gen ADC. Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, said: "The ADC space continues to develop and evolve, and our collaboration with BigHat exemplifies the continued strength and appeal of our best-in-class ADC technology. We are excited to be at the forefront of next-generation ADC R&D by joining forces with BigHat and its AI/ML-enabled antibody discovery and development platform, BigHat is the ideal partner for Synaffix to collaborate with. We look forward to supporting BigHat with every step in the ADC development and manufacturing process under the Lonza umbrella." Jean-Christophe Hyvert, President, Biologics, Lonza, added: "We are pleased to announce this collaboration with BigHat for its next-gen ADC molecule, which shows how drug developers can benefit from a fully integrated suite of services across our Biologics division. The Lonza network has continued to adapt to the evolving ADC landscape, including the recent addition of a highly potent vial fill capability at our Stein (CH) facility. This dedicated ADC drug product capacity expansion completes our offer for comprehensive, end-to-end development and manufacturing services for ADCs, simplifying the path from DNA-to-IND and beyond for our customers." Mark DePristo, CEO at BigHat Biosciences, commented: "BigHat is leveraging our AI-driven antibody design platform, Milliner, to develop advanced biologics that provide safer and more effective treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers. We are excited to combine Synaffix's conjugation and linker-payload technologies with our custom-designed antibody to create a next-generation ADC for patients with high unmet medical need." About Synaffix Synaffix B.V. is a biotechnology company that enables ADC product candidates using its clinical-stage, site-specific ADC technology platform based on GlycoConnect, HydraSpace and toxSYN technologies, that together enable any company with an antibody to develop proprietary best-in-class ADC products under a single license from Synaffix. The Synaffix platform enables a rapid timeline to clinic due to the established supply chain of technology components. Synaffix holds granted patents to its technology. The business model of Synaffix is target-specific technology out-licensing, as exemplified through its existing deals with ADC Therapeutics, Mersana Therapeutics, Shanghai Miracogen (acquired by Lepu Biopharma), Innovent Biologics, Kyowa Kirin, Genmab, Macrogenics, Amgen, Hummingbird Biosciences, Chong Kun Dang Pharma, ABL Bio, and SOTIO Biotech. Synaffix was fully acquired by Lonza in June 2023. About The Synaffix ADC Platform Technology Synaffix's proprietary ADC technology platform consists of GlycoConnect, GlycoConnect High DAR Technology, HydraSpace, and toxSYN technologies. These technologies are aimed at enabling best-in-class ADCs from any antibody, with significantly enhanced efficacy and tolerability. GlycoConnect clinical-stage conjugation technology exploits the native antibody glycan for site-specific and stable payload attachment and is tunable to DAR1, DAR2 or DAR4 formats. The extension of GlycoConnect with High DAR Technology enables ADCs with high drug loading (6, 8 and above), while retaining high drug substance homogeneity and therapeutic index. HydraSpace clinical-stage compact and highly polar spacer technology is designed to further enhance therapeutic index, particularly with hydrophobic payloads. toxSYN linker-payload platform spans key, validated MOAs for ADC product development. This includes potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (SYNtecan E), DNA damaging agents (SYNeamicin D, SYNeamicin G and SYN-PNU), ?-Microtubule (SYNtansine) and -Microtubule (SYNstatin E and SYNstatin F) inhibitors as well as several unlaunched proprietary linker-payloads that were generated through the ongoing innovative efforts of the Synaffix R&D team. The newest proprietary linker-payload, "SYN-PNU" is part of the established and expanding toxSYN linker-payload portfolio. SYN-PNU represents (based on pre-clinical models) a significantly potency-attenuated and better tolerated version of PNU-159,682, to enable enhanced administered dose levels and competitive therapeutic properties versus ADCs prepared using the original molecule. The reference compound (PNU-159,682) is metabolite of the anthracycline Nemorubicin and represents a highly potent DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor. The combination of these three technologies provides developers with a "one stop" and easy-to-use ADC technology platform, allowing any antibody developer to develop its own proprietary ADC and any ADC developer to expand its pipeline further and increase its competitive position. About Lonza Lonza is one of the world's largest healthcare manufacturing organizations. Working across five continents, our global community of around 18,000 colleagues helps pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition companies to bring their treatments to market. United by our vision to bring any therapy to life, we support our customers with a combination of technological insight, world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise, process excellence and innovation. Our work enables our customers to develop and commercialize their therapeutic discoveries, allowing their patients to benefit from life-saving and life-enhancing treatments. Our business is structured to meet our customers' complex needs across four divisions: Biologics, Small Molecules, Cell & Gene, and Capsules & Health Ingredients. Our company generated sales of CHF 3.1 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 893 million in Half-Year 2024. Find out more at www.lonza.com Follow @Lonza on LinkedIn Follow @LonzaGroup on X About BigHat Biosciences BigHat Biosciences is a biotechnology company with an AI/ML-guided antibody discovery and development platform, capable of engineering antibodies with more complex functions and better biophysical properties. By using its ML-powered antibody design program to iteratively improve antibodies through sequential design-build-test cycles. The system measures the biophysical properties and impact on disease activity using cell-based or other functional assays, which replicate in vivo disease processes. BigHat is a Series B biotech outside San Francisco with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our pipeline of wholly-owned and partnered therapeutic programs focus on indications with high unmet need, such as cancer and inflammation. BigHat has raised over $100M from top investors, including Section 32, a16z, and 8VC. To learn more about us, visit https://www.bighatbio.com and follow @BigHatBio on LinkedIn and Twitter. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lonzas-synaffix-collaborates-with-bighat-biosciences-on-the-development-of-a-machine-learning-designed-adc-302295240.html LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an additional 75 million pounds ($97 million) to boost efforts to tackle national security threat from people smuggling gangs.This will bring the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to 150 million, or $194 million.Starmer outlined major investments to smash criminal smuggling gangs and intensify international collaboration to meet the global scale of the threat at the opening of the INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow Monday.In his speech, the Prime Minister set out plans to draw on his experience of bringing together agencies to tackle international terrorist and drug smuggling gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions.This major funding boost for the government's new Border Security Command will initially be directed towards a range of enforcement and intelligence activities.They include appointing 300 staff for the new Border Security Command; recruiting 100 specialist investigators and intelligence officers for the NCA, dedicated to tackling criminals who facilitate people smuggling; and boosting collaboration with European partners to investigate and break people smuggling networks.The Border Security Command, led by Martin Hewitt, will be provided with enhanced powers - through a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill - to tackle organised immigration crime while providing for strong and effective border security.'There's nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel,' Starmer said in his opening speech.'This is a vile trade that must be stamped out - wherever it thrives. So we're taking our approach to counter-terrorism - which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.''We're ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies,' he added.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 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. ADIPEC 2024 kicks off in Abu Dhabi with a powerful message from Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, rallying the energy industry to lead the world to the next phase of sustainable socioeconomic growth. Opening Ministerial and CEO panels confront urgent energy transition challenges and commit to collective action for a secure, equitable, sustainable energy future. Day 1 highlights include discussions on the intersection of energy and AI, driving investment in new technologies and fostering cross-border partnerships that can accelerate innovation. ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADIPEC 2024 opened today, marking 40 years of energy stewardship by uniting world leaders under the theme of "Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy." His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, delivered the opening address and rallied the energy industry to lead the world to the next phase of sustainable socioeconomic growth. He called on the industry to capitalise on the opportunities of the global megatrends and said that harnessing the megatrends require unprecedented cross sectoral integration to accelerate sustainable growth. "We stand at the dawn of a new era of hope and possibility, defined by three megatrends: first, the rise of the global south and emerging markets. Second, the transformation of energy systems, and third, the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence. These three megatrends present mega opportunities that demand mega solutions. By 2050, 1.7 billion people will join our planet, mostly in the Global South. As a result, energy markets must shift and grow and energy systems must be transformed." Being held in Abu Dhabi from 4-7 November, ADIPEC 2024 is expected to gather over 184,000 attendees. More than 40 ministers and 200 global C-suite executives will be among the 1,800-plus speakers who will contribute to the 370-plus conference sessions. These varied global perspectives will address key energy transition priorities, emphasising the need to embrace transformational solutions such as artificial intelligence to empower lives around the world and drive global sustainability and prosperity. The event's commitment to innovation and cross-border collaboration was further affirmed during ADIPEC's first Ministerial Panel, titled 'The new global leaders and the energy transition', which addressed the role of policy and cross-border cooperation in shaping the energy transition and expanding access to groundbreaking climate technologies. The session heard insights from His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, United Arab Emirates; His Excellency Shri Hardeep S Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India; Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Republic of Uganda; and His Excellency Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Arab Republic of Egypt. His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, United Arab Emirates, said: "Our leaders in the UAE have always thought of the future, and we are committed to investing in more energy resources to ensure adequate supply. We are privileged to have leadership that cares about investment in energy, and our commitment to renewables, nuclear and conventional energy will continue." ADIPEC also featured insights from private sector leaders, as they explored the difficulties of balancing business priorities and rising energy consumption with the realities of climate change. During a session titled 'Meeting escalating global energy demand whilst transitioning to a low carbon energy system', attendees heard from the energy industry's top executives, including Murray Auchincloss, CEO, bp; Wael Sawan, CEO, Shell; Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President & Group CEO, PETRONAS; Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni; and Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth, ADNOC. Wael Sawan, CEO, Shell, shared his company's approach to the energy transition: "We fundamentally believe that the world needs much more energy, and specifically more diversified forms of energy. As a company, we must be very clear about where we can invest our capital. Decarbonising our existing assets is the first step, and the next step in this process is changing our operations." The world's leading international energy organisations also made important contributions throughout day one, leveraging their unique experiences with global cooperation and energy diplomacy to outline the collective efforts required to accelerate wide-scale decarbonisation in every corner of the world. Brian Sullivan, CEO, IPIECA, said "Our industry has the skills, expertise and experience to address the issues surrounding the energy transition, and we must bring together our drive to enhance the environmental and social performance of oil and gas, integrating energy transition with sustainable development." The new Finance and Investment Conference provided a platform for leaders from government, finance, and energy to discuss the disparity between capital flows and the investment necessary for a fair and equitable transition. This was summarised in a panel on "Bridging the gap: energy and financial cross-sector collaboration to advance new projects", by Reinhard Florey, CFO, OMV: "There are specific energy solutions for which we need capital. However, there is also an extended value system that we need capital support on. These extended networks, such as infrastructure, need to be built, and we encourage lenders to consider this opportunity. It takes a lot of specialist know-how to make the technology work, but it also takes the right infrastructure." AI remained a critical focus of ADIPEC 2024, as this year's event featured the all-new AI Zone, where industry experts and business leaders showcased the technology's power to revolutionise energy systems, enhance grid resilience and unlock new investment opportunities. With AI set to play a critical role in our energy future, ADIPEC will serve a critical platform for accelerating investment and collaboration around this transformative solution, building on 40 years of fostering innovation and sustainable progress in the global energy transition. About ADIPEC Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 4-7 November 2024, ADIPEC is the world's largest energy conference and exhibition. Building on 40 years of energy leadership, ADIPEC 2024 will enable innovation and accelerate action, exploring the intersection of energy and AI to drive the transition and deliver global impact. The ADIPEC Conferences will comprise of 10 conferences and 370+ conference sessions, featuring 1,800+ speakers, including ministers, CEOs, academics, energy experts and youth. These diverse voices - united under this year's theme "Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy." - will be invited to consider how collaborative energy innovation can empower lives and drive global prosperity. The ADIPEC Exhibition, spanning 16 halls, will feature 2,200+ exhibitors including 54 NOCs, IOCs, NECs and IECs, 30 country pavilions, and four specialised industry areas focused on decarbonisation, digitalisation, maritime and logistics, and AI. The exhibition will provide a platform for the energy world to demonstrate its game-changing solutions and forge the cross-sector partnerships needed to deliver secure, equitable and sustainable energy for all. For more information, visit www.adipec.com For media content, visit: https://mega.nz/folder/QcJThQpZZCy9amQdWooIr2sCi6slXQ To register as media, visit https://www.adipec.com/press-media/media-registration/ About ADNOC ADNOC is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADNOC's objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate's vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates' economic growth and diversification. To find out more, visit: www.adnoc.ae Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2548298/ADIPEC_2024_Keynote_Address.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2548299/ADIPEC_2024_Ministerial_Panel.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2548300/ADIPEC_2024_CEO_Panel.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/day-1-adipec-2024-global-ministers-and-ceos-call-for-accelerated-innovation-and-collaboration-to-fast-track-energy-transformation-302295471.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New orders for U.S. manufactured goods declined in line with economist estimates in the month of September, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Monday.The Commerce Department said factory orders fell by 0.5 percent in September, matching expectations.However, the report said the decrease in factory orders in August was revised to 0.8 percent from the previously reported 0.2 percent.The decline by factory orders in September came as orders for durable goods slid by 0.7 percent, while orders for non-durable goods edged down by 0.2 percent.The Commerce Department also said shipments of manufactured goods decreased by 0.4 percent in September after falling by 0.7 percent in August.Inventories of manufactured goods also dipped by 0.2 percent in September after inching up by 0.1 percent in the previous month.With inventories and shipments both falling, the inventories-to-shipments ratio was 1.46 in September, unchanged from August.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 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. GLORIA, the world's 1 st phase II phage therapy study in the treatment of Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI) related to Staphylococcus aureus The clinical protocol also being submitted to the European health authorities and the MHRA in the UK Patients recruitment scheduled to start in Q1 2025 for clinical data readout expected in Q3 2026 Lyon (France), November 04, 2024 - 6:00 pm CET - PHAXIAM Therapeutics (Euronext: PHXM - FR0011471135), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for severe and resistant bacterial infections, announces that it has received Investigational New Drug approval (IND) for its Phase II study, GLORIA, in Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The GLORIA study is PHAXIAM's most strategic asset, with the highest priority. This study will be the 1st worldwide (Europe and United States) multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study in phage therapy and in PJI. The study plans to include 100 patients with PJI (hip or knee replacement) with open surgical debridement (DAIR), who will be treated with PHAXIAM's anti-S. aureus phages or placebo, in combination with antibiotics. Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is a severe complication that affects thousands of patients who have received hip or knee replacements, with 50-60,000 new cases per year in Western countries1. The unmet medical need is considerable insofar as current standards of care show a failure rate of 50%, with high risks of reinfection (60%), amputation (11%) and mortality (25% at five years). In addition, treatment costs are high and represent a heavy burden on health systems. In the United States, the incidence of patients is threefold the European patients' incidence, considering in addition a pricing gap of 25-30% for the treatment. PJI US market for anti-S. aureus phages is estimated at 600-700 million2. Phage therapy represents a promising solution in this context and PHAXIAM benefits from a leadership position in this indication. This status is supported by robust clinical data from several dozen patients treated in real-life compassionate setting with locally administered anti-S. aureus phages, which confers to the treatment a very good safety profile and already showed clinical benefits. The IND approval received from the FDA on the GLORIA study protocol is a major step forward in the deployment of PHAXIAM's international clinical strategy. The company has already identified 5 clinical centers and intends to reach 10 participating centers to ensure a territorial network coverage to optimize the recruitment of the study. Based on the structuring exchanges with the FDA, PHAXIAM is also about to finalize the filing of the clinical protocol with the main European health authorities3, including the British MHRA. Subject to these approvals, the GLORIA study will be conducted in 7 European countries (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden) and the United States, making it the most robust phage therapy study in the world. Professor Tristan Ferry, coordinator of the Reference Center for Complex Osteoarticular Infections (CRIOAC) at the Croix-Rousse Hospital (HCL, Lyon) and internationally recognized expert in phage therapy, will be the principal investigator of the study. Subject to the successful completion of GLORIA, expected in Q3 2026, PHAXIAM could be eligible for an early access process and could look for getting Conditional Market Approval (CMA), paving the way for pre-commercialization in Europe as early as the second half of 2027. Thibaut du Fayet, Chief Executive Officer of PHAXIAM Therapeutics, said: "This FDA IND clearance is a major recognition of our therapeutic approach and of our whole platform. This is a key milestone in our most strategic S. aureus program, and I would like to thank all our teams who have contributed to it. This is the first time that PHAXIAM will be in a position to conduct clinical development in the United States, and we look forward to moving ahead in the collaboration with the participating centers already identified. In parallel, we are finalizing the submission of the GLORIA protocol to the European authorities, with the aim of obtaining authorizations in seven countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks. The confirmed objective remains to be able to start the recruitment of this first global study in phage therapy during the 1st quarter of 2025, as initially planned. With these strategic advances, we are about to reinforce our position as a leader in phage therapy for Prosthetic Joint Infection, a critical indication with high worldwide incidence and critical unmet medical needs. The GLORIA study may be the first global study to deliver a robust (with 100 patients enrolled) clinical proof-of-concept for phages. We consider that relying on the large PJI compassionate clinical data package, already generated in real life, the likelihood of success of this trial is rather high. We remain determined to provide a major solution and hope to many patients in a therapeutic impasse." About PHAXIAM Therapeutics PHAXIAM is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for resistant bacterial infections, which are responsible for many serious infections. The company is building on an innovative approach based on the use of phages, natural bacterial-killing viruses. PHAXIAM is developing a portfolio of phages targeting 3 of the most resistant and dangerous bacteria, which together account for more than two-thirds of resistant hospital-acquired infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PHAXIAM is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011471135, ticker: PHXM). PHAXIAM is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma & Bio, CAC Mid & Small, CAC All Tradable, EnterNext PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indexes. For more information, please visit www. phaxiam .com Contacts PHAXIAM Thibaut du Fayet CEO +33 4 78 74 44 38 investors@phaxiam.com NewCap Mathilde Bohin / Dusan Oresansky Investor Relations Arthur Rouille Media Relations +33 1 44 71 94 94 phaxiam@newcap.eu Forward-looking information This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates with respect to the clinical programs, development plans, business and regulatory strategy and anticipated future performance of PHAXIAM and of the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond PHAXIAM's control. Therefore, actual results may turn out to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Investor should carefully read the risk factors section of the Company which can be found in the Company's regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), including in the Company's 2023 Universal Registration Document (Document d'Enregistrement Universel) filed with the AMF on April 5, 2024 and future filings and reports by the Company. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of this press release. PHAXIAM disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in PHAXIAM's expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by law. 1 Europe 27 and the United States 2 Source: internal evaluation by the Company 3 A CTA (Clinical Trial Approval) application will be filed to be able to conduct the study in the 5 main European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom), as well as in Sweden and the Netherlands. IRLAB's Q324 results highlighted progress across its clinical pipeline. Pirepemat cleared its final safety review and completed patient enrolment in the Phase IIb trial, making way for top-line readouts in Q125. IRL757 also made headway, reporting positive interim data from the first Phase I study and the initiation of a second study in older adults, triggering a US$2.5m (SEK26.6m) milestone payment from MSRD. Mesdopetam reported support from regulators in Germany and Portugal for the planned Phase III design, bolstering upcoming discussions with the EMA. This comes amid efforts by IRLAB towards securing a partner for Phase III, which it aims to launch in 2025. The period also saw two new patents for mesdopetam and pirepemat, extending patent protection to at least 2040. We expect funds at hand and inflows from the latest milestone payment to extend the cash runway into Q225 (Q125 previously), past top-line readouts for pirepemat and IRL757. Our valuation adjusts to SEK92.0/share, from SEK86.2/share. 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. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar climbed against its major counterparts in the New York session on Monday, as oil prices rose after OPEC+ agreed to push back its December production increase by at least a month, prioritizing price support over regaining market share.Crude for December delivery rose $1.68 to $71.17 per barrel.The group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia was supposed to begin a series of monthly production increases by adding 180,000 barrels a day from December.Now, the decision has been postponed due to recent pressure on prices from weak demand growth, especially in China and Europe.Oil prices also remain supported by persisting Middle East tensions and expectations of China's fiscal stimulus.Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed that Israel and the U.S. would face a 'teeth-breaking response' for their actions against the country.The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is planning a complex attack on Israel, which may include missiles with high-powered warheads.The loonie edged up to 0.9146 against the aussie and 1.5117 against the euro, from an early 10-day low of 0.9205 and more than a 2-month low of 1.5170, respectively. The currency is poised to challenge resistance around 0.90 against the aussie and 1.49 against the euro.The loonie touched 1.3875 against the greenback, setting a 10-day high. If the loonie rises further, it is likely to test resistance around the 1.36 region.The loonie rebounded to 109.56 against the yen, off an early low of 109.00. The currency is likely to locate resistance around the 110.5 level.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 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. Fortitude Gold (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") today announced the timing of its third quarter earnings conference call scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A. offering investors exposure to both gold production and dividend yield. Conference Call Fortitude Gold's CEO, Mr. Jason Reid, will host the conference call Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Topics of discussion will include third quarter results and an update on current operations. The conference call will be recorded and posted to the Company's website. Q&A Following Mr. Reid's opening remarks, the Company will host a question and answer (Q&A) session. Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM Eastern (9:00 AM Mountain) There are two ways to join the conference call: To join the conference via webcast, please click on the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2640/51567. To join the call via telephone please use one of the following dial-in details: Toll Free: 877-545-0523 International: 973-528-0016 Participant Access Code: 210264 Please connect to the conference call 10 minutes prior to the start time using one of the connection options listed above. REPLAY A webcast replay of the conference call will be available using the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2640/51567. A teleconference replay will be available using the following numbers: Toll Free: 877-481-4010 International: 919-882-2331 Participant Access Code: 51567 About Fortitude Gold Corp.: Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of seven high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and an eighth high-grade gold property in west central Nevada. The Isabella Pearl gold mine, located on the Isabella Pearl mineralized trend, is currently in production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions. Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. In particular, the scope, duration, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mining operations, Company employees, and supply chains as well as the scope, duration and impact of government action aimed at mitigating the pandemic may cause future actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Also, there can be no assurance that production will continue at any specific rate. Contact Information Greg Patterson VP Corporate Development greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com 7197179825 SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Koilink Technologies Inc., a Wyoming-based fintech platform and subsidiary of Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. (OTC Pink:BBLC), is excited to announce the appointment of Transfer Online Inc. as its official transfer agent. This enhancement follows the recent distribution of Koilink shares (November 1st, 2024) as a dividend to BBLC shareholders, marking a pivotal step in Koilink's growth and its journey toward a public listing. BBLC shareholders now directly hold shares in Koilink, participating in the company's progress as it advances toward its planned listing on a major exchange. With Transfer Online as Koilink's transfer agent, shareholders now have access to a streamlined and user-friendly suite of services designed to make equity management straightforward and accessible. Shareholders can register with Transfer Online to access these resources at https://transferonline.com/Authentication/Register. Shareholder Services Provided by Transfer Online Inc. Koilink shareholders now benefit from the following services provided by Transfer Online, ensuring efficient and secure account management: Online Account Management - Convenient 24/7 access to view and manage shareholder accounts. Contact Information Management - Easy updates to personal information to keep shareholders connected and informed. Detailed Reports on Stock Holdings - Downloadable reports with in-depth insights into equity holdings. Direct Communication with Koilink - A direct communication channel for shareholder inquiries and updates. Free Resources - Access to documents, FAQs, and other resources to support informed shareholder engagement. As Koilink continues its progress toward listing, it remains focused on its core mission: creating a unique, real-time platform that bridges investment brokers and public and private companies seeking funding. Koilink enables brokers to connect directly with institutional and high-net-worth investors for equity offerings, offering innovative tools that streamline capital-raising processes and enhance engagement in equity opportunities. With 75,534,050 outstanding shares, Koilink is poised to elevate its reach, strengthening market access for both investors and companies through transparent, efficient, and accessible solutions. About Koilink Technologies Inc. Koilink Technologies Inc. is addressing a critical need in the financial services industry by leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of capital raising and investment matchmaking. Our technology has the innovation and the potential to reshape how issuers and brokers interact in the market, fostering more transparent, accessible, and dynamic investment ecosystems. Koilink is a geosocial industry-targeted mobile app/web-application that links investment brokers and public or private companies to equity offerings in real-time. Koilink is a FinTech application that seeks to solve the challenges faced by issuers in discovering potential sources of capital, efficiently and quickly. The platform is designed to streamline the process of accessing financing opportunities for issuers, while also providing brokers with a continuous source of potential deals. About Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. (BBLC) Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. OTC: (BBLC) is dedicated to promoting a lifestyle of health, beauty, and wealth; through the acquisition and development of creative & innovative brands catering to luxury markets that are aimed at improving your way of life, while seeking long-term shareholder value. BBLC's promise is to commit to optimizing shareholder value by continuously sourcing un-paralleled revenue generating brands that match the group's 5 pillars of: "no limits. passionate. creative. innovative. fun" For more information on Koilink Technologies Inc. visit: www.koilinkinc.com or www.koilink.io For more information visit: www.bellebonica.com Joel DeBellefeuille, Executive Chairman & CEO, E. joel@bellebonica.com Tel. 1.800.868.6118 To learn more about Joel, visit: www.joeldebellefeuille.com Investor Relations: Just3 Public Relations, E. ir@bellebonica.com Forward looking statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934 as well as relevant Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations regarding future business prospects and opportunities. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue", "target" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions. The Company does not assume any responsibility to update or revise any past statements regarding plans or projections related to any expected future events in cases where such plans or projections have not materialized or developed as previously stated or expected. SOURCE: Blockchain Loyalty Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 4, 2024 / Las Vegas Sands Las Vegas Sands The 2024 Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit presented by Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) and Sands on November 8 will bring together the state's leading youth homelessness experts, key stakeholders from various sectors and youth with lived experiences of homelessness in a robust day of insightful panels, in-depth breakout sessions and an inspiring youth fashion and art showcase. NPHY and Sands established the Summit in 2017 to address the high incidence of youth homelessness in Nevada, which continues to be a major statewide issue. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of young people experiencing homelessness in Nevada increased by 14% from 2022 to 2023. "Our work at the Summit is more urgent than ever," Arash Ghafoori, CEO of NPHY, said. "Continued rising youth homelessness rates and the challenging experiences of the youth we serve are a consistent call-to-action for lasting and sustainable solutions that ensure no young person has to wonder where they will sleep at night and how they will sustain their lives." Summit 2024 expands the collaborative work begun in 2023 when it moved its focus from Southern Nevada to statewide and established the goal of building the first standalone plan to end youth homelessness in Nevada. This year's convening will coalesce efforts currently being pursued across the state and explore concrete steps for uniting stakeholders to achieve lasting solutions. This ground work will culminate in developing Nevada's plan to end youth homelessness after the June 2025 completion of the statewide Youth Experiencing Homelessness Study, which is being conducted to provide an accurate representation of youth experiencing homelessness in Nevada. Summit 2024 Preview Kristin Koca, Sands' executive director of corporate communications, will kick off the day, and Ghafoori will then present an update on the Movement to End Youth Homelessness. The morning session provides a robust agenda to set the stage for collaborative afternoon breakouts and includes regional update presentations from youth homelessness leaders from northern, southern and rural Nevada and tribal communities; youth perspectives from young leaders with lived experience; and a legislative panel with officials from the local and state levels. The general session concludes with the Igniting Change: Youth Fashion and Art Showcase, featuring fashion designs and art creations from youth who experienced homelessness as a mechanism to share their experiences. Kevin Smith, founder and lead educator of the Las Vegas Trade and Fashion Academy curated the showcase with youth. "Expect to cry," Nariya Gregory, youth consultant, advocate and a participant in the showcase, said. "Expect to get a lot of feedback about things that need to change. If you're a teacher, a social worker, you have a big role in this world, and you'll be getting a lot of feedback on how you could help and give the teens and young adults you're working with hope and show them you're sticking with them." Afternoon breakout sessions will take a deeper dive into problem-solving with insights, information and group discussion. Sessions include: A presentation and panel discussion on the Statewide Youth Experiencing Homelessness Study and Nevada Interagency Council on Homelessness to Housing Strategic Plan Presentation of the Homeless Youth Handbook, a detailed guide providing information on rights, responsibilities and resources for youth experiencing homelessness An overview of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session A panel discussion on the intersection of climate change and homelessness A review of the Youth-Led Playbook for Transforming Systems and Empowering Communities A how-to session on mindfulness practices for service providers and youth experiencing homelessness. To attend the 2024 Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit, visit https://nphy.org/summit24. Summit 2024 is presented by NPHY and Sands with support from the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Las Vegas Sands Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Las Vegas Sands View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated October 7, 2024, it has closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") raising gross proceeds of $291,550 through the sale of 595,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.49 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Share") and one share purchase warrant with each warrant (the "Warrant") entitling the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of $0.55 per Share for a period of three years from issuance. The securities issued as part of the Private Placement will be subject to a regulatory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issue. John Lee, CEO and a Director of the Company (the "Insider") subscribed for 500,000 Units for gross proceeds of $245,000. The issuance of Units to the Insider pursuant to the Private Placement will be considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relies on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation in the Private Placement by the Insider will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the related party transactions in connection with the Private Placement. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the 2nd tranche of this Private Placement. Proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. About Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Silver Elephant is a silver mining company, with its flagship Pulacayo-Paca silver project in production since October 2023 in Bolivia. Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "John Lee" Executive Chairman Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228866 SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a global specialty chemicals company, today announced it is raising prices for all Specialty carbon black grades produced in Europe as well as for NEROX made in South Korea. The increase will be communicated individually to customers and will vary depending on the product, manufacturing process and location. "The price adjustments will ensure that Orion continues to supply the differentiated, high quality Specialty products that customers want during this period of rising feedstock and operations costs," Orion CEO Corning Painter said. "Additionally, it will enable the development of new products and solutions to support our global customers." The new pricing will be effective for all shipments beginning Jan. 1, 2025, or as contracts allow. About Orion S.A. Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers' exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability, and add UV protection. Orion has four innovation centers and produces carbon black in 15 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The company's corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the world's longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers' needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information, other than as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104990641/en/ Contacts: William Foreman Director of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs Orion S.A. Direct: +1 832-445-3305 Mobile: +1 281-889-7833 william.foreman@orioncarbons.com Chris Kapsch Vice President, Investor Relations Orion S.A. Mobile +1 201-572-1018 christopher.kapsch@orioncarbons.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Sanatana Resources Inc. (TSXV: STA) ("Sanatana") announces the resignation of Ian Smith, who has served as a member of its board of directors since January 2019. Sanatana's board and management thank Mr. Smith for his service and wish him well. About the Company Sanatana Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced management team and board of directors. Sanatana is based in Vancouver and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: STA). Sanatana's principal project is the Oweegee Dome copper-gold porphyry property which the Company optioned from ArcWest Exploration Inc. (see the Company's news release dated July 21, 2021). The Oweegee Dome copper-gold porphyry property is situated 40 km east of the KSM - Brucejack -Treaty Creek cluster of base and precious metal deposits and is underlain by similar geologic conditions, Stuhini Group (Tiassic age) host rocks, intrusions of the right age, alteration and porphyry style copper - gold - silver - molybdenite mineralization. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond Sanatana's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228855 SOURCE: Sanatana Resources Inc. TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Compugen Inc., the nation's largest privately-owned and operated Technology Ally, is proud to announce the acquisition of SynerSolutions Technologies Inc., a leader in cybersecurity services for defence. Compugen's acquisition of SynerSolutions underscores the company's commitment to delivering industry-leading, human-centric solutions. SynerSolutions has established a strong reputation for its personalized, cybersecurity service through its ability to meet specific Federal Government clearance needs. This acquisition will provide enhanced security capabilities, leveraging Compugen's national scale and portfolio leadership to become the ally in the defence and security sectors. Harry Zarek, President and CEO of Compugen, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating: "We are thrilled to welcome SynerSolutions to the Compugen Group of Companies. Their deep understanding of the Defence and Security Industry coupled with helping customers solve complex technical requirements aligns perfectly with our mission to be a Technology Ally." SynerSolutions' commitment to sharing passions and knowledge with their clients has been a driving force behind their success. The company's focus on delivering the highest levels of service and ensuring that clients' needs are met with precision and care will be amplified by Compugen's extensive resources and national reach. Pascal Bourgeois, Founder and CEO of SynerSolutions shares, "We are excited to join Compugen and take our service to the next level. Joining Compugen will allow us to scale our offerings and provide even greater value to our clients in the defence and security sectors. We believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary results, helping organizations realize new possibilities." With this acquisition, Compugen reinforces its position as a leader in cyber security and technology essential to the defence and sectors. The combined strengths of Compugen and SynerSolutions will ensure that clients receive specialized support across specialized platforms and networks, furthering their mission-critical objectives. About SynerSolutions Technologies Inc. SynerSolutions is an agile, focused and resourceful cyber security firm. We focus on the intelligence and defence industries in support of the Government of Canada. Our ability to deliver critical, complex and sensitive projects make us a unique firm in the National Capital Region. About Compugen, Inc. As Canada's largest privately-owned and operated Technology Ally, Compugen helps organizations realize new possibilities. To innovate industries, transform businesses, connect communities, and drive meaningful change, we must think bigger, reach broader, and act bolder. Through knowledge, curiosity, and collaboration, Compugen delivers experiences by design. This is what it means to be human-centered and technology-enabled. Visit www.compugen.com to start your technology journey with us. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2322515/Compugen_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/compugen-strengthens-defence--security-industry-with-strategic-acquisition-of-synersolutions-302295743.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Mineral Road Discovery Inc. (CSE: ROAD) (the "Company" or "ROAD") announces it has entered into an agreement dated November 1, 2024 (the "Acquisition Agreement") with 1459988 BC Ltd. ("1459988") wherein the Company has agreed to acquire from 1459988 2,500,000 shares (the "Golcap Shares") of Golcap Resources Corp. ("Golcap") at a deemed price of $0.20 per Golcap Share for a total purchase price of $500,000 in exchange for ROAD issuing to 1459988 6,250,000 shares of the Company (the "ROAD Shares") at a deemed price of $0.08 per ROAD Share for a total purchase price of $500,000. The Acquisition Agreement is subject to approval by the CSE. The ROAD Shares issued upon closing of the Acquisition Agreement will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. 1459988 is a control person of ROAD and Golcap. Emma Fairhurst, the Chairperson and a director of ROAD is also a director of 1459988. The issuance of shares to insiders is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228873 SOURCE: Mineral Road Discovery Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Alma Gold Inc. (CSE: ALMA) ("Alma Gold" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,200,000 stock options ("Options") to its directors, officers and consultants at a price of $0.15 per common share for a period of three years from grant, pursuant to its Stock Option Plan which was approved by Shareholders on April 25, 2024. All Options vested on issuance. About Alma Gold Inc. Alma Gold Inc. is a gold-focused exploration company based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Alma Gold Inc. through its subsidiary Karita Gold Corp. is exploring the Karita West Project in northern Guinea, the Dialakoro project permits under application in the Siguiri Basin of Guinea and it owns the Clarence Stream North Gold Project in southwest New Brunswick, Canada. For more information on Alma Gold Inc., please visit our website at: https://almagoldinc.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Gregory Isenor" The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and includes those risks set out in the Corporation's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Corporation's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228869 SOURCE: Alma Gold Inc. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Fathom Nickel Inc. (CSE: FNI) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF) (the "Company" or "Fathom") is pleased to announce a proposed private placement of units (the "Offering"). Each unit (the "Unit") is comprised of one common share ("Common Share") and one-half of a transferable Common Share purchase warrant (the "Warrant") with one whole Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share ("Warrant Share") for a period of 36 months from issuance at an exercise price of $0.07. The Offering is expected to be completed on a non-brokered basis under the listed issuer financing exemption set forth under section 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("Listed Issuer Exemption"). Pursuant to limitations imposed under the Listed Issuer Exemption and based on an expected offering price of $0.03 per Unit (the "Offering Price"), the maximum gross proceeds of the Offering are expected to be $750,000. There can be no assurance as to completion of the Offering. There is an offering document related to this Offering (the "Offering Document") that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.fathomnickel.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. The Offering will be completed by way of an exemption from the short form prospectus requirement available under section 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions. The Offering Document under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will be filed in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia (the "Canadian Jurisdictions"). The gross proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company to incur exploration expenses at its Gochager Lake Project located in Saskatchewan, Canada, as well as for general corporate purposes. It is expected that the Company will pay agents and/or finders an as yet to be determined cash commission based on the gross proceeds of the Offering. In addition, it is expected that broker warrants to purchase an as yet to be determined number of Common Shares sold pursuant to the Offering will be issued to agents and/or finders (the "Broker Warrants"). The Offering is expected to close on or about November 14, 2024, or such other date as the Company may determine. The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the securities regulatory authorities and the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Fathom Nickel Inc. Fathom is an exploration company that is targeting magmatic nickel sulphide discoveries to support the rapidly growing global electric vehicle market and to secure the supply of North American Critical Minerals. The Company now has a portfolio of three high-quality exploration projects located in the prolific Trans Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan: 1) the Albert Lake Project, a 90,000+ hectare project that was host to the historic and past producing Rottenstone Mine1 (produced 28,724 tons @3.3% Ni, 1.8% Cu, 9.63 g/t 3E (Pd-Pt+Au) 1965-1969), and 2) the 23,000+ hectare Gochager Lake Project that is host to a historic, NI43-101 non-compliant open pit resource consisting of 4.3M tons at 0.295% Ni and 0.081% Cu2, and 3) the 10,000+ hectare Friesen Lake Project located 40km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine and 30km northwest of the historic Gochager Lake deposit. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Doug Porter" President and CFO, Director Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, completion of the Offering, date of closing of the Offering, payment of commissions under the Offering, regulatory approval of the Offering and use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. 1 The Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI #0958) reports the production grades noted above from a small open pit. Fathom cannot confirm the production numbers nor a historic resource estimate that may have been in place ahead of production. The historic pit exists, and the Company trusts the production, as noted in SMDI #0958, to be accurate. The Company has performed test assaying of Rottenstone-type mineralization and results are consistent with production grades. 2 The Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI #0880) reports drill indicated reserves at the historic Gochager Lake Deposit of 4,262,400 tons grading 0.295% Ni and 0.081% Cu mineable by open pit. Fathom cannot confirm the resource estimate, nor the parameters and methods used to prepare the reserve estimate. The estimate is not considered NI43-101 compliant and further work is required to verify this historical drill indicated reserve. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228872 SOURCE: Fathom Nickel Inc. AXCAP VENTURES INC. (CSE:AXCP) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release of October 15, 2024 that, due to strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $10,000,000 to approximately $15,000,000. The upsized offering will consist of up to 75,000,000 special warrants (the "Special Warrants") at the price of $0.20 per Special Warrant for gross proceeds of up to $15,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Special Warrant will automatically convert into one unit of the Company (each, a "Unit"), as described below (the "Automatic Conversion"). Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.20 per Share for a period of five years following the closing date. The securities will be issued on a post-split basis. See the Company's news release on October 8, 2024. Each Special Warrant will automatically convert, for no additional consideration, into one Unit on the date that is the earlier of: (i) the third business day after (a) a receipt for a final prospectus or (b) the date of filing a prospectus supplement to a short form base shelf prospectus qualifying the distribution of the Shares and Warrants issuable upon the conversion of the Special Warrants, or (ii) 4 months and one day after the issue date of the Special Warrants. The Company may pay finder's fee in cash and broker warrants in compliance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). In addition, the Company has appointed 3L Capital Inc. as Financial Advisor to the transaction. The Company anticipates closing of the Offering on or around November 11th, 2024 and completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the CSE. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to advance its portfolio of investments in the mineral exploration space as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes, including further investments in technology, industrial and natural resource projects. The Offering is being conducted pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws. Prior to the Automatic Conversion of the Special Warrants, the securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of closing of the Offering in addition to any other restrictions under applicable law. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services nor for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS For further information, please contact the Company at (604) 687-7130 About the Company Axcap is a dynamic investment issuer specializing in the mining and exploration sector, with a strong focus on identifying, acquiring, and nurturing high-potential projects. With a strategic approach to portfolio management, Axcap leverages deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to assess resource-rich assets, particularly in precious and base metals. Our investment philosophy centers on driving growth and value creation through targeted capital deployment in exploration and development ventures, from early-stage discovery to near-term production assets. Committed to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, Axcap aims to deliver long-term returns for investors while supporting the advancement of critical mining initiatives. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the closing of the Offering, receipt of approval for the Offering, including the approval of the CSE and the use of proceeds. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE: AXCAP VENTURES INC. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2024) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) (FSE: DTC) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing radiopharmaceuticals and ADC products using its proprietary platform and drug delivery technologies in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines, is pleased to announce that it has received a 30-day extension approval from Canadian Securities Exchange to extend the closing for the balance of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering"). Under the first tranche of the Offering which closed on October 30, 2024, the Company sold 1,550,000 Units for gross proceeds of $775,000. The Company wished to inform that a portion of the upcoming tranche of financing will be allocated to further develop Defence's preclinical radiopharmaceuticals program as well as the ADCs program using its proprietary Accum technology platform. Those two very promising programs are at the center of Defence's preclinical development, and both have similar objectives which are to deliver the radioactivity/drugs specifically and more precisely to cancer cells, resulting in increasing the efficacy to treat cancers, with potentially to significantly reducing the dosing and causing less sides effects for the benefit of the cancer patients. About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and engineering the next generation of radio-immuno-conjugate and ADC products using its proprietary platform in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM technology, which enables precision delivery of radio-immuno-conjugates or ADCs in their intact form to target cells, and vaccine antigens. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228877 SOURCE: Defence Therapeutics Inc. Bevvy.com, a Port Charlotte, Scotland, UK-based whisky app innovator, raised $1.3M in funding, at a $17M valuation. The round was led by Pierre Schumann, Duhan van Der Merwe, Hamish Watson, Ben Healy, and Magnus Bradbury. The company intends to use the funds to expand its development efforts, focusing on enhancing the user experience and adding features to engage its user base. Founded in 2021 by Laurie Black and Lucas Heron, Bevvy is a provider of an app for whisky lovers to connect, discover, and appreciate the world of whisky, with users from more than 70 countries. The company expects to open a Series A round in the latter part of 2025. Scotland Rugby Internationals Duhan van der Merwe (L) and Pierre Schoeman (R) led the funding round FinSMEs 04/11/2024 Panama City, Panama, November 4th, 2024, Chainwire Deribit, the worlds premier Bitcoin and Ethereum options exchange, in partnership with SignalPlus, a leading options trading dashboard and analytics hub, is excited to unveil the second edition of the Winter Trading Competition 2024. This years competition offers participants a $200,000 USDC prize pool, along with various prizes such as iPhones, PlayStation 5s, and other rewards. Additionally, participants will benefit from valuable learning opportunities and insightful trading sessions designed to enhance their skills and strategies, making this the biggest and most rewarding crypto trading contest of the year. The Winter Trading Competition 2024 is open to all retail participants who utilize their Deribit accounts to trade cryptocurrency options, futures and spot on the SignalPlus platform. Registrations are open and will remain open until December 9th 2024. The competition begins today November 4th to December 9th, 2024, spanning 35 days of intense trading action. US Election Registration Bonus As an added incentive, traders who register by November 5 will receive a US Election Option, available as part of a limited-time bonus. Registrations remain open until December 9, 2024. Luuk Strijers, Chief Executive Officer at Deribit, Were thrilled to launch the second edition of our trading competition in collaboration with SignalPlus. Following the remarkable success of last years iteration, we are excited to raise the bar even higher this time. The growth and enthusiasm we witnessed have inspired us to expand the competition, offering even more opportunities for participants to showcase and expand their skills. Competition Highlights: Prizes and Rewards : Compete in both individual and team categories, with special bonuses for team leaders and daily prize draws. : Compete in both individual and team categories, with special bonuses for team leaders and daily prize draws. Referral Program: Up to 10,000 USDC in rewards is available through a referral program for inviting others to register and trade on Deribit.com. Up to 10,000 USDC in rewards is available through a referral program for inviting others to register and trade on Deribit.com. Sign-Up Incentives : Bonuses are available for all registrations, first trades, and inviting friends, with participants eligible for prizes that range from cash rewards to tech products. Bonuses are available for all registrations, first trades, and inviting friends, with participants eligible for prizes that range from cash rewards to tech products. Luxury and Variety: Participants have the chance to win various rewards, including iPhone 16s, iPads, Apple Watches, cash prizes in USDC, and travel to Thailand. Participants have the chance to win various rewards, including iPhone 16s, iPads, Apple Watches, cash prizes in USDC, and travel to Thailand. Prestigious Recognition: Top individual winners will earn honorary certificates, while winning teams will take home trophies. Top individual winners will earn honorary certificates, while winning teams will take home trophies. Learning opportunities: Participants will also gain access to six master-level options AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions) and Deribits product training hosted by industry experts, available absolutely free. These sessions are designed to elevate trading skills. Chris Yu, Co-Founder of SignalPlus, added: Were excited to collaborate with Deribit on this landmark trading competition. At SignalPlus, our mission is to enhance the trading experience through innovation, and this event reflects that commitment. By combining our advanced technology with Deribits robust platform, were offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to engage with crypto options in fresh, dynamic ways, pushing the boundaries of strategy and skill. Competition Rules and Rewards: Individual Race: Individual participants will compete through semi-final and final stages, with prizes awarded to the top 35 traders. The highest-ranking trader will earn up to 5,000 USDC . Individual participants will compete through semi-final and final stages, with prizes awarded to the top 35 traders. The highest-ranking trader will earn up to . Team Contest: The top five teams will win prizes ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 USDC . Additionally, each day for 35 days, one team member will win a luxurious trip to Thailand. The top five teams will win prizes ranging from . Additionally, each day for 35 days, one team member will win a luxurious trip to Thailand. Daily Draws: For 35 consecutive days, 111 lucky participants will win cash rewards daily. For 35 consecutive days, 111 lucky participants will win cash rewards daily. Daily Lucky Ranks: Every day, 9 special traders will receive prizes ranging from 10 to 300 USDC . Every day, 9 special traders will receive prizes ranging from . Extra Incentives: Over 10,000 bonus prizes are available for registering, inviting friends, and making your first trade the rewards keep flowing! Key Details: Prize Pool: 200,000 USDC. 200,000 USDC. Registration Period: October 23rd December 9th, 2024. October 23rd December 9th, 2024. Competition Period: November 4th December 9th, 2024. November 4th December 9th, 2024. Registration Link: https://t.signalplus.com/activities/deribit Seize the opportunity to compete with top traders globally and start your journey toward exciting prizes today! About Deribit Deribit is a centralized, institutional-grade crypto derivatives exchange for options and futures trading. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, Deribit offers instantaneous price discovery, low-latency trading, advanced risk mitigation services, and deep liquidity through a network of top-tier market makers. Led by a team with decades of experience in options trading across all markets, Deribit facilitates a significant majority of all crypto options trading and adheres to robust proof of assets and liabilities procedures to ensure the highest standards. For more information: Official Website | Twitter | Linkedin | Telegram | About SignalPlus SignalPlus provides a world-class options trading dashboard that covers risk tracking, profit/loss attribution, strike and theta analysis. Users can execute multi-legged orders with embedded algorithms to minimize slippage and conduct in-depth profit/loss and exposure assessments using simulation tools and scenario analysis. SignalPlus also automates delta hedging across varying market conditions and offers real-time trade notifications through Telegram, empowering traders with the insights and tools needed for successful trading. Contact Head Of Retail Sidrah Fariq Deribit [email protected] Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two rallies in poll-bound Jharkhand on Monday. Indonesia and Russia will hold their first joint naval drills in the Java Sea near a naval base in Surabaya. In the US, Boeing workers will vote on a new contract offer to end a seven-week-old strike read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Jharkhand on November 4 and address two rallies at Chaibasa and Garhwa. ANI/File Image Colourful lights decked up buildings and diyas (earthen lamps) dotted houses as people across India celebrated Diwali enthusiastically over the weekend. As the vibrant celebration draws to a close, with many resuming work, heres a brief overview of todays big headlines. PM Modis two rallies in Jharkhand Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll-bound Jharkhand on November 4 and address two rallies at Chaibasa and Garhwa. This comes after Home Minister Amit Shah addressed three rallies in Dhalbhumgarh, Barkatha and Simaria on Sunday. The prime minister and the home minister will kick off the election campaign in the eastern state. Advertisement The Jharkhand assembly polls will be held in two phases November 13 and November 20. Counting of votes will take place on November 23. Indonesia, Russias first joint naval drills Indonesia and Russia will hold their first joint naval drills from November 4 to 8, as the Southeast Asian archipelagos newly inaugurated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto seeks to boost ties with Moscow. The drills would take place in the Java Sea near a naval base in Surabaya. Russia will send three corvette-class warships, a medium tanker ship, a military helicopter, and a tugboat. Maiden session of J&K Assembly Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assemblys first session is scheduled to begin today, with the election of the Speaker and the Lieutenant Governors address to the House. Obituary references for former legislators who passed away since the last session of the erstwhile J&K Assembly will be held on November 5. Discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the LGs address will be held on November 6 and 7 while the session will conclude on November 8 with the Discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the LGs address and the reply thereto. BJP to stage protest amid Waqf row Opposition BJP has announced a state-wide protest on November 4, demanding the resignation of Minority Welfare and Waqf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan over allegations of farmers land being transferred to the waqf board. The call for protest stems from claims that authorities are being pressured to amend land records across districts, allegedly under government influence. The protest would be staged in front of the offices of Deputy Commissioners of all the districts and tahsildars of all the taluks along with affected farmers, as per BJP State President BY Vijayendra. Witnesses statements to be recorded against ex-WFI chief A Delhi court will resume on November 4 recording the statements of witnesses against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a criminal case filed against him by female wrestlers. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot posted the matter for further proceedings after recording the statement of one of the witnesses on October 19. The court on May 21 framed the charges of sexual harassment and using force to outrage womens modesty against Singh. The BJP leader had pleaded not guilty before the court and claimed trial. The magistrate had also framed the charge of criminal intimidation against Singh. The court had further framed the charge of criminal intimidation against co-accused and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the case. Advertisement Boeing union to vote for wage hike offer Striking Boeing workers will vote on Monday on an improved contract offer that includes a 38 per cent pay rise over four years, a larger signing bonus and carries the endorsement of their union, which told members it had extracted all it could from the planemaker. A Boeing worker from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 holds a sign while attending a rally at their union hall during an ongoing strike in Seattle, Washington, US October 15, 2024. Reuters The latest offer, presented on Thursday (October 31), comes at a critical moment for Boeing, which this week announced it would raise up to $24.3 billion to shore up its battered finances as a seven-week strike by more than 33,000 US West Coast factory workers worsens its cash burn. Members rejected two earlier offers from Boeing. Supreme Court opens after Diwali vacation The Supreme Court will resume its sitting on Monday after the Diwali holidays which commenced on October 28. A bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah would hear a divorce plea of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and wife Payal Abdullah. In August, the SC had asked the National Conference leader and his estranged wife to appear for mediation for exploring the possibility of a settlement. Advertisement The rescheduled Diwali gala, traditionally held on Parliament Hill and hosted by Canadas Conservative Party, faces a boycott by Indian Canadians. Originally set for October 30, the event was abruptly cancelled, only to be rescheduled for November 5 by MP Todd Doherty. Many community members feel disregarded and are voicing concerns over alleged discrimination and political insensitivity read more Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 29, 2024. File Image/Reuters Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, a wave of discontent has emerged among the Indian-Canadian community, particularly around the cancellation and rescheduling of a Diwali event traditionally held at Canadas Parliament Hill. The event was set to occur on October 30, but in an unexpected decision, it was called off without an explanation with fingers pointing at Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. This cancellation, followed by a rescheduling by Conservative MP Todd Doherty for November 5, has fuelled significant backlash, with many Indian-Canadian groups declaring their intent to boycott the event. Advertisement Diwali at Parliament Hill in Canada: A tradition The Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill, a tradition for over two decades, has been a significant annual event, attended by members of the Indo-Canadian community, including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains. First initiated by the late Deepak Obhrai, a Conservative MP, the event has been a symbol of inclusivity and cultural unity. In recent years, it was carried on by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, who co-hosted it in 2023 with the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), a prominent Indian diaspora organisation. Wishing a Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas to all! May this time bring warmth, peace, joy, and prosperity to you and your loved ones as we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and our shared values of faith, family, and freedom.#Diwali2024 #BandiChhorDivas pic.twitter.com/erGYJHRyZw Todd Doherty (@ToddDohertyMP) October 31, 2024 However, this years celebration, scheduled for October 30, was abruptly cancelled without a clear reason amid heightened diplomatic tensions. Pierre Poilievres office issued a statement clarifying that any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre has cancelled this event is patently false, asserting that Doherty, not Poilievre, traditionally hosted the event. Nonetheless, the community felt slighted. According to OFIC President Shiv Bhasker, the cancellation came as a shock, igniting feelings of betrayal. Diwali has already passed. The spirit of Diwali was lost. Most of the temples are not participating in this event, Bhasker told Indian news outlet The Print, further noting that OFIC, which previously co-hosted the event, was not invited to the rescheduled November 5 gala. Advertisement Rising diplomatic & communal tensions in Canada The backdrop to the cancellation is a period of strained Canada-India relations, which intensified following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus accusation that Indian government officials may have been involved in the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader labelled a terrorist by India. In October, Canada requested India to waive immunity for six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, which India refused. In retaliation, Canada reduced its own diplomatic presence in India, withdrawing several officials. Amid these developments, accusations circulated that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah had allegedly authorised surveillance of Sikh activists in Canada, which India dismissed as absurd and baseless. Also Watch: OFIC has been vocal in its disappointment, stating that the cancellation reflected deeper issues within Canadian society. It is with extreme disappointment and in sadness that I am writing this letter to you to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill, Bhasker wrote to Poilievre. Advertisement In response to the diplomatic rift, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal voiced concerns over a perceived rise in intolerance and extremism in Canada, highlighting the challenging climate facing Indian Canadians. A case of systematic bias in Canada? The cancellation has become a flashpoint, bringing forward accusations of systemic discrimination. Bhasker has voiced concerns about alleged racism within Canada, saying, This is not just about a cancelled Diwali event Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada. According to Bhasker, the decision to cancel the celebration singled out Indian Canadians and showed insensitivity toward the communitys cultural values. The OFIC has formally requested an apology from Poilievres office, describing the cancellation as an insensitive and discriminatory act. Advertisement Supporting OFIC, several other community organisations, including the Hindu Federation and Voice of the Vedas Cultural Sabha, have penned letters to Poilievre, expressing discontent with the handling of the event. They argue that the communitys disappointment goes beyond a single celebration, touching on a broader sentiment of exclusion and neglect in Canadian politics. Boycotting the rescheduled Diwali event in Canada In the face of community backlash, Conservative MP Doherty rescheduled the Diwali celebration to November 5. However, the rescheduled date has not quelled the concerns of Indian Canadians, many of whom plan to boycott the event. The cancellation of the Diwali event was the tipping point. The Indo-Canadians are tired of the Canadian politicians ignoring their issues, Bhasker stated. He stated that while Poilievre had attended individual Diwali events elsewhere, the community had anticipated a public display of support on Parliament Hill, which they feel was unfairly denied. Advertisement Celebrated the festival of lights with patriotic Canadians at Scarborough's Aishas Textiles Store & Pickering's Rajdhani Sweets. Shubh Diwali. pic.twitter.com/S4VTA5p7m8 Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) November 2, 2024 In 2023, the Diwali gala had hosted over 540 guests, including the Indian High Commissioner and prominent Canadian politicians. However, the communitys trust has been strained by recent developments, with many questioning the commitment of Canadian leaders to support Indo-Canadians amid a growing diplomatic rift with India. Impact on Indo-Canadians The MEA continues to keep a close watch on the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, particularly students and professionals. The current environment has led to a notable decrease in the number of visas issued to Indians, a trend that has compounded the diplomatic divide. We are monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals who are working in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains strong, the MEA has said. With inputs from agencies A famous probability theory suggests that a monkey, given infinite time, could type out Shakespeares complete works. However, a new study from Australia debunks the notion called infinite monkey theorem, under real-world limits. The researchers found that even with 200,000 chimps typing non-stop, the odds of producing anything close to the famous playwright before the universes end are virtually zero read more Scientists have rejected the 'Infinite Monkey Theorem' labelling it as misleading within the confines of the finite universe. Representational Image A fascinating concept in probability theory, the Infinite Monkey Theorem posits that a monkey, if given unlimited time and a typewriter, could randomly type the complete works of William Shakespeare. This thought experiment is often cited as a metaphor to explain chance, randomness, and the possibility of unlikely events given infinite time. However, a new study conducted by mathematicians from Australias University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has brought a realistic lens to this theory, revealing just how improbable it truly is when we consider our universes limitations. Advertisement Finite limits, Infinite improbability In an attempt to re-evaluate the Infinite Monkey Theorem, UTS mathematicians Stephen Woodcock and Jay Falletta looked at the concept of the Finite Monkeys Theorem. Their study, published in Franklin Open, challenges the traditional notion by applying practical, finite conditions: a set number of chimpanzees typing over the projected lifespan of the universe, estimated at one googol years (thats 1 followed by 100 zeros). Also Read: Scientists find new way of generating electricity using recycled polystyrene material The researchers simulated conditions where each chimp types one key per second on a keyboard with 30 keys (the English alphabet plus common punctuation marks). While theoretically possible, Woodcock and Falletta found that the likelihood of typing even one coherent phrase let alone all of Shakespeares works was astronomically low. The Infinite Monkey Theorem only considers the infinite limit, with either an infinite number of monkeys or an infinite time period of monkey labour, explained Woodcock. 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. The odds: Bananas in a chimps lifetime One of the studys intriguing findings centered around the probability of a monkey randomly typing the word bananas within its average 33-year lifespan. The chances were calculated to be only about 5 per cent for a single chimp. When extrapolated to the current global chimpanzee population of roughly 200,000, this probability remains extraordinarily slim even with every chimp typing continuously until the universe ends. As Woodcock humorously told New Scientist, Its not even like one in a million. If every atom in the universe was a universe in itself, it still wouldnt happen. Advertisement In fact, typing just one random sentence, such as I chimp, therefore I am, would have a probability of one in 10 million billion billion virtually impossible given any realistic timeframe. Shakespeares works vs. the Heat death of the universe The researchers approached this thought experiment with another real-world consideration: the universes projected heat death, a state in which the universe continues to expand and cool until all energy is used up, estimated to occur in roughly 100 trillion years. Even with every monkey working continuously at one key per second, the researchers concluded that it would still be impossible for this vast typing workforce to produce the 884,647 words contained in Shakespeares canon before the universes heat death. This finding places the theorem among other probability puzzles and paradoxes such as the St. Petersburg paradox, Zenos paradox, and the Ross-Littlewood paradox where using the idea of infinite resources gives results that dont match up with what we get when we consider the constraints of our universe, said Woodcock, highlighting the paradoxical nature of the Infinite Monkey Theorem when faced with real-world limitations. Advertisement Only in theory, not a practical scenario The UTS study isnt the first attempt to probe the Infinite Monkey Theorem. In an earlier trial, six Sulawesi crested macaques were given access to a computer for four weeks, but the results were predictably chaotic. The monkeys produced only five pages of text, consisting mainly of the letter S. The results underscored the difficulty of creating even basic words, let alone the poetic complexity of Shakespearean prose. Also Read: Can mayonnaise hold the key to unlocking nuclear fusion? Scientists think so While the Infinite Monkey Theorem remains a thought-provoking model in probability, Woodcock and Fallettas findings has highlighted its impracticality in the finite world we inhabit. Their study encourages us to view the theorem as a theoretical puzzle rather than a feasible scenario. Despite its mathematical basis, the study concludes, It is not plausible that, even with improved typing speeds or an increase in chimpanzee populations, monkey labour will ever be a viable tool for developing non-trivial written works. Advertisement There are reports that the 64-year-old American woman who used the Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland was found with strangulation marks around her neck. Though several people have been arrested in the aftermath of the incident, The Last Resort the company that operates the pod has dismissed any allegations of foul play and insisted that she died peacefully read more Swiss authorities have arrested four people in connection to a woman's death after she chose the Sarco capsule to end her life. File image/AP Was it suicide or murder? There are reports that first woman who used the suicide pod in Switzerland was found with strangulation marks around her neck. The Sarco pod was reportedly used on 23 September by a 64-year-old American woman to end her life. A number of arrests have been made since the incident. But what happened? And do we know? Lets take a closer look: What happened? The Sarco capsule is designed to allow a person sitting in a reclining seat inside to push a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. The person is then supposed to fall asleep and die by suffocation in a few minutes. Advertisement As per BBC, the woman died inside the capsule set up near a forest cabin in Merishausen which is in the Schaffhausen region near the German border. The woman died from fatal hypoxia after pushing a button which injects nitrogen gas into the pod invented by Dr Philip Nitschke, a leading global figure in right-to-die activism. Exit International, an assisted suicide group based in the Netherlands, is behind the 3D-printed device that cost over $1 million to develop. Swiss law allows assisted suicide so long as the person takes his or her life with no external assistance and those who help the person die do not do so for any self-serving motive, according to a government website. As per Daily Mail, Florian Willet, president of The Last Resort, the company that operates the pod, and the woman who wished to end her life approached the pod together. If youre ready? Willet reportedly asked. Do I leave my shoes on? she wondered. Willet instructed her to leave them on following which she entered the pod and lay down. Willet then asked the woman if she wanted to talk to Nitschke, who was watching the proceedings via video. A handout picture released by The Last Resort, an assisted dying group, on September 24, 2024 and taken on the morning of September 23, 2024 shows the Sarco pod at the location where it was allegedly used by a 64-year-old American woman who died using the Sarco device at approximately 4:01 pm on September 23. AFP No. Im okay, she responded. Advertisement Willet then told Nitschke, It seems that she is ready to go. According to Newsweek, the woman, a mother of two adult sons, had been contemplating assisted suicide for two years. The woman, who had been diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis, previously said her sons completely agree that this is my decision. And they are behind me one hundred percent. She is said to have closed the lid of the pod with no hesitation and almost immediately pushed the button. Willet then instructed her to keep breathing deeply and calmly as the pod filled up with nitrogen. Her oxygen levels then dove and her body began experiencing severe cramps. Advertisement She eventually is said to have died within a half an hour of having pushed the button. She had her eyes closed, Willet said. And she was breathing very deeply. Then the breathing slowed down. And then it stopped. She really looks dead, as per Daily Mail. Exit International said in a statement a 64-year-old woman from the U.S. Midwest it did not specify further who had suffered from severe immune compromise had died near the German border using the Sarco device. It said Willet, co-president of The Last Resort, a Swiss affiliate of Exit International, was the only person present and described her death as peaceful, fast and dignified. Advertisement As per BBC, several people including Willet were arrested in the aftermath of the incident. A law firm informed prosecutors in Schaffhausen canton that an assisted suicide involving the Sarco had taken place near a forest cabin in Merishausen, regional police said in a statement. The police added that prosecutors have opened an investigation on suspicion of incitement and accessory to suicide. Nitschke, the Australian-born trained doctor behind Exit International, had previously said his organisation received advice from lawyers in Switzerland that the use of the Sarco would be legal in the country. In the Exit International statement, Nitschke said he was pleased that the Sarco had performed exactly as it had been designed to provide an elective, non-drug, peaceful death at the time of the persons choosing. Advertisement Twist in the tale But The Times quoted Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung and Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant as reporting that an autopsy uncovered strangulation marks on the womans neck. Newsweek reported that Peter Sticher, the public prosecutor in Schaffhausen has extended the scope of the investigation to include the possibility of murder. de Volkskrant cited documents showing that this is based on a phone note from September 23. During that conversation, the prosecution heard from the forensic doctor that the woman had, among other things, severe injuries to her neck, the Dutch newspaper reported. However, The Times reported that the prosecutor has refused to confirm the reports. Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung quoted a person close to The Last Resort as saying the marks on the neck may have been caused by the womans skull base osteomyelitis. Dr Philip Nitschke is the brains behind the Sarco suicide pod. File image/AP The Last Resort has dismissed any such allegations. Without the full autopsy report, The Last Resort cannot comment on the suspicion of injuries on the neck of the first Sarco user, the organisation said in a statement. The Schaffhausen prosecutor has been reported in past media stating that the autopsy was conducted on 23 September 2024. Five weeks later, the autopsy report has been kept hidden, including from the lawyers for The Last Resort and Exit International and persons involved. The Last Resort and Exit International maintain that the Sarco worked precisely as planned and the user died peacefully from nitrogen hypoxia. The allegations of intentional homicide are ridiculous and absurd. The Last Resort and Exit International strongly reject these allegations. With inputs from agencies Nagpur Police have detained Jagdish Uikey, who is believed to be behind the recent spate of hoax bomb threats issued to over 100 flights operated by Indian carriers. The 35-year-old man from Maharashtra faces allegations of sending more than 354 fraudulent emails to flights and trains across the country, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), top government officials, ministers, and various critical establishments read more Indian airlines have this month received a spate of threats to domestic and international flights on their social media, all of which have been false alarms. Nagpur Police have detained Jagadish Uikey believed to be behind the spate of hoax bomb threats. Image for Representation. Reuters After a nearly two-week-long manhunt, Nagpur Police have detained a man believed to be behind the recent spate of hoax bomb threats issued to over 100 flights operated by Indian carriers. The individual, identified as Jagdish Shriram Uikey, faces allegations of sending more than 354 fraudulent emails. These emails targeted not only flights and trains across the country but also included threats directed at the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), top government officials, and various critical establishments. Advertisement Who is Jagdish Uikey, and how did he manage to menace authorities on such a large scale? Heres a closer look. Who is Jagadish Uikey? Jagdish Uikey is a 35-year-old writer from Arjuni Morgaon in the Maoist-affected Gondia district of eastern Maharashtra. Nagpur Police DCP Lohit Matani revealed to The Times of India that Uikey, who only studied up to Class 11, is the author of a book on terrorism titled Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Demonic Storm). According to Uikey, his book, available on Amazon for Rs 350, puts all the truths of terrorism in front of you and provides secret information about terrorism that no country or author has previously revealed to the world. He also claims to donate 50 per cent of his book earnings in the interest of the country. Police commissioner Ravinder Singal told TOI, that Uikeys motivations were not linked to actual terrorism but were instead a publicity stunt aimed at gaining attention. 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 mails in frustration," he said. What did his emails say? Starting in January, Uikey allegedly sent numerous emails warning of bombs planted in various locations, with threats of imminent explosions. Between October 25 and October 30 alone, he reportedly claimed that 30 locations across India were at risk. His emails contained threats against prominent political figures and government officials, including Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. According to India Today, Uikey requested meetings with the officials to share critical information about security threats. Authorities have identified 354 emails in the sent folder of Uikeys Gmail account. A distinct pattern emerged in his email activity, including one sent in October to Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, in which he falsely claimed to possess knowledge of a secret terror code, 25-MBA-5-MTR. Advertisement One of his emails threatened to hijack 31 flights from major airlines such as IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, and Air India. He also alleged that six airports across India were targeted by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group, prompting authorities to enhance security measures and put the CISF on high alert. In his latest emails, Uikey warned about sleeper cell activities within India, frequently aligning his threats with similar alerts from US sources. Police told TOI that they are examining the possibility that he may have borrowed language from American sources. This isnt Uikeys first run-in with the law. Police disclosed that he had been interrogated twice in 2021once for sending inappropriate emails and another time for filing a complaint linking job aspirants to the PMO. After these incidents, he reportedly left Maharashtra and moved to Delhi, from where he issued his recent threats, reported India Times. Advertisement Also read: How 17-year-olds plan to seek revenge against friend led to bomb threats on flights How did authorities track Uikey? Investigators, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Shweta Khedkar, traced Jagdish Uikey through the emails he had sent to various establishments. According to the police, an internet protocol (IP) address tied to an email sent to a central minister, as shared by Google, confirmed Uikey as the sender. The investigation further revealed that the SIM card in his mobile phone was registered under his name, with his Arjuni Morgaon address listed. Upon his return from Delhi, Uikey was arrested by Nagpur Police. The investigation into his digital activities and communication patterns is ongoing, with authorities examining his devices and any cybercafe terminals he may have used to send the threatening emails. We are scanning his call detail records and laptops. His bank accounts and monetary trails are also being checked, Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal told TOI. Advertisement Currently in police custody, Uikeys remand is expected to be extended. Authorities also plan to conduct psychological evaluations to better understand his actions and possible motivations. With input from agencies At least 36 people, mostly children, were killed after a bus fell into a gorge near Uttarakhands Kupi in Ramnagar at Pauri-Almora border on Monday. There were about 40 passengers on the bus at the time of the accident read more At least 36 people were killed after a passenger bus of Garwal Motors Users fell into a gorge near Uttarakhands Kupi in Ramnagar at Pauri-Almora border on Monday morning. Sources told CNN News18 said that the bus was overloaded and had around 40 passengers. Among those killed were mostly children, they said. The bus was going from Garhwal to Kumaon when the fell into a 200-metre-deep gorge at Marchula in Almora, District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey said. Advertisement #WATCH | Uttarakhand: A Garwal Motors Users' bus fell into a gorge near Kupi in Ramnagar at Pauri-Almora border. Deaths and injuries feared. Search and rescue operation underway. Details awaited. (Video: SDRF) pic.twitter.com/dzSgKw6tkF ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2024 Others are feared trapped inside the bus and the rescue operation is being carried out by police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to bring them out safely. A report by IndiaToday quoted Salt Sub-District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar as saying that the passengers who have been rescued were rushed to nearby hospital. VIDEO | A passenger bus fell into a gorge near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand early morning today. Several casualties feared. More details awaited. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/pS7Ct8NhWI Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 4, 2024 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that instructions have been given to airlift seriously injured passengers if required. Very sad news has been received about the casualties of passengers in the unfortunate bus accident that took place in Marchula of Almora district. The district administration has been instructed to carry out relief and rescue operations swiftly, he said in a post on X in Hindi. Advertisement The local administration and SDRF teams at the accident site are working rapidly to evacuate the injured and take them to the nearest health center for treatment. Instructions have also been given to airlift seriously injured passengers if required, he added in his post. With inputs from agencies. India on Monday condemned the violence by pro-Khalistan radicals at a Hindu temple in Canadas Brampton and called on the Justin Trudeau government to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks read more India on Monday condemned the violence by pro-Khalistan radicals at a Hindu temple in Canadas Brampton and called on the Justin Trudeau government to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks. We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the Government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks, said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries regarding the violence. Advertisement He said that India expects that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence, added Jaiswal. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said that a protest took place at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan and attacking devotees outside the temple, reported Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The videos showed fist fights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple, the report added. The incident triggered condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Taking to X, Trudeau thanked the local authorities for the swift response to protect the community and probe this incident. Advertisement The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024 The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident, Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday. Advertisement Condemning the violent acts against Hindus, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya said that Khalistani extremists have crossed the red line." 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, Arya posted on X along with sharing the video of the incident. 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. I begin to feel pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024 Advertisement 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. 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 asserts their rights and hold politicians accountable. Advertisement With inputs from agencies PM Modi on Monday strongly condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by pro-Khalistani extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canadas Brampton and urged the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly condemned the acts of violence perpetrated by pro-Khalistani extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canadas Brampton and urged the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken Indias resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2024 Advertisement Taking to X, he posted, I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken Indias resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law. Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the violence and expressed hope that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. In a statement, the ministry also said that New Delhi remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The incident comes amid an escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada. We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario yesterday. We call on the government of Canada to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying in the statement. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment and violence, he said. Advertisement Protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with people at the temple, triggering condemnation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024 The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident, Trudeau said in a post on X on Monday. On Sunday, Peel Regional Police said a protest occurred at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton and unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. With inputs from agencies Some countries that permit a separatist movement to exist in their jurisdiction are keeping such movements in check, but in the case of Canada, a government that patronises a terrorist or a separatist movement for political gain, is irresponsible and to a point criminal, said Singh in a four-page statement posted on X read more Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating relationship between India and Canada and alleged that Canadian government patronises a terrorist or a separatist movement for political gains, which is irresponsible and to a point criminal. Some countries that permit a separatist movement to exist in their jurisdiction are keeping such movements in check, but in the case of Canada, a government that patronises a terrorist or a separatist movement for political gain, is irresponsible and to a point criminal, said Singh in a four-page statement posted on X. Advertisement The statement comes amid the current crisis in Indo-Canadian relations, exacerbated by an alleged Khalistani attack on a Hindu temple in Canadas Brampton. My statement on the current Indo-Canadian situation. pic.twitter.com/MyTlXxmZnn Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 4, 2024 Expressing strong criticism of Trudeau, Singh asserted that electoral gains appear to outweigh long-standing international relationships. It is not often that countries, friends for decades, should end up as have Canada and India today. The assassination of a person of extreme separatist views Hardeep Singh Nijjar, led to the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau pointing his finger, in a parliamentary statement, towards India as being responsible for this act, he said. Singh said Trudeau later stated that he didnt have concrete evidence, but that fingers pointed in that direction. This itself is a violation of the sanctity of Parliament where a prime ministerial statement is taken as the truth and nothing but the truth, he added. For Trudeau, he said, electoral compulsions seem to be more important than decades old relationships, national commitments and age old parliamentary traditions. Recalling his own experiences with Canadas approach to Sikh extremism during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister, Singh asserted that Trudeau had previously ignored and even supported separatist elements for political gain. Advertisement Some years ago when I was Chief Minister of Punjab, I was aware of Canadas approach to Sikh extremism being prevalent in that country, which was fast growing to which Trudeau not only turned a blind eye, but also patronised such people to enhance his political base. He sent his defence minister a Sikh, to Punjab, I refused to meet him, as he himself was an active member of the World Sikh Organization, at that time the parent body of the Khalistani movement, which was then presided over by none other than his father, said Singh. Recounting his meeting with Trudeau in Punjab months later, Singh said he presented a list of individuals involved in the Khalistani movement, some of whom were part of Trudeaus cabinet. Advertisement Some months later Trudeau visited Punjab and refused to meet me till he was told in no uncertain terms by the then External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj that if he did not meet the Chief Minister, he could not visit the state. We met in Amritsar, he was accompanied by his Defence Minister Sajjan, I presume an attempt to get one up on me! I told him in no uncertain terms of Punjabs problems with Canada, Singh said in the statement. Despite promises to address these concerns, Singh lamented that extremist activities have only intensified since that encounter, adversely affecting Punjabs stability and economy. Advertisement It had become a haven of the Khalistani separatist movement, which no Punjabi wanted, and also of gun running, drugs and gangsters. I handed him a list of over twenty leading individuals who were actively involved in this movement, some were also members of his cabinet, one of whom was sitting beside him. I was promised that he would look into these grievances. On the contrary, since our meeting these nefarious activities have grown. The Kanishka bombing is now out of his mind and so are the other acts that continue to destabilise Punjab. Our economy continues to stagnate as Industry always enters when it visualises peace and stability, added Singh. Advertisement He said now the gangsters are prevalent, weapons are freely used. Agriculture is becoming non profitable regardless of the increase in the states overall production, as input prices of fertilizers, oil and other essentials are becoming prohibitive, the minimum support price increases marginally on an annual basis. The reason is obvious! The purchase by the FCI is meant for food security, and an affordable price that the under-privileged of the country can afford. If the MSP goes up so does the consumer price to the millions of our poor, he added. As Trudeau faces upcoming elections, Singh said that the Prime Ministers recent actions such as severing diplomatic ties and implicating Indian officials reflect a desperate attempt to divert attention from his domestic challenges. He concluded with optimism, saying that a stable and cooperative relationship between India and Canada could lead to a brighter future for Punjab and India as a whole. From 1950 to 1956, Daulatram served as the Governor of Assam, where he played a key role in strengthening the administration of the North-East Frontier read more Jairamdas Daulatram stepped in to execute the Sardars orders given to the Himmasinghji Committee about Tawang. Image: Wikimedia Commons On October 31, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated virtually to the nation the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Singh was to visit Tawang, but due to inclement weather, the unveiling took place from Tezpur, Assam. The function coincided with Deepawali, as well as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, which every year celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Indias first Deputy Prime Minister. After paying a rich tribute to Sardar Patel, Singh dedicated a new statue of Patel in Tawang, which will symbolise the unwavering spirit required to build a nation as diverse as ours. Advertisement The defence minister also praised Major Bob Khathing. Major Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also established essential military and security frameworks. The new Museum of Valour is a tribute to his bravery and foresight, inspiring generations to come, he noted. A number of dignitaries, including the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, as well as Maj Khathings family, were in attendance in Tawang. It is a truly positive move that India has started to pay homage to its real heroes, but while one can only applaud this, one man has been forgotten in the process, though he was central to the Tawang expedition: it is Jairamdas Daulatram, the Governor of Assam, who ordered, organised, and monitored every step and action of Maj Khathing. It is a pity that the great man was not remembered on the day. Who was Jairamdas Daulatram? Born in Sind in 1891, Daulatram studied law, started practicing, but soon gave up his practice to fight for the independence of his country. As early as 1915, Daulatram came in contact with Gandhi; his life was changed; later he also came to be closely associated with Vallabhbhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad. Advertisement At the time of the partition, Daulatram left Sind and decided to stay in India; he was appointed the first Indian Governor of Bihar, a post he held until 1948. From 1950 to 1956, Daulatram served as the Governor of Assam, where he played a key role in strengthening the administration of the North-East Frontier Tract. Who asked you to do this? Several years ago, an Indian journalist, Sidharth Mishra, wrote an article, Forgotten: The man who won us Tawang, mentioning an incident that occurred soon after the takeover of the administration of Tawang: Once the expedition was over, Bob [Khathing] had a final task to do to go back to the Governor and inform him that he had carried out his duty without firing a shot. So, he set out downhill to Tezpur with a small retinue, leaving the expeditionary force in charge of [Maj TC] Allen. The Governor sent a Dakota to pick him up from Tezpur, and they flew to Delhi to see Jawaharlal Nehru. Advertisement Mishra writes that the Prime Minister was livid. Who asked you to do this? He then vented his anger at the Governor: I wish you had the good sense to consult me before you commissioned this colossal stupidity. I want a complete blackout on this incident, he ordered the PMO. In Nehrus Selected Works there is a note dated February 9, 1951 (the day Khathing met the officials in Tawang), the Prime Minister commented on the takeover: Tawang has now been occupied. Probably the step taken was justified. But it was an important step, and I should have been consulted about it. The instructions issued to the Officer Commanding [Khathing] should also have been placed before me before issue. This is a frontier matter involving possibly some complications and no step should be taken without full consultation. Advertisement On March 18, 1951, the Prime Minister observed again: I hear constantly about the activities of the North and North-East Border Defence Committee. Nehru referred to the Himmatsinghji Committee headed by Himmatsinghji, Indias Deputy Defence Minister, to study the defence preparedness in case China occupying Tibet. Nehru continued: At no stage have these matters been brought up before me for consultation, although apparently consultations have taken place with the Governor of Assam and other people far away. I am greatly concerned about this matter because the manner of our going to Tawang and taking possession of it and thus creating some international complications has not been a happy one. I am yet not quite clear how all this was done without any reference to me. Advertisement One can imagine what would have happened had the Prime Minister been in the loop. Daulatram did it The man who took all the responsibility was Daulatram, while Maj Bob Khathing, one of the most illustrious sons of the Assam Rifles, had the skills and intelligence to execute the Governors plans perfectly. This reminds me of a story. In November 1947, Brig Sam Manekshaw attended a meeting presided over by Lord Mountbatten in Delhi. He later related: There was Jawaharlal Nehru, there was Sardar Patel, there was Sardar Baldev Singh [defence minister]. [Mountbatten] handed over the (Instrument of Accession) thing. Mountbatten turned around and said, come on Manekji (he called me Manekji instead of Manekshaw), what is the military situation? I gave him the military situation, and told him that unless we flew in troops immediately, we would have lost Srinagaronce the tribesmen got to the airport and Srinagar. The future Field Marshal continues: As usual, Nehru talked about the United Nations, Russia, Africa, God almighty, everybody, until Sardar Patel lost his temper. He said, Jawaharlal, do you want Kashmir, or do you want to give it away? Nehru said, Of course, I want Kashmir. Then [Patel] said, Please give your orders. And before he could say anything, Sardar Patel turned to me and said, You have got your orders. Four years later, Jairamdas Daulatram stepped in to execute the Sardars orders given to the Himmasinghji Committee about Tawang; Patel was then on death bed. Daulatram told the young Manipuri Naga officer to set up the Government of Indias administration in the Tawang area (then Kameng Frontier Agency). Before the prime minister got to know, the job was done. However, it is a fact that the Ministry of External Affairs (Nehru had this portfolio under him) was regularly informed of the developments. A proof is a top secret report, Major Khathings Detailed Report About Towang, sent in April 1951 by Haliram Datta, the Secretary to Adviser to the Governor of Assam, to SN Haksar, the joint secretary in the ministry. Datta wrote: In continuation of Shri NK Rustomjis demi-official No.CGA.6/51, dated 3rd April 1951, I am directed to enclose herewith a copy of a detailed report from Major Khathing for the information of the Government of India. Though the ministry was fully informed as the expedition was progressing, it was legally the prerogative of the Governor of Assam to occupy Tawang, as it was definitely part of the Indian territory since 1914. What was wrong with occupying a part of Indias territory? Interestingly, for years the Chinese government did not react to the Daulatram/Khathing expedition. An unpublished Chinese study on the McMahon line admits: [Beijing] not being clear about the Indo-Tibetan border is clearly reflected in the map drawn by the troops that invaded Tibet. The study further explains: Regarding the map that the PLA used while invading Tibet, when the 18th Army led by Zhang Guohua invaded Tibet, they still did not have a Tibetan map that they could use. They only had a rough and simple map of Tibet showing subdivisions. There was not even a standard road map. The names of the places and the villages were neither precise nor accurate. Zhou Enlais views in 1956 Incidentally, during a talk with Zhou Enlai, the Chinese Premier told Nehru on December 31, 1956: People like me never knew about it till recently. The then Chinese government, namely, the warlords in Peking and the KMT, naturally knew about it. Perhaps U Nu [the Burmese prime minister] might have told Your Excellency [Nehru] that we studied this question, and although this line was never recognised by us, still apparently there was a secret pact between Britain and Tibet, and it was announced at the time of the Simla Conference [in 1914]. And now that it is an accomplished fact, we should accept it. But we have not consulted Tibet so far. In the last agreement which we signed about Tibet [in 1954], the Tibetans wanted us to reject this Line; but we told them that the question should be temporarily put aside. But today Beijing claims the entire Arunachal Pradesh. The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Donald Trump comes across as a much stronger, more determined, and tougher candidate. He is also a natural media and publicity hound, attracting eyeballs and attention wherever he goes read more The people of the United States will vote for their next president on November 5. Who will win? Will it be Kamala Harris, Democratic candidate, still slightly ahead according to most polls, and incumbent Vice President? Or the challenger, former US president and Republican candidate, Donald Trump? Pollsters and pundits have been harping on how close the race is. But not really, even if we go by living memory. Have we forgotten that in 2000 George W. Bush won by a margin of just 537 votes against Al Gore? That too from recounts and Supreme Court rulings from a single state, Florida, which tilted the balance in the electoral college decisively in George W.s favour? Advertisement What makes the US presidential election so specialand at times difficult to callis that though a direct franchise of the voting public for their chief executive and head of state, it is not the total number of popular votes cast that determines the outcome. Instead, whoever wins the majority in an individual state, even, theoretically, by a single vote, bags the entire states electoral votes. What this means is that losing candidates may actually win by handsome margins in states where they are ahead, but because they are behind by a few votes in the swing states, may actually end up losing the presidency altogether. In the present context, with many states already considered a done deal for either Democrats or Republicans, the outcome boils down to the few undecided or uncertain ones. Let me explain. Key states such California, New York, Illinois, and Washington are already overwhelmingly Blue or Democratic. Add to these the others on the same side, Harris has an estimated 226 votes already in her kitty. The magic number is 270. Therefore, she only needs an additional 44. Trump on the other hand leads in states such as Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana, but given that these and the others leaning Republican have less votes than the Blue states, the expected Red votes already bagged are 219. Trump would thus need at least 51 more votes to enter the White House. This is where the seven battleground states of Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia will really tilt the crucial casting votes. Of these, Pennsylvania, with 19, and Georgia, with 18 respectively, are the most important in terms of weightage. Now to the crucial new data, which seems to show Trump gaining in not one or two, but all of these seven. Advertisement Does this mean that Trump will definitely win? Not really. Why? Because states such as Iowa, which were considered strongly Red, if the Selzer poll is to be believed, now show a significant Harris lead. Even Texas, a strongly Republican state, may throw up a surprise. Similarly, there might be reverses in some Blue states, such as Virginia and New Mexico. At least that is what is indicated by Trumps choosing to make last minute pit stops there. Yet, in my view, with over 90 million Americans having already cast their votes and with unusually high turnouts, this election may not be as closely contested as predicted. That is because both media and experts have shown themselves to be partisan. This makes their data and prognostics unreliable. Advertisement However, this is a bitterly fought and crucial election not only for the US but also for the world. That is because the two candidates not only voice radically different views, but also represent starkly different visions of America. For many ordinary Americans, what is at stake is the very idea of America, what it means to be American, and Americas place in the world. That is where, despite his foot-in-the-mouth syndrome and natural nastiness, Trump seems to have tapped the nations nerve, if not pulse, with his Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign. Surviving a legal dragnet, which he claims is nothing but political vendetta, and standing tall in spite of assassination attempts, Trump comes across as a much stronger, more determined, and tougher candidate. He is also a natural media and publicity hound, attracting eyeballs and attention wherever he goes. Even the number of jokes targeting him, reportedly over 1400, is way more than the 46 that center on Harris. Advertisement Harris, despite being a much more normal and likeable person, does not come across, despite her best attempts, as the candidate for change. Instead, the anti-incumbency against the current Biden-Harris administration is sure to bite her too. Appeals to identity politics and political correctness may not be sufficient to swing the race, especially in a time of crisis, such as the present. Regardless of who wins, most people, Americans especially, will be relieved when the results are declared in the next few days. The campaign, with all its ups and downs, has been grueling not only for the candidates but for the nation too. As much as the final result, what American most wish for is a peaceful transition for which a decisive win for either candidate is the prerequisite. Advertisement I suspect that the verdict of Janata Janardanthe Divine as embodied in the peoplewill deliver just that. The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. With the iPhone 16, Apple has made the line dividing its Pro lineup and standard models thinner than ever. Featuring a similar SoC, most of its features, and the same Apple Intelligence capabilities as the Pro versions, one has to ask themselves, why would anyone go for the Pro devices? read more Pros: - Gets almost the same SoC as the Pro models - iOS 18 has some massive new updates - Snappy performance - Solid camera performance thanks to the new image pipeline of the A18 - Impressive battery life, especially for an iPhone - Built like a tank - Small form factor - Gets most of the new features of the Pro models including Camera Control - Closest to a Pro iPhone a standard iPhone has ever been Cons: - 60Hz display is a massive paint point - USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speed - Apple Intelligence features is still not officially available in India - Slow wired charging at 20W Advertisement Pricing: Rs 79,900 for the base 128GB variant Rating: 4.75/5 For a while now, the gap between the standard iPhones and the feature-rich Pro models has been narrowing with each new release. With the iPhone 16 series, that gap is the slimmest it has ever been. Typically, when Apple launches new iPhones, the standard models dont receive as many exciting an updates as the Pro variants. There have even been times when the standard models didnt get a new SoC and had to make do with the previous gens SoC. Obviously, this led to criticism from both tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike. However, this time around, things are quite different. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Never before has the standard iPhone been so closely aligned with its Pro counterparts as it is with the iPhone 16. For the first time, the basic iPhone model boasts many of the same features found in the iPhone 16 Pro. In fact, it shares practically the same SoC the A18, which, only has a single core missing from the GPU, when compared to the A18 Pro that powers the Pro models. Even otherwise, this years iPhone 16 lineup shares a lot more similarities than in previous years. For instance, the iPhone 16 now includes the Action button, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. It also has the same Camera Control button found in the Pro versions and offers a similar set of Apple Intelligence features That said, there are still some differences. The iPhone 16 sticks with a dual-camera setup, which has seen not only a new layout but also some significant upgrades over the iPhone 15. Additionally, there are some distinctions in battery size and the display. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display doesnt include ProMotion or always-on capabilities features that Apple reserves for the Pro models. Advertisement So, how does the iPhone 16 hold up as an overall package? Should you choose the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max? Lets find out! Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das iPhone 16 Review: Design The iPhone 16 looks markedly different from the iPhone 15 for a number of reasons. First off, there is the new, redesigned camera module. Then there are the shades of colour, which ditch the more muted, pastel shades for some bright and vibrant tones. Having said that, classic Apple aesthetic is still intact. After spending a week with this device, it feels almost identical to the iPhone 15, especially the hand. A glance at the spec sheets will confirm that dimension-wise, not a lot has changed. Advertisement The iPhone 16 measures 146.7 x 71.6 x 7.8mm and weighs about 170 grams, and I really appreciate this. In a world where smartphones are getting insanely massive, its really refreshing to have a more reasonably sized one. The iPhone 16s unchanged size makes it easy to handle with one hand, especially when compared to the bulkier iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Apple has used aerospace-grade aluminium in the construction of the iPhone 16, which makes ti both lighter and much sturdier. The Cupertino-based giant also claims that their latest generation of Ceramic Shield glass is tougher than ever and more resilient to scratches. Nonetheless, I would advise users to invest in a good screen protector and a case for extra protection. Advertisement The iPhone 16 retains the modern look introduced with the iPhone 15, featuring smooth, rounded edges and vibrant colour-infused backs. This time around, Apple has gone beyond the usual soft colours to offer a lively palette thats perhaps the most exciting weve seen in years. Ive got the Pink model, and its a lovely shade that shifts depending on the light. Other options include White, Teal, Black and Ultramarine. One of the most noticeable updates is on the back, where the camera setup is now vertical. The 48MP Fusion camera sits above the 12MP ultrawide lens, forming a slightly raised glass bump that has a unique pill-like shape. The true tone flash is off to the side, outside the camera bump. The new layout isnt just about aesthetics, it also allows the iPhone 16 to take Spatial Photos and Videos, something that Apple has been focusing more on as of late. Advertisement Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das This year, the iPhone 16 introduces two exciting buttons. The first is the Action Button, which first appeared on the iPhone 15 Pro. The Action Button allows you to select from various presets, such as turning on the flashlight, enabling an accessibility feature, using Shazam, or launching the camera. Its conveniently placed above the volume buttons on the left side. You can also set it to replace the traditional mute switch. We also get the new Camera Control near the bottom, on the side where we have the power button. The camera control isnt exactly a button, but does function like one ts equipped it is a capacitive touch panel which includes some haptics that get triggered by different types of presses and gestures. The Camera Control is designed to mimic the shutter button on proper, cameras, and also has the same functionality as what you would expect in a basic DSLR or mirrors shutter system, plus a few additional features. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das You can use the Camera Control to snap photos or double-press lightly to pull up camera settings. If you want to zoom in or out, simply swipe left or right, which is a straightforward and intuitive feature. Ill go into more detail later, but I believe this could be one of the most significant additions to the iPhone, especially considering how frequently people use their phones to take pictures. At the bottom, you get a pair of speaker grills and a USB-C port, which is still rated at USB 2.0 speeds. iPhone 16 Review: Display Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro, the new iPhone 16 doesnt change screen size; it still features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. Visually, the display holds up well. Its a nice OLED panel that handles most tasks without issue. The iPhone 16s display has enough saturation and contrast to make scenes stand out, thanks to its wide P3 colour gamut. In terms of brightness, it offers a maximum of 1,000 nits (typical), 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR, 2,000 nits for outdoor use, and a minimum brightness of just 1 nit. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das One of the features I really enjoy is the Dynamic Island and its versatility. With iOS, you get visual feedback through Live Activities that can overlay on the Dynamic Island. This means you can easily dismiss a timer after watching it count down or access music playback controls that match the colours of the album artwork and audio waveform. Third-party apps, like Zomato or Blinkit, can also use Dynamic Island to keep you updated on your delivery status. Its super functional and houses the Face ID sensors for secure unlocking and authentication. Plus, the 12-megapixel front-facing camera is conveniently located within the Dynamic Island, making it easy to take selfies, join video calls, or record your next viral TikTok. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Similar to the iPhone 15, the Super Retina XDR display does not feature an always-on option and lacks ProMotion, which is Apples term for a 120Hz refresh rate. While Im fine with not having an always-on display, I find it disappointing that Apple has stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate for its less expensive flagship models, especially when many more affordable phones offer better refresh rates. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Whats frustrating is that once youve experienced a phone with a 120Hz or even a 90Hz display, going back to a 60Hz panel can feel like a downgrade. This becomes particularly annoying when you spend a lot of time reading on your phone. The display performs well for gaming, scrolling through Instagram, and watching videos on streaming platforms like YouTube. However, browsing the web or reading lengthy articles can feel a bit jarring due to that lower refresh rate. iPhone 16 Review: Camera The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus comes with the same dual-camera system that we saw in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, albeit with some major improvements. The iPhone 16 features a 48MP Fusion camera paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera. The cameras get a massive benefit from the upgraded image processing capabilities of the A18 chip. The 12MP ultrawide camera is of particular note, as it now supports macro photography, a feature that was previously reserved for the Pro versions. You can shoot with a 0.5x ultrawide lens, and zoom all the way up to a 2x telephoto or 10x digital zoom. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das While it lacks the versatility of the iPhone 16 Pro models, the iPhone 16 still holds its own in performance. Im particularly impressed by the sharpness and detail produced by the iPhone 16s main camera. The Fusion technology effectively combines four pixels into one, delivering 48-megapixel quality in a standard 24MP image. The 24MP images come out vibrant and provide lovely bokeh effects around subjects. When it comes to zoom, we noticed that detail suffer a bit when zooming with the main camera since its not equipped with optical zoom. However, the colours remain consistent, and the algorithm performs well. Moreover, the iPhone 16 has improved handling of light flares during low-light conditions, thanks to a new anti-reflective coating. The addition of a 2x telephoto option lets you zoom in using the full 48MP sensor, making it easier to capture portraits or focus on specific details. Then there are the features of the new Camera Control feature. I had to spend a few days familiarizing myself with the controls, especially figuring out how much pressure to use and uncovering the hidden menus. Once I got the hang of it, I found the positioning to be intuitive. With a couple of light presses, you can access advanced settings such as exposure, depth, zoom, camera styles, and tone. Tapping into these options allows you to swipe through presets and adjust as needed. When you activate the Camera Control, the interface simplifies, showcasing just the digital shutter button. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Although Apple isnt the first to introduce an advanced shutter button, theyve uniquely combined features like a force sensor and haptic feedback with a touch interface and a sleek sapphire crystal finish. This gives the iPhone 16 a premium feel, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to enhance their photography experience. The colour accuracy of the 12MP front camera matches that of the rear cameras on the iPhone 16, delivering images that are clear and incredibly sharp. This level of quality extends to videos captured with the front-facing camera as well, ensuring that they look just as impressive. When it comes to video recording, the iPhone 16 offers impressive capabilities, including 4K Dolby Vision video at frame rates of 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps. You can also shoot 1080p Dolby Vision video at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, as well as 720p Dolby Vision at 30 fps. It supports Cinematic mode up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps and Action mode up to 2.8K Dolby Vision at 60 fps. Plus, theres macro video recording, along with options for slow-motion and time-lapse. Slow-motion video can be recorded in 1080p at either 120 fps or 240 fps. While the video features arent as advanced as those found on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, its important to note that the Pro models offer capabilities that might be more than what the average user needs. For regular users or even amateur content creators, the camera on the standard iPhone 16 is more than sufficient for capturing high-quality videos. For some samples of unedited photos from the iPhone 16, click here. iPhone 16 Review: Performance, software experience and UI The iPhone 16 is powered by Apples impressive A18 Bionic chip, made using TSMCs cutting-edge 3nm N3E process. Apple claims this new chip delivers a 30% boost in CPU performance and a whopping 40% increase in GPU speed compared to the A16 in the iPhone 15. Furthermore, it only has one GPU core less compared to the A18 Pro that powers the iPhone 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max. Plus, both the CPU and GPU are designed to be more energy-efficient, which definitely contributes to the improved battery life weve noticed during testing. The A18 Bionic also introduces a 16-core neural engine that speeds up machine learning tasks, paving the way for the exciting Apple Intelligence features that are still on the way. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Youll find storage options starting at 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB available as well. While Apple hasnt confirmed the exact amount of RAM, but various benchmarking apps indicate that the new iPhones come with 8GB, which would also be the minimum required for all the new AI features. One notable upgrade is the new aluminium thermal substructure, enhancing sustained performance by 30%. During my benchmarking, the iPhone 16 felt cooler than its predecessor, even under heavy use. The A18 chip also enables better hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which Apple says can give you up to five times the frame rates in compatible games. Just like last years Pro models, the iPhone 16 handles AAA games pretty well, although, not as good as the Pro models of this year. In real-world use, the iPhone 16 delivers a smooth gaming experience similar to what I had with the iPhone 15. While it performs admirably in mobile gaming, the absence of a 120Hz refresh rate is noticeable, especially if youre used to higher refresh rates. Whether youre browsing the web, streaming shows, or multitasking, the iPhone 16 stays responsive and efficient. It handles intense gaming sessions without a hitch, although it does warm up a bit. Games like Assassins Creed and Resident Evil look fantastic, with the upgraded GPU providing smooth gameplay and enhanced details. Im curious to see how future games will take advantage of this extra power, further solidifying the appeal of gaming on an iPhone. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Overall, Ive been impressed with the iPhone 16. It feels fast and responsive, providing great performance for its price. Its clear that the A18 chip has a lot of power and room for future growth. The standard iPhone 16 now feels closer to the Pro models than ever before, especially with features like Camera Control, vibrant colour options, and Apple Intelligence. If only it had a slightly faster display. Driving the device on a day-to-day basis as your main smartphone will show that the iPhone 16 is more than capable enough to handle whatever you throw at it. And when you add Apple Intelligence and the new iOS 18 into the mix, things get very interesting. iOS 18 is largely fantastic, even though Apple Intelligence only started rolling out with iOS 18.1. iPhone 16 users will get to enjoy handy features like removing unwanted objects from photos, a more conversational Siri, and AI tools for writing and transcribing text. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Having tested Apple Intelligence during the developer beta, I learned that Apple plans to launch more AI features in select markets later this year, with India likely getting them in early next year. The upcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to introduce even more exciting features, like image generation, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence, making the iPhone 16 even more appealing. What Apple is doing with Apple Intelligence isnt too different from the capabilities found in Googles Pixel 9 series and Samsungs Galaxy AI devices. Theres a lot of overlap in features, such as tools for writing assistance, email summaries, and photo editing. What sets Apple apart, though, is its ecosystem and commitment to user privacy, which is something thats hard for others to match. While Apple Intelligence is still evolving, its shaping up to be a game-changer for the iPhone 16. Currently, these features arent available on the iPhone 16 in India, with an official launch set for 2025. But even without Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 comes packed with solid features as part of iOS 18, including new ways to customize your home screen, organize photos, send money easily, and manage passwords with a sleek new password manager. iPhone 16 Review: Battery Apple has outfitted the entire iPhone 16 lineup with slightly larger batteries. Reports suggest that the iPhone 16 features a 3,561mAh lithium-ion battery, an upgrade from the 3,349mAh battery found in the iPhone 15. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 3,582mAh battery, the iPhone 16 Plus boasts a 4,674mAh battery, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with a 4,685mAh battery. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das On an average day, I usually start using my device around 7:00 AM. Throughout the day, Im frequently hopping between apps like Gmail, X, Outlook, Chrome, and Slack. I also stream music occasionally, spend an hour or two watching videos, engage in some light gaming, and scroll through social media. By 11:30 PM, I typically have about 30% of the battery remaining. After a week of use and a minor software update, Im getting around 13-14 hours of screen-on time before needing to charge the iPhone 16. When it comes to charging, the iPhone 16 only includes a braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, but it does support fast charging. I found that I could charge it from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes using a standard 20-watt adapter. Additionally, the iPhone 16 features upgraded wireless charging capabilities, supporting the new MagSafe charger and the Qi2 standard. With MagSafe, you can achieve charging speeds of up to 25W, while Qi2 offers up to 15W. iPhone 16 Review: Verdict With the iPhone 16 series, the line separating Apples standard models from its Pro versions has significantly blurred. For many users, including those who are heavy-duty users, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are a bit of an overkill and packed to the T with features that many wont actually use. Its almost like Apple created a high-end prosumer camera, and slapped on a brilliant smartphone onto it. Whats truly remarkable this time is that the standard iPhone is equipped with many features that we find in the Pro models, namely the Action Button, Camera Controls, and Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a pretty identical SoC. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das The camera on the iPhone 16 performs exceptionally well as well, something that was reserved for the Pro models in a generation. The standard iPhone 16s camera, especially the main lens, now produces photos that are crisp, vibrant and true-to-life. The only thing missing is a telephoto lens, but we will let the Pros have that. Even in video recording, the iPhone 16 produces some pretty solid results, although it does miss out on some features like ProRes video. But then, it does get some other cool new features like Audio Mix, something even amateur content creators will benefit from. The only major drawback I found with the iPhone 16 is its 60Hz display, which feels somewhat outdated and lacks the smoothness of competitors boasting higher refresh rates, and the fact that it still has a slow charging speed. There are many reasons why I would recommend the iPhone 16 to someone who is looking to get into iPhones, Its almost as fast as the Pro models, it comes in a pretty compact and hand-able weight and size. For anyone who doesnt need the advanced features of the Pro models, the iPhone 16 is an excellent option. According to Microsoft, the main objective of this botnet campaign by China appears to be espionage, as the targets include high-value entities such as think tanks, government bodies, NGOs, law firms, and defence industries read more Microsofts report indicates that in around 80 per cent of cases, CovertNetwork-1658 makes only a single login attempt per account each day, a strategy designed to evade traditional security monitoring systems. Image Credit: Reuters Microsoft has uncovered a significant cyber threat involving a Chinese botnet known as Quad7, which is reportedly targeting organisations across the globe with sophisticated password spray attacks. This botnet, operated by a group identified as Storm-0940, aims to breach networks and steal credentials, paving the way for further intrusive and potentially disruptive cyber activities. According to Microsoft, the main objective of this campaign appears to be espionage, as the targets include high-value entities such as think tanks, government bodies, NGOs, law firms, and defence industries. Advertisement Strategic and stealthy infiltrations Storm-0940s method of attack is calculated and difficult to detect. The botnet, through a sub-group known as CovertNetwork-1658, submits minimal login attempts to various accounts within a target organisation, ensuring it remains under the radar. Microsofts report indicates that in around 80 per cent of cases, CovertNetwork-1658 makes only a single login attempt per account each day, a strategy designed to evade traditional security monitoring systems. Once the attackers manage to breach an account, the follow-up is swift. Microsoft revealed that in some cases, further compromises were initiated on the same day the password was successfully guessed. The attackers initial actions after gaining access include extracting additional credentials and deploying remote access tools (RATs) and proxies to maintain their foothold within the network. Expanding target surface and malware clusters Quad7 is not an unfamiliar threat. It gained significant attention in September 2024 when it began exhibiting new features and expanding its range of targets. Initially spotted by a researcher known as Gi7w0rm and analysed by Sekoia experts, the botnet was first seen focusing on TP-Link routers. However, it rapidly evolved to target other devices such as ASUS routers and expanded further to compromise Zyxel VPN endpoints, Ruckus wireless routers, and Axentra media servers. The attackers have developed tailored malware to breach these devices, creating unique clusters of infections for different targets. Each cluster employs a variant of a login method tailored for specific devices; for example, the cluster designed for Ruckus devices is termed rlogin, while others include xlogin, alogin, axlogin, and zylogin. The scale of these clusters varies significantly, with some encompassing thousands of infected devices, while others may involve as few as two. Advertisement Broader implications and security concerns The discovery of Quad7s expanded operations underlines the growing complexity of global cyber threats. The use of SOHO (small office/home office) routers as entry points suggests a shift in tactics, with attackers exploiting weaker endpoints to bypass traditional enterprise security defences. By customising their malware and deploying covert login attempts, Storm-0940 and its affiliates are demonstrating an advanced level of cyber sophistication. Microsofts findings emphasise the importance of robust security measures and continuous monitoring for organisations worldwide. While Quad7s reach and impact continue to grow, cybersecurity experts are urging organisations to strengthen their defences, particularly in protecting routers and network endpoints that could serve as gateways for such attacks. Advertisement Now, with access to real-time web data, ChatGPT has evolved into a sharper, more reliable tool, sparking thoughts that perhaps traditional search engines might soon face a serious rival read more One compelling aspect of ChatGPT search is its ability to maintain a seamless thread. Each query becomes part of an ongoing conversation, where users can scroll up to revisit previous questions and answers without losing track of the context. Image Credit: Reuters OpenAIs ChatGPT has already made waves as one of the most recognisable generative AI platforms, capturing attention and use worldwide. The ambition to integrate a search feature was long in the making and seen as a smart step towards balancing the platforms uncanny, insightful responses with its occasional pitfalls hallucinations and misinformation. Now, with access to real-time web data, ChatGPT has evolved to a sharper, more reliable tool, sparking thoughts that perhaps traditional search engines might soon face a serious rival. Advertisement What sets ChatGPTs search capabilities apart is its conversational approach, combined with its ability to keep track of context throughout a search session. The experience isnt just about finding information; its about engaging in an interactive discovery process. This exploration became possible when OpenAI rolled out what it dubbed SearchGPT, eventually integrating it with ChatGPT 4.0. Users with early access can activate Search by simply clicking the globe icon within the prompt box. Once switched on, this feature would remain active until manually turned off, offering a seamless shift into this enhanced search mode. No more ad overload and cluttered interfaces One clear advantage of ChatGPTs search is the absence of ads. The interface stays clean, intuitive, and distraction-free, unlike Googles current iteration, which is loaded with ads and links to various services. Over time, Google Search has become somewhat unrecognisable from the version that charmed users in the 2000s. Now it serves as a launchpad for a myriad of Googles other products and an engine for its relentless revenue needs. By contrast, ChatGPTs focus remains on delivering concise, cohesive responses that synthesise information from reliable sources on the web. The magic lies in the generative AI core of ChatGPT 4.0, making the search experience feel almost aware. It pieces together bits of data from different places into cohesive, easy-to-read overviews and remembers what users were discussing so that follow-up questions dont require reiterating the initial query. Advertisement For instance, when exploring complex topics like the heaviest objects in the universe, ChatGPT not only provided a satisfactory answer but allowed me to ask follow-up questions, understanding what exactly I was looking for, all in a single thread. Google, on the other hand, couldnt offer this kind of continuous dialogue without needing to start anew each time. Image Credit: Firstpost Image Credit: Firstpost Seamless contextual searches Another compelling aspect of ChatGPT search is its ability to maintain a seamless thread. Each query becomes part of an ongoing conversation, where users can scroll up to revisit previous questions and answers without losing track of the context. This means no more backtracking or retyping the same question to refine the search results. Its an experience that feels refreshingly modern and engaging. Advertisement However, not everything is perfect. During my exploration, I noticed that while ChatGPT search excelled in delivering text-based responses, it stumbled when it came to visual or map-based queries. For example, when I asked for directions from Noida to Nehru Place, it provided a detailed step-by-step guide on using the Delhi Metro, without considering other options like driving or taking a taxi. Image Credit: Firstpost When prompted for a map, ChatGPT search could only supply images of the Delhi Metro map from the DMRC and a link to the official DMRC website. Image Credit: Firstpost But when I asked for a road map, it directed me to a Google Maps link where I had to input the starting and ending points myself, and threw in some unrelated images of Nehru Place that werent interactive or helpful. Advertisement Image Credit: Firstpost This highlights a significant limitation in ChatGPTs current search capabilities. While it can pull useful information and make intelligent connections, the platform lacks the comprehensive, integrated mapping and navigation tools that Google has mastered. Googles ecosystem connects with Maps, Drive, and a host of other apps, offering users a one-stop search experience that ChatGPT is yet to replicate. The future of search Its worth acknowledging that while ChatGPT search feels polished, its not ready to dethrone Google just yet. OpenAIs knowledge graph and data integration arent as extensive as Googles, which has spent decades refining its algorithms and weaving its various services into one another. Advertisement Google remains the default search choice for most, practically synonymous with searching the internet itself. Meanwhile, ChatGPT, though gaining attention, hasnt reached that level of ubiquity or reliability. Despite this, the introduction of ChatGPT search does suggest a future where traditional search engines may need to rethink their strategies. ChatGPTs seamless, context-aware conversations are something that Google, with all its AI overviews and efforts to modernise search, has yet to fully replicate. ChatGPT presents a cleaner, more user-friendly way of exploring information, making it a refreshing alternative, even if its not without its flaws. For now, Ill likely return to using Google out of habit, especially when I need comprehensive results backed by its full arsenal of tools. But ChatGPTs search has shown that theres potential for a shift. If OpenAI continues to develop and refine its offering maybe even with an easy-to-use Chrome extension that sets it as the default search engine it might just carve out a new niche in how we navigate the web. Whether Google will be concerned remains to be seen, but the tech landscape is surely watching with interest. As a string of volcanic eruptions intensified on the isolated island of Flores. At least nine people have died in these incidents, Indonesias Disaster Management Agency reported. read more Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews volcanic materials from its crater during an eruption in East Flores, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Photo: AP) Indonesias Disaster Management Agency said Monday that at least nine people have died as a series of volcanic eruptions widens on the remote island of Flores. Authorities raised the danger level and widened the danger zone for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on Monday, following a series of eruptions that began last week. The countrys volcano monitoring agency increased the volcanos alert status to the highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius after midnight on Monday as eruptions became more frequent. It has been spewing thick brownish ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the air every day since Thursday. Advertisement The eruption just after midnight on Monday spewed thick brownish ash as high as 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the air and hot ashes hit a nearby village, burning down several houses including a convent of Catholic nuns, said Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki monitoring post. Its Indonesias second volcanic eruption in as many weeks. West Sumatra provinces Mount Marapi, one of the countrys most active volcanos, erupted on Oct. 27, spewing thick columns of ash at least three times and blanketing nearby villages with debris, but no casualties were reported. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) US President Joe Biden on Monday hailed Moldovas reelection of pro-Western President Maia Sandu as a win for democracy and said Russia had failed to undermine the former Soviet republic read more US President Joe Biden on Monday hailed Moldovas reelection of pro-Western President Maia Sandu as a win for democracy and said Russia had failed to undermine the former Soviet republic. Biden in a statement congratulated Sandu and said that voters shared her vision for a secure, prosperous and democratic Moldova. For months, Russia sought to undermine Moldovas democratic institutions and election processes. But Russia failed, Biden said. 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, Biden said. Advertisement The United States has repeatedly warned that Russia was seeking to interfere in the election by pumping in millions of dollars to stop Sandus reelection against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor backed by the pro-Moscow Socialists. Sandu applied for Moldova to join the European Union following Russias invasion of neighboring Ukraine, also a former Soviet republic, in 2022. Russia has stationed 1,500 troops in a breakaway region of Moldova, Transnistria. Sandu earlier called a referendum in which Moldovans narrowly voted yes to support accession to the European Union, talks on which opened in June. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in May visited Moldova, where he called Sandu a very valuable partner and vowed solidarity against bullying by Russia. A group of devotees of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Canadas Brampton were attacked by Khalistani extremists who were reportedly holding a demonstration to commemorate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots read more On Sunday, a group of men wielding sticks, and some with flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups, attacked devotees outside a Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton. Source: AFP. Another temple was attacked in Canada, this time in Brampton where a group of devotees of the Hindu Sabha Mandir was targetted by alleged Khalistani extremists on Sunday. Several videos of the latest crime against Hindus in Canada went viral on social media. One of the clips, shared by the Hindu Canadian Foundation - a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada - showed a group of men wielding sticks, and some with flags associated with pro-Khalistani groups, attacking devotees outside the temple. Advertisement The Hindu Canadian Foundation said children and women were also attacked in the incident. This is all happening under the support of Khalistaani politician sympathisers, it said. Attack amid India calls for action against Khalistani extremists in Canada The latest incident of violence occurred amid strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada as Ottawa repeatedly dismissed New Delhis calls for strict action against Khalistani extremists in Canada. Instead, it accused India of targeting Khalistani individuals within its borders, leading to a massive diplomatic row. Trudeau condemns acts of violence on Hindu devotees Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack on Hindu devotees at the Brampton temple, saying that acts of violence are unacceptable and every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 3, 2024 Hindu temple in Canadas Brampton attacked by Khalistanis A group of devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was targeted by alleged Khalistani supporters on Sunday, sparking outrage. As per reports, the Khalistani supporters were holding a demonstration to commemorate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots before the attack took place. Tensions escalated in the area soon after the attack, prompting the Canadian police to deploy a large number of personnel. Canadian Police was aware of the protest In a post on X, Peel Regional Police said: Peel Regional Police is aware of the protests taking place in North East Brampton area. While we respect the individual right to protest as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms We have currently increased and visible presence to monitor and respond to any unlawful activities. Advertisement Any acts of violence, threats of violence or vandalism will be investigated, they said. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah also said that those who engage in such activities will be pursued, arrested, and charged. Red line crossed by Khalistani extremists: Canadian lawmakers condemn violence Advertisement Soon after the attack on the Hindu temple, Canadian MP of Indian origin, Chandra Arya, condemned the attack and said that Khalistani extremists had crossed a red line. 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 said. 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. No wonder that under the freedom of expression Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada, Chandra Arya added. 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. I begin to feel pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 3, 2024 Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown also expressed disappointment over hearing about the acts of violence outside the Hindu temple and demanded that those found guilty should be punished to the greatest extent of the law. Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside a place of worship, he said in a post on X. I am disappointed to hear about acts of violence outside of the Hindu Sabha in #Brampton. Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship. I have Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) November 3, 2024 Completely unacceptable, said Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, condemning the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple. Poilievre further said that Conservatives condemn the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos. Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos, he said in a post on X. Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos. Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) November 3, 2024 Toronto MP Kevin Vuong also condemned the attack and said that Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals and asserted that the leaders of the country have failed to protect Hindus just like they failed to safeguard Christians and Jewish Canadians. Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, Canada has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians and Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace, Vuong said. Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians & Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace. https://t.co/t3ckoXyD7z Kevin Vuong (@KevinVuongMP) November 3, 2024 With inputs from agencies. Backed by the countrys large diaspora, Sandu won 55.41 per cent of votes, according to near-complete results published by the election commission read more Journalists follow Moldova's President Maia Sandu after preliminary results were announced for the presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, late on Sunday. AP The European Union on Monday welcomed the re-election of Moldovas pro-European President Maia Sandu, in a tense vote that has laid bare divisions in the former Soviet republic bordering war-torn Ukraine. Backed by the countrys large diaspora, Sandu won 55.41 per cent of votes, according to near-complete results published by the election commission. Her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian Socialists, won 44.59 percent. Sundays key vote was overshadowed by allegations of Russian meddling. It took place just two weeks after a referendum in which Moldavans voted by a razor-thin margin to back joining the EU. Advertisement Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X on Monday. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Sandu on her re-election and the countrys European future. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sandu had safely guided the Republic of Moldova through difficult times and set her countrys European course. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Sandu, saying: Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty. Heard your voice Sandu owed her victory to Moldovans living abroad, many of them in EU countries. The 52-year-old former World Bank economist lost in the territory of Moldova itself, election results showed. Moldova is 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. In a conciliatory speech mostly in Romanian, the countrys official language, but also in parts in Russian, Sandu vowed to be a president for all. Advertisement I have heard your voice - both from those who support me and those who voted differently, she said. No matter your voting choice, we all want to live in peace, in harmony, and to have a better life. I assure you that this is my primary goal for the coming years. Russia has been accused of seeking to sway voters in both Moldova and in Georgia, another former Soviet republic, where the ruling party won a contested parliamentary election last month. Moscow has denied the allegations. Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed, Sandu said. Advertisement Her rival Stoianoglo, 57, whom Sandu fired as prosecutor general last year, urged people to remain calm, regardless of the figures as early results were coming in. He did not speak again after Sandu claimed victory. Moldovan authorities reported attacks, provocations and attempts at destabilisation on Sunday. Police said they were investigating Russias alleged use of organised transportation to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey so people living in Russia could vote at Moldovan diplomatic missions in those countries. Cyberattacks and fake bomb threats also targeted out-of-country voting operations, authorities said. Needs help Turnout was higher than in the first round on October 20, when Sandu came out ahead with 42.5 percent and runner-up Stoianoglo obtained 26 percent. Advertisement Maia Sandu is our only chance for the youth to have a future and to remain here, 19-year-old student Ana-Maria Simon told AFP in Chisinau on Monday. Sandu applied for Moldova to join the 27-member EU after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Membership negotiations formally began in June. In the October 20 referendum, 50.35 percent backed EU membership. Sandu blamed foreign interference for the narrow result in the country of 2.6 million people. Police said they uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots. Russia had an influence but this is not the only reason why 44 percent of people voted for Stoianoglo, Lucian Cristea, a 27-year-old student, told AFP. Advertisement The diaspora vote tipped the election, said Florent Parmentier, a political scientist at Paris-based Sciences Po, noting Sandus dependence on the outside. To maintain its pro-EU course, Moldova needs a lot of help, given the hybrid war waged by Russia, according to Andrei Curararu, an analyst at the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank. It will not succeed on its own, he said. White House contenders Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have placed maximum pressure on voters, urging them to protect the nation from cataclysmic doom as part of a political fight that has been going on for years. read more Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Atrium Health Amphitheater, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Macon, Ga. Image- AP As the US presidential election approaches, Americans are seeking solace in various ways. People gathered in a Virginia yoga studio to find peace amidst the high-stress election season. The intense rivalry between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has put immense pressure on voters. Many of the voters are feeling exhausted, anxious or simply wanting the election to be over. The election has created a deep divide among Americans, with tens of millions forced to choose between an ex-president accused of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss and a vice president who would make history as Americas first woman leader. This stark contrast has sparked conflicts among family, friends, and acquaintances causing concerns about the nations future. Advertisement According to the American Psychological Association, Americans are feeling increasingly stressed about politics due to the tumultuous election season marked by assassination attempts, last-minute candidate changes, heated debates, and ongoing legal battles It feels out of my control. Its like this base level of stress, said Cheryl Stevens, 55, after the yoga and meditation session in Reston, Virginia on Saturday that organizers billed as a way to address election stress. What if we have to do this all over again? she asked, referring to the possibility of Trump again leading the United States. Stevens, a Harris supporter, said the stress has led to her getting just four hours sleep some nights and has left her in a state of hypervigilance. Stop doom scrolling According to an APA survey released in October, 69 percent of US adults said the presidential election is a significant source of stress. That figure tops the level of 68 percent in 2020, when America was at the tail end of Trumps turbulent presidency, the Covid pandemic was raging and social justice protests were going strong. Advertisement It is far above the 52 percent reported in 2016, the dawn of the Trump era of American politics. Homesteader and hemp farmer Joe Upcavage was among a crowd of Trump supporters gathered Saturday to hear their leader in Salem, Virginia four hours drive and a political world away from solidly Democratic Reston. Youre getting battered left and right by the media, and all the fake crap. You cant say anything on social media without it being reported as fake, he said of his experience this election. My hometown of Levittown, Pennsylvania, is having a whole bunch of voter fraud, and everyone there is stressed out because its a mess, its a complete disaster, he added. Advertisement Our de-stressing is sticking to what we gotta do - taking care of the chickens, splitting wood, Upcavage said. As the vote draws closer, scores of articles online offer advice on managing election stress with tips ranging from breathing exercises to strategies like avoiding social media at bedtime. We all have different tolerance levels for this. It leads to catastrophizing, which is jumping to that worst case scenario, Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic told ABC news. One of the election stress event teachers, Reggie Hubbard, urged the roughly 45 people present to take care of themselves. Im happy that you all came to be with strangers as opposed to doom scrolling, he said, drawing some laughter. Advertisement Were in this together whether we like it or not. So why dont we try to like it? Hubbard added. That togetherness will be tested on Tuesday when Americans will have to come to terms with the fact nearly half the country doesnt agree with the result. With inputs from agencies. Even as alternative peace proposals have been floated lately, Hamas is expected to reject any proposal without the end of war in the Gaza Strip, according to a report read more With no end of war in sight and no day-after plan, Gaza appears to be locked in a forever war. (Representative Photo, Credit: Reuters) Hamas is expected to reject any peace proposal which does not include the end of war in the Gaza Strip, according to a report. The report comes at a time when a number of new proposals for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and partial release of hostages have been floated. These proposals have been floated as confidence-building measures to set the stage for a comprehensive deal for the end of the war and release of all hostages. Advertisement However, a security source has told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas is expected to reject any proposal that does include the permanent end of the war in Gaza. Its very clear that the hostage deal will only happen when the war comes to a close, the source told the newspaper. Following the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar last month, there has been a renewed push to strike a deal with Hamas for the end of war and the release of hostages. The United States, Egypt, and Israel are reported to have floated temporary deals involving a short-term ceasefire and the release of some hostages as a first step towards the deal for the end of war and release of all hostages. Following the talks between Israeli, US, and Qatari negotiators in Doha on October 27, a Hamas delegation has been holding deliberations with Egyptian negotiators for the past two days, according to the newspaper. However, there have not been any indication that progress has been made. Previously, a senior Hamas official called the new proposals as smokescreens. We are positively open to any proposals or ideas that ensure the cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza, said Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq in a statement. Advertisement Separately, senior official Osama Hamdan told Al-Aqsa TV on Sunday that Hamas has not received any new written proposals regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. While negotiations were initially taking place under the framework floated by US President Joe Biden in May, which sought the end of war and return of hostages in three phases, the talks stalled over a slew of new demands inserted into the proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As Netanyahu persisted with his demands, former Hamas chief Sinwar also hardened the groups position, particularly after he was appointed as the overall leader of the group after Ismail Haniyehs assassination. Advertisement In the renewed push for a deal after Sinwars death, the United States, Egypt, and Israel have floated their proposals for a temporary ceasefire. US principal negotiator, CIA chief William Burns, proposed a 28-day ceasefire in exchange of the release of eight hostages. The proposal sought the release of eight women hostages of any age or men over the age of 50 in lieu of the release of several dozen Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Egypt floated a plan for a two-days ceasefire and the return of four hostages in lieu of the release of unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. On its part, Israel has reportedly offered a 30-day ceasefire. Advertisement As per the proposal, 11-14 hostages held in Gaza would be released in lieu of a 30-day ceasefire and the release of unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners, according to Ynet. The outlet reported that the proposal would likely include the release of women hostages and to accommodate the desire to continue controlling Gaza, Israel may need to agree to release a higher-than-anticipated number of Palestinian prisoners for the swap. The Israeli military said top Hezbollah commander, Abu Ali Rida, of the Baraachit area in Southern Lebanon, responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops has been killed during an air strike read more Smoke rises above Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, on Israel's border with Lebanon. Source: REUTERS | FILE. The Israel Defense Forces on Monday said that it has eliminated top Hezbollah commander, Abu Ali Rida, of the Baraachit area in Southern Lebanon during an air strike. In a message on its official Telegram channel, the IDF accused Rida of overseeing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Rada was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF (military) troops and oversaw the terrorist activities of Hezbollah operatives in the area. Advertisement Over the recent weeks, Israel has killed several of Hezbollahs commanders and top leaders, including former chief Hassan Nasrallah. The IDF informed that it has also killed Ahmed Al-Dalu, a member of the Islamic Jihads Military Intelligence Unit, in an IAF strike. Ahmed Al-Dalu took part in the October 7 Massacre in the Israeli community of Kfar Aza. An additional terrorist was eliminated alongside him. Throughout the war, Al-Dalu was involved in planning and executing terrorist attacks against the citizens of the State of Israel, the IDF said. ELIMINATED: 2 Terrorists on 2 Fronts Lebanon: The IAF struck and eliminated Abu Ali Rida, the Hezbollah commander of the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. Abu Ali Rida was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops and oversaw pic.twitter.com/x6UvnmZ5ix Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 4, 2024 Meanwhile, IDF troops continue to conduct limited, localised, targeted raids in southern Lebanon, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, locating weapons, and eliminating terrorists. The war started after nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with the Lebanese group firing rockets into northern Israel almost daily in support of its ally in Gaza, Hamas. Advertisement Israel is fighting its deadliest war in Gaza against Hamas after the Palestinian terrorist group launched an attack on October 7 last year on southern Israel. With inputs from agencies. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) identified him as Riad Rida Ghazzawi, who planned and executed a significant amount of terrorist attacks, including firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli civilians and at IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon, according to a report read more People search for victims at a destroyed building hit in an Israeli airstrike, in Ghaziyeh town, south Lebanon, on Sunday. AP Hours after Israel said that they have killed a top Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday claimed to have taken down another commander in the Hezbollah Radwan forces anti-tank missile system. According to The Guardian report, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) identified him as Riad Rida Ghazzawi, who planned and executed a significant amount of terrorist attacks, including firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli civilians and at IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Earlier today, Israel said it had killed Hezbollah commander Abu Ali Rida in the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. The claims, however, have not been independently verified. In a message on its official Telegram channel, Israels military said he commanded the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. The IDF described him as being responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops. Meanwhile, the IDF troops continue to conduct limited, localised, targeted raids in southern Lebanon, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, locating weapons, and eliminating terrorists. Israels military has been staging incursions inside Lebanon since 1 October, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities have reported over 2,800 dead in Israeli attacks on Lebanon in the past month. Tens of thousands of Israelis have been forced to leave their homes in northern Israel due to repeated rocket fire from inside Lebanon. At least 50 rockets have been fired so far today, according to IDF statements. A large number of people have also been displaced from their homes in Lebanon by the fighting. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The Indian High Commission in Canada said it has seen violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp in the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto and condemned the violence carried out by Khalistani extremists on Sunday read more India has expressed deep disappointment over the incident of violence on Canadian-Hindus outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton which was orchestrated by anti-India elements and expressed concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in Canada. On Sunday afternoon, a group of men, carrying Khalistani flags, attacked and beaten Hindu devotees, including women and children, with sticks outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario. The pro-Khalistani protesters gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on Sunday morning to oppose the presence of Indian officials who were present there for a consular camp. Advertisement A report by Hindustan Times quoted eyewitnesses as saying that they were attacked by Khalistani supporters who congregated inside the premises with flagpoles and traffic cones. The video of the incident soon went viral on several social media platforms. Deeply disappointed by violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements Soon after the incident, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa said that on Sunday, a violent disruption was orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp co-organised with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, Brampton, near Toronto. It further said that, just like previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and Consulates General of India in Vancouver and Toronto have organised/plan consular camps during this period, for the benefit and ease of local life certificate beneficiaries (Canadian and Indian). On account of the prevailing security situation in Canada, the Canadian authorities had been requested well in advance to provide strong security measures for these events, which constitute routine consular work, the Indian High Commission said. Also Read: Video | In Canada temple, Hindus, including women, kids, beaten by Khalistanis; lawmakers say completely unacceptable Advertisement It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organised by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organisers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organised in the first place, the High Commission further said. There were also attempts to disrupt similar camps held in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3, the High Commission informed. Khalistanis wanted to destroy idol inside temple The Hindustan Times report quoted a person named Mahavir as revealing that the Khalistanis wanted to destroy the Hanuman statue. We believe that was the target. Advertisement The temple has a 55-foot-high statue of Hanuman, which was installed last year. They were violent.They attacked our people, he said, adding that word quickly spread through the community and they rushed to the temple and helped evict the trespassing Khalistanis. Canadian leaders condemn attack on Hindus Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that acts of violence are unacceptable and every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Canadian MP of Indian origin, Chandra Arya, also condemned the attack and said that Khalistani extremists had crossed a red line. 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 said. Advertisement 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. No wonder that under the freedom of expression Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada, Chandra Arya added. Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown expressed disappointment over hearing about the acts of violence outside the Hindu temple and demanded that those found guilty should be punished to the greatest extent of the law. Religious freedom is a foundational value in Canada. Everyone should feel safe in their place of worship. I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside a place of worship, Brown said in a post on X. Advertisement Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said that the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple was completely unacceptable, and that the Conservatives condemn the violence as he promised to unite the people and end the chaos. Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today. All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally. I will unite our people and end the chaos, he said in a post on X. With inputs from agencies. Israel formally notified the United Nations it was cutting ties with the agency supporting Palestinian refugees, it said Monday, after lawmakers voted to ban the organisation vital to the occupied territories read more Israel formally notified the United Nations it was cutting ties with the agency supporting Palestinian refugees, it said Monday, after lawmakers voted to ban the organisation vital to the occupied territories. The ban, which sparked global condemnation including from key Israeli backer the United States, should come into force in late January, with the UN Security Council warning it would have severe consequences for millions of Palestinians. Israel has accused a dozen employees of the agency, UNRWA, of taking part in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, the deadliest in Israeli history. Advertisement On the instruction of Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the ministry of foreign affairs notified the UN of the cancellation of the agreement between the State of Israel and UNRWA, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Katz was quoted as saying UNRWA was part of the problem in the Gaza Strip and not part of the solution. Hamass October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israels retaliatory campaign has killed 43,374 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territorys health ministry, which the United Nations considers to be reliable. People will starve The letter sent by Israel to the president of the UN General Assembly, dated November 3 and seen by AFP, said the ban would come into effect following a three-month period. Jonathan Fowler, an UNRWA spokesman, told AFP the move would be disastrous for aid efforts in Gaza. If this law is implemented, it would be likely to cause the collapse of the international humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip - an operation of which UNRWA is the backbone, Fowler told AFP. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWAs Commissioner-General, wrote on X that an average of just 30 trucks were allowed daily into Gaza last month, saying it was the lowest number in a long time and cannot meet the needs of over two million people. Advertisement Gazans told AFP they were alarmed at the move. People will starve and will not be able to provide food for their children, said Houria Abu Sharkh, a woman who was displaced from Gaza City. Abdul Karim Kallab from the southern city of Khan Yunis said the people depend almost entirely on aid coming from abroad, especially from UNRWA, and without it they would starve. Hamas said it showed that Israel was a rogue state. But Israel has portrayed UNRWA as just one of several players, and Katz said his country would continue to help get aid into the Gaza Strip in a manner that does not harm the security of the citizens of Israel. Advertisement UNRWA has also raised the alarm about the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where services including education, healthcare, and sanitation are also imperilled by the ban, according to Fowler. The General Assembly, the body that originally set up UNRWA, will hold a session on the issue on Wednesday - scheduled before Israel sent the letter - and is likely to be briefed by Lazzarini. Respond firmly A series of probes, including one led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some neutrality related issues at UNRWA but stressed that Israel had not provided evidence for its chief allegations. UNRWA, which employs thousands of people across the Palestinian territories and beyond, fired nine employees after an internal probe found that they may have been involved in the armed attacks of 7 October. Advertisement UNRWA was established in 1949 after the first Arab-Israeli conflict following Israels creation in 1948. Its mandate has since been repeatedly extended in the absence of a solution for Palestinian refugees. Since late September, Israel has broadened the focus of its war to Lebanon, where it stepped up a campaign against Hamas ally Hezbollah following nearly a year of cross-border fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Lebanon border on Sunday and told troops the aim of the operation was to push Hezbollah back over the Litani River, which flows across southern Lebanon. He said a second goal was to stop any attempt to rearm and the third was to respond firmly to any action taken against us, according to his office. Advertisement Lebanon strikes Israel launched a massive aerial campaign in late September primarily targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and sent in ground troops on September 30. The war in Lebanon has killed more than 1,940 people since September 23, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, though the real toll is likely higher. On Monday, the Israeli military said it had killed a top Hezbollah commander responsible for launching rocket and anti-missile attacks against Israeli forces in south Lebanon. Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran, said it fired rockets at the northern Israeli city of Safed on Monday. Hezbollah has said it is acting in support of Hamas in Gaza, though many in both Lebanon and the Palestinian territory are clamouring for a ceasefire as the humanitarian situation worsens. Israeli jets carried out strikes on Monday targeting several areas of southern Lebanon, according to the official National News Agency (NNA). In Bazouriyeh, near the south Lebanese city of Tyre, the NNA said rescuers were looking for people missing under the rubble after a strike on Sunday. Israels Air Force said on Monday it had struck Hezbollah intelligence assets near Damascus in an attack on key infrastructure in Syria that Syria said had targeted civilian sites read more Emergency and security personnel gather at the site of strikes which hit a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024. AFP File Israels Air Force said on Monday it had struck Hezbollah intelligence assets near Damascus in an attack on key infrastructure in Syria that Syria said had targeted civilian sites. Hezbollahs intelligence headquarters has a branch in Syria, which includes an independent intelligence gathering, coordination, and assessment network, the Israeli military said in a statement, expanding on the Air Forces post on X. Syrias defence ministry earlier said Israel targeted civilian sites south of the capital and had caused some damage. Advertisement Syrian state media SANA said that initial reports indicated the strike had hit the Sayeda Zeinab area. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Sayeda Zeinab, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and site of a major Shiite shrine, has been the target in previous strikes. Israel has ramped up strikes in Syria since the October 7 attack by militant group Hamas on Israel in 2023 and particularly since the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. It is rare for Israel to comment on the strikes. Syrian and Western intelligence sources say Israeli attacks in Syria have killed numerous Hezbollah and pro-Iranian militia fighters based around the eastern outskirts of Damascus and to the south of the city. The sources say Sayeda Zeinab remains a target due to the presence of high-ranking militia leaders. Syrias foreign ministry condemned the strike, calling Israeli attacks on civilian areas criminal and urging UN members to take swift action in halting Israeli aggression and holding it accountable. Palestinians said the new aerial and ground offensives and forced evacuations were ethnic cleansing aimed at emptying two northern Gaza towns and a refugee camp of their population to create buffer zones. read more FILE - A woman sits on a bed in a room of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Aug. 25, 2024.- AP Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 10 Palestinians on Monday, including seven in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza and three in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, according to Palestinian medics. Both attacks left several wounded, with Israeli tanks reportedly advancing into Nuseirat camp earlier that day. Israel had initially moved tanks into Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya on October 5, 2024, stating its intent to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, claim the increased aerial and ground offensivesalong with evacuationsare part of an ethnic cleansing strategy aimed at depopulating northern Gaza towns and a refugee camp to establish buffer zones. Israel denies these allegations, asserting that its operations target Hamas militants launching attacks from these areas. Advertisement The Hamas-run Gaza government media office put the number of Palestinians killed since Oct. 5 at 1,800. It said 4,000 others were wounded. There was no confirmation on the figure from the territorys health ministry and Israel has repeatedly accused the Hamas media office of exaggerating the figures of the dead. Israel said its forces have killed hundreds of Palestinian gunmen and dismantled military infrastructure in Jabalia in the past month. The war erupted after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israels retaliatory offensives have killed more than 43,300 Palestinians, according to Gaza authorities, and reduced most of Gaza to rubble. With inputs from agencies. With almost 86 per cent of the votes counted, Sandu is leading by a narrow margin of 1 per cent. While the votes of half of the diaspora are still left to be counted, analysts predict that Sandu is all but guaranteed to win re-election read more Moldova's incumbent President and presidential candidate Maia Sandu speaks with journalists after walking out of a polling station, as the country holds a presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union, in Chisinau, Moldova, October 20, 2024. File Image/Reuters Moldovas pro-western President Maia Sandu is leading in the countrys presidential election as preliminary results present a bad picture for Russia. On Sunday, Moldovans voted in a runoff election which was seen as a critical indicator of whether the countrys long-term geopolitical alignment would be with Russia or Europe. In recent years, Sandu has intensified the nations efforts to break away from the shackles of Moscows influence. She was fighting the polls against Kremlin-friendly political newcomer, Alexandr Stoianoglo from the Socialist Party. With almost 86 per cent of the votes counted, Sandu is leading by a narrow margin of 1 per cent. While the votes of half of the diaspora are still left to be counted, analysts predict that Sandu is all but guaranteed to win re-election. Advertisement Early results indicated that the large Moldovan diaspora, accounting for about 20 per cent of the electorate, is overwhelmingly voting for the countrys president, The Guardian reported. The results will provide a significant boost for Sandu and her long-term EU agenda. Moldova leans towards the EU after Georgias shock It is pertinent to note that Sandus pro-EU position weakened significantly following a referendum she initiated, asking Moldovans whether they supported integration with the regional body. The referendum was eventually passed in favour of the motion but with the tiniest margin on October 20. The referendum was held alongside the first round of the presidential elections where Sandu received 42 per cent of the ballot but failed to secure an outright majority. The outcome of the Sunday election might be welcoming for the West since it will come 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. It is pertinent to note that the European Union has pledged to provide a 1.8bn multiyear package for Moldova to help the country on the accession path, the process of which started in June this year. Since then, Sandu has pledged to work day and night to make the eastern European nation part of the EU by 2030. Advertisement The question of Russian interference Both the 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 Moscow and its proxies of leading a large-scale campaign which allegedly involved vote-buying and spreading misinformation to sway the election. Officials in the capital of Chisinau believed that Moscow invested approximately $100m in the first round of voting 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 in cash. 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. Advertisement The Kremlin, on the other hand, has denied the allegations of election interference. We resolutely reject any accusations that we are somehow interfering in this. We are not doing this, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. With inputs from agencies. Netanyahu is at the centre of the new political storm related to the ongoing Gaza war and the hostage deal after several people were arrested in connection to the alleged leak of classified documents from his office read more As tension in West Asia continues to escalate, a series of leaked documents has jolted Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus administration. The Israeli premier is at the centre of the new political storm related to the ongoing Gaza war and the hostage deal after several people were arrested in connection to the alleged leak of classified documents from his office. On Friday afternoon, a court in the Jewish nation announced the arrests before the beginning of Shabbat, saying that a joint investigation by the police, internal security services and the army suspected a breach of national security caused by the unlawful provision of classified information." The court agreed that the leak has harmed the achievements of Israels war aims. Advertisement While more details in the case are subjected to a partial gag order, Israeli media has reported that the war aim in question is the release of the 101 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. As per the report, the suspects are alleged to have selectively leaked Hamas strategy documents found by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. The whistleblower was accused of manipulating or editing the material to make it seem as though the Palestinian militant group sought to smuggle hostages to Egypt, and then to Iran or Yemen. In September, Netanyahu made the same claim in interviews and news conferences in support of a fresh demand he had made in ceasefire and hostage release deal talks. He used the assertion to reason that the Israeli troops should continue to remain on the Gaza-Egypt border. The demand was eventually rejected by Hamas on the grounds it was not part of the terms both sides had already accepted and was a major reason that months of negotiations failed. Netanyahu faces major pressure following the document leak The leak of the classified document came at a time when the Israeli PM has been accused of repeatedly stalling on a hostage deal to avoid the collapse of his coalition government. Not only this, many believed that Netanyahu wanted to continue staying in office since he considered it the best way of avoiding prosecution in fraud, bribery and breach of trust cases filed in 2019. The premier has denied any wrongdoing in the case. Shortly after Netanyahus proclamation, the reports which were apparently based on the leaked doctored documents were published in the British outlet The Jewish Chronicle and the German tabloid Bild, which were picked up widely by the Israeli media. This made the Israeli military worry that the spread of the document could jeopardise the countrys intelligence-gathering efforts in Gaza. Advertisement The Israeli military soon launched an investigation into the leak, announcing that it was unaware of any such document existing. The Jewish Chronicle later retracted the story and fired the journalist who wrote it. On Friday, Netanyahus office said no one who worked for Netanyahu has been questioned or detained. However, on the very next day, the office did not deny the theory that the leak may have originated from within. The charges the court is pursuing are understood to be related to the leaking of classified documents, negligence in handling the material, and using it to influence public opinion, as well as the improper hiring of an adviser without adequate security clearance, The Times of Israel reported. Advertisement Meanwhile, news about the arrests led to thousands of people across Israel joining what are now weekly demonstrations in favour of a deal. Amid the chaos, opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed the Netanyahu administration on X, formerly known as Twitter. We have tough enemies abroad, but the danger from within and at the most sensitive decision-making centres shakes the foundations of the confidence of the citizens of Israel in the prosecution of the war, and in handling the most sensitive and explosive security issues," he wrote in a post. With inputs from agencies. Badenoch said that former UK PM Boris Johnson had fallen into a trap of breaking lockdown rules that should never have been introduced read more UKs Conservative Partys new leader Kemi Badenoch is already facing backlash after families bereaved by the Covid pandemic say they feel insulted by her claim that the Partygate scandal was overblown. During a conversation with BBC, Badenoch went on to state that former UK PM Boris Johnson had fallen into a trap of breaking lockdown rules that should never have been introduced. 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 new Tory leader said on Sunday. The public was not wrong to be upset about Partygate. The problem was that we should not have criminalised everyday activities the way that we did, she added. Advertisement Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for north-west England whose older brother Umar died of Covid while self-isolating noted that Badenoch should not gloss over the horror of the pandemic. Ms Badenoch needs to remember that people were dying and being stored in industrial fridges while those in government party in breach of the rules that they created for the rest of us. It was a question of trust and integrity and such a failure cannot ever be overblown, he said. The backlash that followed Naomi Fulop, whose mother, Christina, died in January 2021, six days before it would be found that the No 10 broke the rules said that Badenochs comments were insulting and extremely painful. It is not possible to overblow the impact of those in government partying while my mother died alone. We then had to have a very restricted funeral, as did thousands and thousands of other people," she said. Meanwhile, Fulop, who is a member of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group (CBFJUK) insisted that the new Tory leader is trying to appeal to people who dont agree with lockdowns. Shes deeply misguided because nobody is pro-lockdown. Lockdowns are something that you have to have when everything else has failed," The Guardian reported. Advertisement Dr Simon Williams, a behavioural scientist and public health researcher at Swansea University, said Badenochs remarks were disgraceful. " Research has shown that Partygate and other scandals really did have an effect on public trust in government and particularly public trust in the rules. So as well as being offensive, its very unhelpful to try to retrospectively minimise the impact of Partygate," he remarked. The newly elected Conservative leader is yet to respond to the backlash. North Koreas troop deployment, which was confirmed by the US and NATO, threatens to expand the almost 3-year-long war and is causing security jitters in South Korea and elsewhere about what Russia could give North Korea in return. read more South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, at the Foreign Ministry, in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Image- AP South Korea and the European Union condemned North Koreas reported deployment of troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, raising concerns over the potential exchange of sensitive technology between Russia and North Korea that could bolster Pyongyangs nuclear and missile capabilities. The troop deployment, confirmed by the US and NATO, heightens concerns about the ongoing conflicts expansion and the implications for security in South Korea and beyond. Following a meeting in Seoul, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell issued a joint statement denouncing North Koreas actions in the strongest possible terms and expressing apprehensions regarding Russias potential transfer of materials and technology to North Korea to further its military goals. Advertisement We are also deeply concerned about the possibility for any transfer of nuclear- or ballistic missile-related technology to the DPRK, which would jeopardize the international non-proliferation efforts and threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across the globe, the statement said. DPRK stands for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, North Koreas official name. Cho and Borrell called North Koreas deployment a flagrant violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and called on North Korea and Russia to immediately withdraw the troops from Russia. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who has been on an official visit to Russia since late last week. State televison showed them greeting each other, but details of the meeting were not available. Earlier Monday, Borrell met South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and they agreed to work together with the international community to try to obstruct Russian-North Korean security cooperation, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry. North Korea and Russia havent explicitly confirmed the North Korean deployment. But theyve both argued that their military cooperation conforms with international laws. The U.S. government said that about 8,000 North Korean soldiers were in Russia near Ukraines border and preparing to join Russias fight against Ukraine in the coming days. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged allies to stop just watching and take steps before North Korean troops deployed in Russia reach the battlefield. Advertisement According to U.S., South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence assessments, North Korea was estimated to have moved a total of about 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia. If they start fighting against Ukraine forces, it would mark North Koreas first participation in a large-scale conflict since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has used the Russia-Ukraine war as a way to expand defense and economic cooperation with Russia in the face of an intensifying U.S.-led pressure campaign against his advancing nuclear program. The U.S., South Korea and others accuse North Korea of having already exported artillery shells, missiles and other conventional arms to Russia. Advertisement Besides Russias possible weapons technology transfer, South Korean officials also worry that Moscow might offer defense commitment to North Korea in the event of a war on the Korean Peninsula. The North Korean troops in Russia could also learn valuable combat experience and get Russian help to modernize their outdated conventional weapons systems. In the past two years, Kim has ramped up tests of nuclear-capable missile systems, as Russia and China have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led attempts to toughen international sanctions on North Korea over its testing activities in defiance of U.N. bans. Last week, North Korea test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to attack the U.S. mainland for the first time in almost a year. Advertisement North Korea has also pushed to sever relations and abandon its long-standing goal of reconciliation with South Korea. In a background briefing with local media Monday, South Koreas military said North Korea has built anti-tank, trench-like structures at two sites near the Koreas heavily armed border, where it blew up northern parts of unused cross-border road and rail routes last month in a display of anger toward South Korea. In a war situation, the North could easily fill up the trenches with piles of dirt nearby to create routes to invade the South, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With inputs from agencies. Advertisement The bill to amend the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 was moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. House Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced in a live telecast of the parliamentary proceedings that the bill had passed. Khans partys lawmakers opposed the bill in the noisy session. read more Pakistans parliament approved an amendment on Monday extending the tenure of armed forces chiefs including the army chief from three to five years, a move opposed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khans party. The amendment, part of the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 was moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and passed in a session amid protests from Khans party members. The term extension which applies to Army Chief General Asim Munir, who has served for two years is seen as potentially consolidating the governments ties with the military, a powerful institution Khans party accuses of orchestrating his political downfall. The amendment, backed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs coalition further marginalizes Khans faction as the government seeks to strengthen its alliance with military leaders. Advertisement To become law, the bill must also receive the support of the senate upper house, which also has a majority from parties opposed to Khan. The former prime minister, who has been in jail since August last year, has been at odds with generals he blames for his 2022 ouster, after he fell out with then-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. Khans party backed candidates who won the most seats in Februarys election but fell short of a majority, paving the way for his opponents to form a government. Khans supporters have since been agitating in parliament and on the streets, alleging that the election was rigged to keep them out of power, which the army and the election commission deny. With inputs from agencies. India on Monday condemned the violence by pro-Khalistan radicals at a Hindu temple in Canadas Brampton and called on the Justin Trudeau government to ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks read more Pro-Khalistan radicals attacking the devotees outside Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, on Sunday.(Screengrab) A Peel Regional Police officer was suspended on Sunday after participating in a contentious protest outside a Hindu temple in Brampton. Media Relations Officer Richard Chin confirmed that the force is aware of a video circulating on social media that shows the off-duty officer involved in the demonstration, CBC news reported. In a statement, Chin said This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the circumstances depicted in the video in totality and cannot provide further information until the investigation is complete. Advertisement Videos posted on social media appeared to show people hitting each other with flagpoles and throwing punches in the Toronto suburb of Brampton. The incident happened weeks after Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in 2023 in Canada. It has accused the Indian government of conducting a broad campaign against South Asian dissidents in Canada, something New Delhi denies. The local Peel Police said on Monday that three people faced criminal charges over Sundays protest, without providing further details. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strongly worded statement on X on Monday. I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats, Modi said. Such acts of violence will never weaken Indias resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, he said. His Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said on Sunday the acts of violence were unacceptable. India has accused Trudeau of pursuing a political agenda in their dispute and responded to Ottawas expulsion of its diplomats by expelling six Canadian diplomats. The North America-based activist group Sikhs for Justice said on Sunday that pro-Khalistan Sikhs who were peacefully demonstrating were violently attacked by a group of Indo Canadians. Advertisement China has rapidly expanded its military and has become increasingly assertive in pursuing territorial claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. read more In this photo released by Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) a Chinese Coast Guard ship with hull number 5402 sails in North Natuna waters in the disputed area of the South China Sea, Indonesia, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Image- AP The Philippine military launched a two-week combat exercise on Monday, featuring a simulated island seizure in the contentious South China Sea. Approximately 3,000 personnel from the Filipino army, navy and air force will participate in the drills. Philippine military officials emphasised that the exercises are not targeted at any specific country. However, the maneuvers come amid heightened tensions in the region. China has been rapidly expanding its military presence and aggressively pursuing territorial claims in the South China Sea which it largely claims as its own. Advertisement The disputes have led to increased confrontations, primarily with the Philippines and Vietnam, but also involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan. Recently, Indonesia reported that its patrol ships chased away a Chinese coast guard vessel that interfered with a state-owned energy companys survey in a disputed area of the South China Sea. Our mission today is very clear, to prepare ourselves comprehensively to respond to any external threats that might challenge our sovereignty, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in the opening ceremony of the exercises. The maneuvers will include live-fire drills using artillery and assault rifles and beach landing drills. In the South China Sea, Filipino forces would simulate taking control of an island, Philippine army Col. Michael Logico told reporters without elaborating. Asked how China may react, Logico said he expected Chinese forces to undertake surveillance from a distance but added they would not likely make any hostile move. They have a front seat to the exercise. Theyll watch and we dont mind, Logico said. China has opposed such combat drills in the South China Sea, particularly if American and allied forces were involved. The outgoing Biden administration has moved to strengthen an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better counter China, including in any future confrontation over Taiwan. Americas moves dovetail with Philippine efforts to shore up its territorial defense amid a long-seething dispute mainly with China in the South China Sea. Advertisement Next year, U.S. and Philippines forces plan to stage their largest annual combat drills called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, that are also expected to include maneuvers in contested South China Sea areas. With inputs from agencies. A state funded radio station in Poland came under the scanner for terminating its host, only to use an AI-generated presenter read more Off Radio Krakow, a state-funded radio station in Poland, recently terminated the position of host Lukasz Zaleski to introduce an AI-generated presenter. This controversial decision escalated when the station aired an artificial intelligence-generated interview with the late Nobel laureate Wislawa Szymborska, who died in 2012. Zaleski, who hosted a weekly programme focused on interviews with theatre directors and writers, expressed his dismay at the stations actions. Initially resigned to the realities of the media industry, his frustration grew after witnessing the AI-generated interview. Advertisement I went to her funeral, so I know for sure that she is dead, he stated, as per a report in New York Times. The experiment aimed to breathe new life into Off Radio Krakow, which reportedly had close to zero listeners prior to the introduction of AI segments. Following the debut of AI presenters, the stations audience surged to 8,000 almost overnight. The AI-generated content included three fictional presenters, each with crafted identities, intended to attract younger listeners. However, the use of AI to replicate the voices of deceased figures led to a storm of criticism. Mariusz Marcin Pulit, the stations editor-in-chief, faced accusations of undermining human contributions to media. I have been turned into a job-killing monster who wants to replace real people with avatars, he lamented, asserting that the goal was to stimulate discussion around AI in the context of ongoing legislative debates in Poland. The backlash included harsh criticism from other journalists and industry figures. Jaroslaw Juszkiewicz, whose voice was replaced by AI in a navigation app, condemned the Szymborska interview as a breach of journalistic ethics. He expressed his disbelief at the decision to create an interview with a figure who could not respond. The situation escalated further when the National Radio and Television Council, a regulatory body, criticised Pulit for eliminating the human factor in media. Even government officials, including the minister of digitalisation, voiced concern over the ethical boundaries being crossed with the use of AI. In response to the growing backlash, Pulit announced the discontinuation of the AI presenters. We are pioneers, and the fate of pioneers can be difficult, he communicated to staff, acknowledging the negative reception of the AI initiative. This included retracting the AI-generated presenters, such as the virtual pop culture expert Emilia, who conducted the now-infamous interview with Szymborska. Advertisement While Michal Rusinek, who manages Szymborskas literary estate, initially approved the use of her voice, he later criticised the quality of the AI-generated interview, calling it horrible and a poor representation of the poets true spirit. Experts on AIs role in journalism have noted that, for now, technology appears to assist rather than replace human journalists. Felix Simon remarked, there is still reason to believe it will not bring the big jobs wipeout some people fear. Zaleski and fellow dismissed presenter Mateusz Demski launched an online petition, warning that the Off Radio Krakow incident serves as a dangerous precedent for the media industry. The use of AI-generated presenters is opening the door to a world in which experienced employees associated for years with the media and people employed in creative industries will be replaced by machines, they cautioned. Advertisement The world is now grappling with the implications of AI in creative industries, questioning the balance between innovation and the irreplaceable value of human voices and perspectives. With inputs from agencies. 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. read more Moldova's incumbent President and presidential candidate (C) celebrates with staff and supporters following preliminary results of the second round of the presidential election, in Chisinau November 3, 2024. Image- AFP Russia on Monday accused the West of blatant interference in Moldovas presidential election after pro-EU leader Maia Sandu was reelected in Chisinau. Moscows foreign ministry said the vote saw blatant interference by Western countries and accused Moldovan authorities of unprecedented repression towards the (pro-Russian) opposition. The statement came hours after US President Joe Biden hailed Moldovas reelection of pro-Western President Maia Sandu as a win for democracy and said Russia had failed to undermine the former Soviet republic. Advertisement Sandus win, on a campaign promise to advance Moldovas candidacy for European Union membership, was a major boon for the pro-Western government, which strongly backed her candidacy. However, her opponents claim her victory relied too much on Moldovans living outside the country which has a population of about 2.5 million, excluding expatriates to be considered legitimate. Moldovas 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 Moldovas path toward EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sundays vote were overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. With inputs from agencies. Four people were injured after a Russian guided bomb hit a supermarket in Kharkivs Shevchenkivskyi district, near the city centre, said Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov read more Damage after a Russian guided bomb hit a supermarket in Kharkiv's Shevchenkivskyi district near the city center, according to Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, November 3, 2024. Source: REUTERS | State Emergency Service Of Ukraine. Russian forces attacked Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city, and the surrounding region, injuring at least five people on Sunday, Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Syniehubov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said a Russian guided bomb hit a supermarket in Kharkivs Shevchenkivskyi district, near the city centre. Four people were injured. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the supermarket was located next to residences. An earlier strike had hit a forested area of the city, he said. Advertisement Syniehubov, in a separate post on Telegram, also said Russian forces had badly damaged a five-storey apartment building in Kivsharivka, a small town near Kupiansk, east of Kharkiv. He said one person was injured and some residents could be trapped in the rubble from a destroyed entrance to the building. A woman had already been rescued, but rescue efforts were being hampered by Russian shelling. At least 25 people, including women and children, died when their boat was deliberately capsized by traffickers off the Comoros, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Monday read more At least 25 people, including women and children, died when their boat was deliberately capsized by traffickers off the Comoros, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Monday. According to survivors of the sinking late Friday, the boat carried around 30 people of different nationalities, including seven women and at least six young children, it said in a statement. IOM Comoros is saddened to hear about the deaths of at least 25 people after their boat was deliberately capsized by traffickers off Comoros Islands, between Anjouan and Mayotte on Friday night, the statement said. Advertisement Fishermen rescued five survivors on Saturday morning. Anjouan, one of the three islands that make up the Indian Ocean nation of the Comoros, lies about 70 kilometres (44 miles) from the French territory of Mayotte. The crossing between the two is an often-used migration route on which thousands of people have lost their lives, the IOM said. Despite being Frances poorest department, Mayotte has French infrastructure and welfare, making it a tempting destination for Comorans living in poverty. Many pay smugglers to make the dangerous, sometimes deadly sea crossing to Mayotte on rickety fishing boats. The IOM said a 2012 report from the French Senate estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 people had died trying to cross from Comoros to Mayotte since 1995, but this figure could be much higher. There had been two similar tragedies in the same area in the past three months, the statement said. In September, a boat with 12 people on board including two children and an expectant mother left the coast of Anjouan and never reached Mayotte. In August, eight people including a 12-year-old boy lost their lives in a similar incident, it said. Advertisement The IOM said it emphasised the importance of establishing safe and legal pathways for migration in order to reduce the dangers faced by children, women and men along this route in risky see journeys. An 18-year-old had beheaded Samuel Paty, a 47-year-old teacher, in 2020 over the use of Prophet Mohammeds caricature in a class on free speech read more A picture of Samuel Paty on display during an award ceremony in the teachers honour at the Sorbonne in Paris on October 19, 2024. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP The father of a French pupil whose account of the use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on free speech indirectly led to the teachers brutal murder went on trial on Monday accused of association with a terrorist network. Samuel Paty, 47, was stabbed repeatedly in 2020 outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine near Paris by an 18-year-old assailant of Chechen origin, then decapitated, days after showing his pupils the caricatures. Advertisement Many Muslims consider depictions of prophets to be blasphemous. Prosecutors allege Brahim Chnina used social media to turn a dispute over the civics class into a campaign against Paty, helping make videos designed to incite hatred towards the middle-school teacher and distributing them on social networks. They accuse Chnina of collaborating with Abdelhakim Sefrioui, a Franco-Moroccan who founded a hardline Islamist organisation, the Cheikh Yassine Collective, subsequently banned in France. Both men are charged with association with a terrorist organisation. Chninas lawyer declined to comment ahead of the start of the trial. Sefriouis lawyer, Ouadie Elhamamouchi, has said there is no proof of contact between Sefrioui and the Chechen killer, whom police shot dead. Elhamamouchi told Reuters that Sefrioui would show the court that he has absolutely no connection whatsoever with this heinous attack, which he has condemned from day one. Among the six others on trial in Paris alongside Chnina and Sefrioui are two associates of Patys killer, Abdullakh Anzorov. Prosecutors allege they knew of Anzorovs plans to slay Paty and helped him buy weapons. Both are charged with complicity in a terrorist killing, and French media say they have both denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Last year, a court found Chninas daughter and five other adolescents guilty of charges related to taking part in a pre-meditated criminal conspiracy and helping to prepare an ambush. Chninas daughter was not in Patys class when the caricatures were shown and the court found her guilty of making false accusations and slanderous comments. The latest trial is due to run until December. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about reports of North Korean troops being sent to the Russia, including their possible deployment to the conflict zone read more United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his concern about reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia to fight Ukraine. This comes days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed there are 10,000 North Korean troops already fighting in Russia, with around 8,000 in the Kursk region. Very concerned The Secretary-General is very concerned about reports of troops from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea being sent to the Russian Federation, including their possible deployment to the conflict zone, the UN chiefs spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Advertisement Guterres, on Sunday, further said that such a deployment would be a very dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. Everything must be done to avoid any internationalisation of this conflict, he said, as he reiterated a call for meaningful efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. North Korea vows to back Russia until it achieves victory over Ukraine Pyongyang and Moscow have not denied the reports which suggested North Korean troops are stationed in Russia. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have been urging North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un to withdraw troops from Russia. Amid all the developments, North Korea has vowed to help and support Russia until it achieves victory over Ukraine. Last week, North Koreas foreign minister Choe Son Hui, who was on her trip to Russia, said: Our traditional, historically friendly relations, which have traveled the tested path of history, today are rising to a new level of relations of invincible military comradeship." Russia bombs Ukraines second largest city, Kharkiv While the UN, the US and other western nations raised alarm over the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine to assist Moscow in its war, Russian forces, on Sunday, attacked Ukraines second largest city, Kharkiv. At least least five people were injured after Russian guided bomb struck a supermarket in Kharkivs Shevchenkivskyi district, Kharkivs regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Advertisement Also Read: Russia attacks Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city, with guided bomb: Governor In his Telegram post, Governor Oleh said: A Russian bomb hit a supermarket in Kharkivs Shevchenkivskyi district, near the city centre." With inputs from agencies. Amid looming threats of rioting and sabotage by foreign agents, US authorities have deployed unprecedented security arrangements for Election Day read more A person votes during early voting in the US presidential election at a polling station in Detroit, Michigan, November 3, 2024. Reuters When you would think of a fenced buildings with snipers on rooftops, offices protected by bulletproof glass, drones buzzing all around the area, and kits in reach for chemical attacks, you would likely imagine a war-torn nation. However, this description is not of a war-torn nation. This is the description of an election office in the United States. Ahead of the Election Day on November 5, polling booths, election offices, and counting centres have been wrapped in multi-layered security blanket. While the primary threat is from far-right mobs loyal to Republican nominee Donald Trump, there are also fears of sabotage by foreign agents. Advertisement These concerns are a result of election violence that Trumps supporters unleashed after the 2020 presidential election. While there were incidents around voting as well, the biggest attack was of course the attack by Trumps loyalists on the US Capitol in a foiled bid to hijack the election certification and unlawfully overturn it in Trumps favour. Till date, Trump has continued to falsely maintain that he won the 2020 election and the Democrats stole it. From bulletproof glass to fencing & GPS tracking At several vote-counting headquarters, snipers have been deployed, drones have been deployed, and officials have been provided with panic buttons. Washington and the battleground state of Nevada have activated the National Guard to contain any situation on the Election Day. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who is in charge of conducting elections, has said he is wearing bullet-proof vest during work. At several places, bulletproof glass, steel doors, and surveillance equipment have been fitted in election offices, according to Washington Post. The newspaper reported that fearing chemical attacks, election offices have also stocked anti-contamination suits and opioid antidote Narcan. Maricopa County in the swing state of Arizona is the site of some of the most intense preparations Sheriff Russ Skinner told the paper that while no more than 50 police personnel would be deployed before 2020 for elections, he has now mobilised up to 200. 2020 changed that paradigm, said Skinner. Since 2020, the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center has built additional 10-foot-high fencing and added more security cameras, according to PolitiFact. Advertisement Maricopa election office and voting centre has security fencing, metal detectors, security checks, floodlights, and a ring of snipers on rooftop, according to Wired. Every door in the counting centre will be fitted with metal detectors, as per the outlet. Moreover, the entire buildings would be covered in security cameras that livestream everything online for anyone to watch, which would double as a transparency measure as well, according to the outlet. At places, officials are using GPS-tracked ballot bags and dedicated power supplies and motion detectors to protect ballots, according to Mother Jones. In New Mexicos Sata Fe, Clerk Katharine Clark has not just got GPS tracking devices and all travelling ballot bags but has also installed an accelerometer that measures vibrations inside ballot tabulators to check if anyone improperly touched the device overnight, according to the magazine. Advertisement Santa Fe County has also issued personal alert devices for all presiding judges and has hired additional security that will have eyes and ears on all the public sites, as per the magazine. In swing state Georgia, a security fence has been put up around the state Capitol and, in Arizona, locks have been upgraded on some facility doors and enhanced camera systems have been installed, according to The Post. In swing state North Carolinas Durham County, a dedicated mail-sorting room with a separate exhaust system has been made in the election office so that the entire office is not contaminated if a potentially hazardous substance is mailed, according to Wired. Advertisement Threats from mobs, vigilantes, foreign sabotage The post-election violence by Trumps supporters is central to such preparedness. Since 2020, Trump and his far-right base have falsely claimed that he won the election and Democrats stole it from him. In this election, he has not said that he would accept the result. There are expectations that he could decare victory and his supporters could then go on a rampage if he actually ends up losing and calls for his loss are subsequently made. It is also feared that Trump could trigger his supporters like the last time. On January 6, 2021, Trump egged on his supporters at a rally in Washington DC and then they went on to attack the US Capitol to disrupt and hijack the election certification to unlawfully overturn the election in his favour. Advertisement Other than mobs and Trump-loyalist movements like Proud Boys and anti-government militia groups, there is also a risk of vigilantism from Trump supporters who believe the system is required and requires purported patriotic action, according to The Post. The threats would not end with the Election Day. In the days following the voting and results, foreign adversaries are expected to try to stoke violent protests a the back of disinformation campaigns, US officials have warned. US officials have said that adversaries, primarily China, Russia, and Iran, will likely seek to stoke concerns of interference or fraud regardless of evidence, could push for large-scale protests or demonstrations, and even violence, according to Washington Examiner. The US intelligence community has assessed that foreign actors are highly likely to conduct information operations in the period after voting ends, to create uncertainty and try to undermine the legitimacy of the election process, said an official at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), as per Examiner. Iran and Russia are probably willing to at least consider tactics that would contribute to such violence, said the official. The adversaries will attempt to capitalise on whichever way the election concludes by various means, whether thats pushing disinformation about voter fraud impacting the results or pushing for ordinary Americans to join protests about the results, said officials. Democratic nominee Vice President Harris has improved her position in North Carolina and Georgia and former President Trump has narrowed the gap in Pennsylvania and maintained his lead in Arizona, according to the Times/Sienna poll read more Even within the final 24 hours of the campaign, the 2024 US presidential election remains too close to be confidently predicted. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump are essentially tied in decisive swing states, according to the final poll by The New York Times and Sienna College. Vice President Harris has improved her position in North Carolina and Georgia and former President Trump has eroded her lead in Pennsylvania and maintained his advantage in Arizona, as per the Times/Sienna poll. Advertisement Here is how Harris and Trump stand in the latest Times/Sienna swing states poll: Michigan : Trump +1 Pennsylvania : Tied Wisconsin : Harris +3 Arizona : Trump + 4 Nevada : Harris + 3 Georgia : Harris + 1 North Carolina : Harris + 3 Even as both Harris and Trump made gains lately, The Times has noted that the leads in all seven states is within the margin of error, which means that the two candidates are essentially tied and none of them could be said to have a definitive lead in any state. Voters make up their minds, undecided voters favour Harris Among 8 per cent voters who said they had made a decision about their vote just recently, 54 per cent support Harris, as per the Times/Sienna poll. Compared to 16 per cent around a month ago, only 11 per cent of voters were found to be undecided in the latest Times/Sienna poll. While economy remains the top issue across all seven battleground states, in states like Wisconsin where Harris is leading, abortion is now as strong an issue as the economy, as per the poll. On the other hand, in Trump-leaning swing states, immigration continues to be the driving issue. The shift is visible among demographics even sharply. While women support Harris, Trumps support continues to rest on White non-college educated voters, as per the survey. For young voters and women, abortion has surpassed economy as the most important issue, according to the survey. A man named Brendan Carr, who is a commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), said that Harriss appearance on SNL is a blatant effort to evade the rule read more With just 48 hours left for the 2024 US presidential elections, a government communications regulator has claimed that Vice-President Kamala Harriss surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live violates the equal time rules that govern political programming. A man named Brendan Carr, who is a commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), said that Harriss appearance is a blatant effort to evade the rule. This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCCs 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 on one candidate on the eve of an election, Carr wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns, he added. Advertisement This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC's 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. https://t.co/LliZF0po9t Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) November 3, 2024 What does the rule say? The FCC guidelines state that Equal opportunities generally mean providing comparable time and placement to opposing candidates; it does not require a station to provide opposing candidates with programs identical to the initiating candidate. Soon after Carrs claim, a spokesperson from the FCC issued a statement in this regard. The FCC has not made any determination regarding political programming rules, nor have we received a complaint from any interested parties, the body said. Harris joined comedian Maya Rudolph at the start of the show. The comedy sketch mocked Trumps recent rally speeches, including wearing an orange and yellow safety jacket, a riff on the ongoing garbage controversy, and pretending to fellate a broken microphone. Advertisement The vice president took part in the mirror image sketch opposite Rudolph, the SNL cast member selected to impersonate her, on the other side of a mirror. Im just here to remind you, you got this because you can do something your opponent cant do you can open doors, Harris told Rudolph, taking potshots at a video in which Trump was struggling to reach the handle of a garbage truck he briefly rode into a Wisconsin rally. With a cool new stepmom-ala. Get back in our pyjama-las. And watch a rom-com-ala, Rudolph said. Interestingly, Harris appearance came months after SNLs executive producer Lorne Michaels told the Hollywood Reporter that neither of the presidential candidates would be part of the show. You cant bring the actual people who are running on because of election laws and the equal time provisions, Michaels told the American news outlet at that time. Advertisement 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, the executive producer added. Trump campaign reacts Meanwhile, the Trump campaign also complained about Harriss appearance on the show, saying that the Democratic presidential nominee 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, spokesperson Steven Cheung told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Not only this but some viewers also pointed out that Harriss sketch was quite similar to a sketch Trump was featured in with ex-SNL comedian Jimmy Fallon on Fallons The Tonight Show in 2015. I knew that SNL sketch with Kamala Harris looked familiar radio host Ari Hoffman said in an Instagram post linking to the Fallon-Trump skit. November 5 is D-Day for America. Its the day US voters decide between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. But a day before the polls, which side are voters leaning more towards? Who is leading in the seven crucial swing states? read more Socks depicting Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump are displayed for sale in a gift shop in Washington. Reuters Assassination attempts, dropping out of the incumbent, celebrity endorsements, and a whole lot of misinformation the 2024 US presidential election cycle has been a rollercoaster ride. And it all comes down to tomorrow November 5 for Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party. The big question that everyone seems to be asking is will the United States get its first woman president or will it be a second Donald Trump term? That answer will only be known after the November 5 polls. Advertisement And this race to the finish line is tighter than ever. Harris and Trump are neck and neck with opinion polls unable to provide a clear image of a winner post-November 5. So, what do the polls say? Whos ahead? Whos leading? Will Trump emerge victorious or will Kamala Harris have proved that the US is finally ready for a woman president? We reveal the latest with just one day to go for the polls. AtlasIntel poll bodes well for Trump If the opinion poll conducted by AtlasIntel is to be believed, then Donald Trump would emerge victorious post-November 5, as it reveals that the former US president is leading against Harris in all seven swing states, though the margins are tiny. The survey reveals that Trump has 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. In Georgia, Trump has a 50.1 per cent lead to 47.6 per cent over Harris; 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. The poll reveals that Trump has secured a lead of 49 per cent to 47.2 per cent over Harris overall. Interestingly, AtlasIntel, as per its own claims, was the most accurate during the 2020 US presidential elections and predicted the outcomes in every swing state successfully. Both candidates, Trump and Harris are in a neck-to-neck race for the White House. File image/Reuters NYT/Siena College poll reveals too tight a race According to the final New York Times/Siena College poll, the race to the White House is tighter than ever. The opinion poll showed Vice President Harris with slight 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. The poll reveals that around 40 per cent of the respondents had already cast their vote and Harris was leading among those voters by eight percentage points. However, the poll revealed that Trump was leading among those who were yet to cast their ballot. Advertisement Notably, the NYT poll revealed that Trump was gaining momentum in Pennsylvania where Harris has had a lead of four percentage points until now. Harris, Trump tied at 49 per cent The final national NBC poll on Sunday showed the two candidates Trump and Harris tied at 49 per cent each. The NBC poll is relatively unchanged from October, where it had revealed that both candidates were tied at 48 per cent each. The poll showed that what could push Harris over the finish line is rising Democratic enthusiasm, a 20-point lead on the issue of abortion and that she appears to be the better candidate for the middle class. However, what could be the deciding factor for Trump is that two-thirds of voters believe that the US is headed in the wrong direction and Trumps double-digit advantage on the economy and the cost of living. Signs supporting Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamala Harris posted outside a home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Reuters An Iowa shocker Perhaps, one of the biggest shockers right before the election is one poll in Iowa, traditionally a Republican state. The final Iowa poll before Election Day from the Des Moines Register and Mediacom reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris holds 47 per cent to former President Donald Trumps 44 per cent among likely voters. This is a substantial shift toward Harris; in September, the polls revealed that 47 per cent of likely voters backed Trump to 43 per cent for Harris. Advertisement Iowa has had a mixed record of voting in the past four presidential elections; in 2008 and 2012 it went blue for Barack Obama. However, it turned Republican again in 2016 and 2020, with Donald Trump winning it. The new poll finds women in the state largely favour Harris over Trump, 56 per cent to 36 per cent, while men support Trump by a narrower margin, 52 per cent to 38 per cent. However, Donald Trump has disputed this poll, with Trump writing on his Truth Social network, No President has done more for farmers, and the Great State of Iowa, than Donald J Trump. 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. Advertisement Trump continued: I love the farmers, and they love me. And they trust me. More than 85 per cent of Iowas land is used for farming and it produces more corn, pigs, eggs, ethanol and biodiesel than any other state. Other poll pundits believe that if Harris is able to remain competitive in the state, it would change the US election race quite significantly. Cutouts of Trump and Harris are displayed at a store where souvenirs of the US presidential elections are sold, in Washington. Reuters The final push Today is the last day for Trump and Harris as the country goes to the polls on November 5. In these final hours, both candidates are doing all they can to get that final boost. And in that vein, Harris on Sunday spent her time in Michigan where she vowed to stop the Israel war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump zigzagged through Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia the three biggest swing states. He also said in Lititz, Pennsylvania that he wouldnt mind if journalists were shot. Advertisement Discussing his near-miss assassination attempt against him in July, he said to laughter that to be hit again somebody would have to shoot through the fake news and I dont mind that so much. With inputs from agencies Democratic candidate Kamala Harris delivered her final remarks for the US presidency on Sunday to Arab Americans at a historically Black church. Her Republican opponent Donald Trump, however, continued using violent words as he spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania read more The Republican presidential nominee, former US President Donald Trump, and the Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris. Reuters Democrat Kamala Harris made her closing pitch for the US presidency at a historically Black church and to Arab Americans in battleground Michigan on Sunday, while her Republican rival Donald Trump embraced violent rhetoric at a rally in Pennsylvania. Opinion polls show the pair locked in a tight race, with Vice President Harris, 60, bolstered by strong support among female voters while former President Trump, 78, gains ground with Hispanic voters, especially men. Advertisement Voters overall view both candidates unfavorably, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, but that has not dissuaded them from casting ballots. More than 78 million Americans have already done so ahead of Tuesdays Election Day, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab, opens new tab, 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 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 fail to control both chambers have struggled to pass major legislation. 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." Later in a rally in East Lansing, Michigan, she addressed the states 200,000 Arab Americans, starting her speech with a nod to civilian victims of Israels wars in Gaza and Lebanon. This year has been difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon, it is devastating. And as president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, Harris said to applause. Advertisement Many Arab and Muslim Americans as well as anti-war activist groups have condemned U.S. support for Israel amid the tens of thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza and Lebanon, and the displacement of millions. Israel says it is targeting militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump visited Dearborn, Michigan, the heart of the Arab American community, on Friday and vowed to end the conflict in the Middle East without saying how. Instead of mentioning Trump by name, Harris chose to highlight her opponents record during her last Sunday on the campaign trail. Trump goes off script Trump, at his first of three rallies on Sunday, frequently abandoned his teleprompter with off-the-cuff remarks in which he denounced opinion polls showing movement for Harris. He called Democrats a demonic party, ridiculed Democratic President Joe Biden and talked about the high price of apples. Advertisement Trump, who survived an assassination attempt in July when a gunmans bullet grazed his ear in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Sunday complained to supporters about gaps in the bulletproof glass surrounding him as he spoke and mused that an assassin would have to shoot through the news media to get him. To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news and I dont mind that so much, said Trump, who has long criticized the media and sought to rile public sentiment against them. Last week he suggested prominent Republican critic, former congresswoman Liz Cheney, should face gunfire in combat over her hawkish foreign policy, leading an Arizona prosecutor to open an investigation. Advertisement Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement saying Trumps comment was not directed toward the media but rather, It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats." Trump later spoke in Kinston, North Carolina, and in Macon, Georgia, where he seized on last weeks jobs report that showed the U.S. economy only produced 12,000 jobs last month. He told a large crowd gathered in an amphitheater that the report showed that the United States was a nation in decline and he warned darkly without evidence of a potentially looming repeat of the 1929 Great Depression with people jumping off buildings." Advertisement Senior Harris campaign officials have said her closing argument is designed to reach a narrow slice of undecided voters. That stood in contrast to Trump, who varied little from his standard speech aimed at inspiring his loyal supporters. Kamalas campaign is run on hate and demonization, Trump said. Near the end of his Pennsylvania speech, Trump - whose false claims that his 2020 loss was the result of fraud inspired his supporters Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol - mused that he would have preferred not to have handed over power. We had the safest border in the history of our country the day that I left. I shouldnt have left. I mean, honestly, because we did so, we did so well, Trump said. Trump said during his remarks that election results should be announced on Election Night, despite warnings by officials in multiple states that it could take days to ascertain the final outcome. Democrats say they have plans in place should Trump try to prematurely claim victory this time. (Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) While US presidential election result is not formally certified till January 6, we would likely know the result within hours or days of the closure of voting. Here is how election calls will me made read more US election is too close to be conclusively predicted at the moment as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are pitched too closely. (Photo: Reuters) The US presidential election result is not formally certified till January 6, but we would likely know the winner within days if not hours after the closure of voting. This happens because of the unique manner in which votes are cast, ballots are counted, and results are declared, and then formally certified in the United States. The election result that we learn within hours or days of the closure of voting rests on calls made in favour of either of the candidates. These calls are made by US media organisations which either have in-house teams of pollsters and analysts or follow established sources like the Associated Press, the National Election Pool, or the Decision Desk HQ. Advertisement While the result was clear within hours of the closure of votes in 2016 election in which Republican Donald Trump beat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, it took four days to call Democrat Joe Bidens victory over Trump in 2020 election. Here is how election calls are made Of 538 Electoral College seats distributed among states, a candidate has to win 270. The US presidential election is therefore a bunch of state elections and candidates tailor their campaigns such that they win a combination of states that takes them past the 270-mark. This is why an election can be called even before the counting of votes has been completed in all states. Such calls in favour of a candidates are made by outlets such as CNN, ABC News, Fox News, and AP. These organisations either have in-house teams (such as at Fox) or follow AP or dedicated election analytical organisations like Decision Desk HQ. Scott Tranter, the Chief Data Scientist, of Decision Desk HQ told CNN that an election call boils down to basic mathematics. Tranter said that the core principle driving the decision of making a call is whether one of the candidate is in a position where other candidates can no longer bridge the gap between them. Advertisement Tranter said, How many votes does Candidate A have? How many votes does Candidate B have? All the way down to however many candidates there are, we determine how many votes are left, and if Candidate B, who is in second, is not determined to be able to get enough of the remaining vote left to overtake Candidate A, who is in first, then were ready to project a winner. Moreover, the process is driven by analyses and consensus. The CNN reported that at least three of their team of 15 race callers at the headquarters must agree with 99.9 per cent certainty that a winner can be projected. Advertisement Separately, CNN Political Director David Chalian said that the outlet makes calls when it reaches 99.9 per cent confidence level regarding a winner. We get to that level of certainty much faster in a race where one candidate has a 40-point lead than when one candidate has a three-tenths of a percentage point lead, said Chalian. While Decision Desk HQ had tied up with US news channel NewsNation and newspaper The Hill, the CNN is part of the National Election Pool, a consortium of news organisations including ABC News, CBS News, and NBC News, which partners with data and polling firm Edison Research for vote count data. Advertisement Similarly, AP also makes a call when it is fully confident a race has been won defined most simply as the moment the trailing candidates no longer have a path to victory. Many races are won on election night, but its not uncommon for it to take a few days and in rare instances, a few weeks to reach that point. Explaining how AP calls elections, it notes that in addition to district-level vote-count, its analysts and reporters look at the vote by type of ballot: cast in person at polling places, or in advance by mail or in person. Advertisement They are also in constant contact with APs vote count team, in search of the latest information about whats been counted so far and how many ballots may still be left to count. All of this reporting and analysis is aimed at determining the answer to a single question: Can the trailing candidates catch the leader? Only when the answer is an unquestionable no is the race ready to be called, notes AP on its website. Over the weekend, news emerged that social media sensation Peanut the Squirrel had been euthanised by US officials. This killing of the rodent has become a huge talking point in the US election campaign, with many Donald Trump supporters, including Elon Musk, using it as a means to attack the Democrats and Kamala Harris read more The killing of Peanut the Squirrel, owned by Mark Longo, has become an hot election topic amid the US polls. Image Courtesy: @peanutthesquirrel/Instagram The US presidential elections have seen both sides the Republicans and the Democrats battling it out over several issues immigration, the economy, Israels war in Gaza and more. But as the elections draw closer, an unlikely issue has become the flashpoint between the two sides. What is the issue that has Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance and supporters like Elon Musk attacking the US government and Kamala Harris? Its the death of a little squirrel, who goes by the name of Peanut. However, this little rodent is no ordinary one before his death, Peanut, who also went by the name PNut or PNUT, was a social media phenomenon, amassing thousands of fans on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms. Advertisement But how did this happen? Why was Peanut killed and why has that become a US presidential election issue? We try to get to the kernel of the truth. Who is Peanut? Peanut the Squirrel, the cute-looking rodent, became an internet sensation after he was taken in by Mark Longo in Pine City, in the south-central part of New York along the Pennsylvania border, seven years ago. According to Longo, he saw Peanuts mother get hit by a car and die, and hence, he took in Peanut. Initially, it was meant to be temporary so that Peanut could go back to living outdoors when he was able, but Longo told _USA TODA_Y in 2022 that Peanut didnt do well when he was released and got injured trying to live outdoors, so Longo brought him back in. Peanut shot to fame after Mark Longo took him in seven years ago. File image/AP Living with Longo, he became viral on social media. Videos and images of Peanut eating treats, jumping on clothes and scurrying around the house garnered many views on social media and soon Peanuts account on Instagram @peanut_the_squirrel12 raked in more than 600,000 followers. Why was Peanut euthanised? Last Wednesday, October 30, Peanut the Squirrel and Longos other pet, a raccoon named Fred, were seized from his home by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Multiple reports say that the DEC received multiple anonymous complaints about Peanut and showed up at Longos home with at least six officers to take Peanut and Fred away. After Peanut and Fred were taken away, Longo took to Instagram to call out the individuals who made complaints to the DEC. Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness, he said online. To the group of people who called DEC, theres a special place in hell for you. Advertisement Mark Longo with his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers and then euthanised in New York. File image/AP Later, on Friday, November 1, the DEC and Chemung county department of health said that they had euthanised Peanut and Fred. On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanised, the agencies said in a statement. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician. Following the confirmation, Longo took to Instagram to share his grief over the death of Peanut and Fred. It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanise our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief, an Instagram post said, accompanied by a video montage of the animals interacting with their smiling caretakers. Advertisement How has it become an election issue? The euthanasia of Peanut soon became a talking point on social media with several Trump supporters also weighing in. One such Trump supporter, @ighaworth, pointed out on X, If Peanut the Squirrel was an illegal immigrant who was dealing fentanyl and raping women, New York Democrats would give him $5,000 and a cell phone. If Peanut the Squirrel was an illegal immigrant who was dealing fentanyl and raping women, New York Democrats would give him $5,000 and a cell phone. https://t.co/ioKYhTvmsT Ian Haworth (@ighaworth) November 2, 2024 Another person to share their anger over the incident was Collin Rugg, a famous conservative personality on X. He said that the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut was a prime example of how government intervention has spiralled out of control. Then, Trumps biggest supporter, Elon Musk, also shared his opinion on the issue. On his own platform, X, he said, Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him. He then posted several more times about the incident, including one Star Wars-related post. He also claimed that the government was a mindless and heartless killing machine. If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine Obi PNut Kenobi pic.twitter.com/dD2Xo0fSkr Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024 Advertisement Republican Congressman from New York, Nick Langworthy also expressed his frustration over Peanuts death. He attacked New Yorks governor, Kathy Hochul of the Democratic party, saying she had misguided priorities. In New York State, we have sanctuaries for illegal immigrants while innocent pets are killed, he wrote on social media. Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr, also used Peanuts death as ammunition to hit out at the Biden government. In a post on X, he said, I cant believe Democrats in New York killed the Elon Musk of squirrels!!! And it didnt stop there. Even Trumps vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance, used Peanuts death to attack the Democrats. At a rally in Sanford, North Carolina on Sunday, Vance said, The same government that doesnt care about hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant criminals coming into our country, doesnt want us to have pets. Its the craziest thing. JD Vance: So I know Don is fired up about Peanut the Squirrel. pic.twitter.com/0tu3sDZHls TheBlaze (@theblaze) November 4, 2024 Is this the first time pets are an issue amid the polls? Notably, this isnt the first time that pets have become an issue during this US presidential election. Earlier, during the campaign JD Vance and Trump gave voice to claims that Haitian immigrants in a town in Ohio were eating pet cats. A man carries an AI-generated image of former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carrying cats away from Haitian immigrants, a reference to falsehoods spread about Springfield, Ohio, during a campaign rally for Trump at the Tucson Music Hall in Tucson, Arizona. File image/AFP During the only presidential debate between Trump and Harris, the former US president said: In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating they are eating the pets of the people that live there. His running mate, JD Vance, has also voiced this baseless claim, saying his evidence was the first-hand accounts of my constituents. The American media totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes, Senator Vance said. If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then thats what Im going to do. With inputs from agencies U.S. urged to enhance cooperation with China on AI Xinhua) 11:30, November 04, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Amid growing competition in artificial intelligence (AI) development, experts attending the 2024 Beijing Forum have emphasized the need to enhance the collaboration between China and the United States in the field of AI. China and the United States are among the leading developers in AI, with top-notch AI labs and extensive language models surpassing other global counterparts, said Graham Webster, a research scholar at Stanford University, when attending a panel session of the forum. Webster said the complete decoupling between the two sides would be a bad outcome. "There would be a great loss of efficiency and innovation," he said. He said the two sides should maintain government-to-government dialogue on AI risk and safety, and collaborate with a diverse global community, including scholars and various cultural perspectives. In addition, he said that leading countries like China and the United States must spread the benefits, for example, medical breakthroughs, derived from AI technologies. Karman Lucero, a research fellow of the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale University, highlighted the growing interest among scholars worldwide in China's progress in AI development. Lucero emphasized the valuable lessons that can be learned from China's experience, because China has an ecosystem in the AI space that is vibrant and diverse. Lucero said the best case scenario to foster mutual understanding and avoid problems between the two sides hinges on dialogue -- not just government discussions, but also track-two dialogues and people-to-people exchanges. The United States has in recent years mounted efforts to suppress China by implementing several measures to limit cooperation with China in AI. This May, China and the United States held the first meeting of inter-governmental dialogue on AI in Geneva, to exchange views on the technological risks of AI, global governance and other issues of respective concern. Later in June, the Second China-U.S. Track 1.5 Dialogue took place in Beijing, during which participants from both countries reached a consensus to further deepen their cooperation in the field of AI. Lei Shaohua, an associate professor with the School of International Studies at Peking University, called for efforts to prevent technology from causing economic fragmentation. He said that a "bottom-up" mode of exchange and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. universities, think tanks, government research institutions, and AI companies will become a "ballast." Held at Peking University, the panel session with the theme "Digitalization and Intellectuals: The Convergence of Multiple Disciplines in the Era of AI," is part of this year's Beijing Forum. The three-day academic forum ending on Sunday is attended by more than 500 experts and scholars from over 30 countries and regions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Louisiana is the only US state that refers to its political subdivisions as parishes, which are equivalent to counties read more Louisiana is located in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It ranks 20th in land area and 25th in population among the 50 states, with approximately 4.6 million residents. Notably reflecting its French heritage, Louisiana is the only US state that refers to its political subdivisions as parishes, which are equivalent to counties. It is one of just two states not divided into counties, the other being Alaska, which has boroughs. Baton Rouge is its state capital, while New Orleans, with a population of about 383,000, is the largest city. From 1762 to 1801, Louisiana was under Spanish control, briefly returned to French rule, and was then sold by Napoleon to the US in 1803. It became the 18th state to join the Union in 1812. Advertisement Who are the voters? In Louisiana, the voting demographic is diverse, with approximately 60% of voters identifying as White, around 30% as African American, and about 5% as Hispanic. Other racial and ethnic groups, including Asian Americans, make up the remaining percentage. Is it Democrat or Republican? In presidential elections, Louisiana has leaned Republican in recent years. The state voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 2000, with Donald Trump winning decisively in 2016 and 2020. However, there have been instances where Democratic candidates have received strong support, particularly in urban areas like New Orleans. Overall, while Louisiana has a history of Democratic support, its recent trend in presidential elections has been predominantly Republican. Is it a swing state? Louisiana is not typically classified as a swing state. In recent presidential elections, it has leaned Republican, consistently voting for Republican candidates since 2000. However, it does have competitive districts and local elections where Democrats can perform well, especially in urban areas like New Orleans. While it has some characteristics of a battleground state, overall, Louisiana is more reliably Republican in the context of presidential elections. Has it given the US a president? Louisiana has produced one US president: Zachary Taylor. He was the 12th president, serving from 1849 until his death in 1850. Taylor was born in Virginia but spent much of his adult life in Louisiana, where he became a prominent plantation owner and military leader. Advertisement If there is any memorable election for the state? A memorable presidential election in Louisiana was the 1960 election, where John F. Kennedy faced Richard Nixon. Kennedys victory in Louisiana was significant as it highlighted the shifting political landscape of the South, where he became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932. The election was marked by intense campaigning and issues such as civil rights and economic development, setting the stage for the changes that would follow in the region. The AP and CNN have called Massachusetts for Democratic candidate former Kamala Harris read more Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, US, November 3, 2024. Reuters Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris has won the state of Massachusetts, according to CNN and AP. Harris has won Massachusettss 11 electoral college votes in the race to reach the 270-mark. President Joe Biden won Vermont in 2020 election as well. Catch all updates on the US election results in live coverage Massachusetts, officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is located in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. As the sixth-smallest state by land area, it boasts a population of over seven million residents as of 2020, making it the most populous state in New England and the 16th-most-populous in the nation. It is also the third-most densely populated state, following New Jersey and Rhode Island. Massachusetts played a significant role in early English colonization. The capital and largest city, Boston, serves as the states cultural and financial center, while other major cities include Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. It is the most educated and one of the wealthiest US states, ranking first in the percentage of residents aged 25 and older with a bachelors or advanced degree. It consistently ranks as the top US. state, though also the most expensive for residents. Advertisement Who are the voters? In Massachusetts, the electorate is diverse, with approximately 70% identifying as white, making it the largest racial group. About 9% of voters are Black or African American, while around 12% identify as Hispanic or Latino, including significant Puerto Rican and Dominican communities. Approximately 7% of the population identifies as Asian, with notable groups of Chinese, Indian, and Vietnamese descent. The remaining percentage consists of mixed-race individuals and other racial groups, all of which contribute to the states dynamic political landscape and voting patterns. Is it Democrat or Republican? Massachusetts is predominantly a Democratic state. It has consistently voted for Democratic candidates in presidential elections since 1988 and has a strong Democratic presence in state and local government. While there are Republican voters, especially in certain regions, Democrats typically hold a significant majority in both the state legislature and among elected officials. Is it a swing state? Massachusetts is not considered a swing state. It has consistently leaned Democratic in presidential elections, voting for the Democratic candidate in every election since 1988. The states strong Democratic majority makes it a solid blue state rather than a battleground or swing state. Has it given the US a president? Massachusetts is notable for producing four US presidents: John Adams (2nd president, March 1797- March 1801), John Quincy Adams (6th president, March 1825- March 1829), Calvin Coolidge (30th president, August 1923- March 1929), and John F. Kennedy (35th president, January 1961- November 1963). If there is any memorable election for the state? Advertisement A memorable presidential election involving Massachusetts is the 1960 election, which featured John F. Kennedy, a senator from Massachusetts, against Vice President Richard Nixon. Kennedys campaign focused on themes of youth, vigor, and a new frontier for America. The election was notable for being the first to feature televised debates, which played a crucial role in shaping public perception. Kennedys charisma and effective communication contrasted sharply with Nixons more reserved demeanor. Ultimately, Kennedy won the election by a narrow margin, becoming the first Catholic president and a symbol of hope and progress for many Americans. His victory not only highlighted the importance of Massachusetts in national politics but also marked a pivotal moment in US history, influencing future campaigns and the role of media in politics. Advertisement On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the worlds first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolinas Outer Banks. The state honors this milestone with the slogan First in Flight on its licence plates read more North Carolina, a state in the Southeastern region, is the 28th-largest and 9th-most populous of the United States. At the 2020 census, the state had a population of 10,439,388. Raleigh is the states capital and Charlotte is its most populous city. Originally home to Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan tribes, the state joined the Union as the 12th state on November 21, 1789. It seceded to join the Confederacy in 1861 but was readmitted on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the worlds first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolinas Outer Banks. The state honors this milestone with the slogan First in Flight on its licence plates Advertisement Who are the voters? In North Carolina, White voters constitute approximately 70-75% of the electorate, while Black voters make up around 20-25%. Asian voters account for about 2-5% of the electorate, with the migrant voter population included within this group. These figures represent general estimates and can fluctuate with demographic changes and new census data. Is it Democrat or Republican? Like many other southern states, North Carolina voted almost exclusively Democratic from 1876 through 1964 and almost exclusively Republican beginning in 1968. The initial shift was largely in response to white conservative voter uneasiness with the civil rights legislation passed in the mid-1960s, which was effectively exploited by the Republicans southern strategy. In 2008, Barack Obama reversed the trend of Republican dominance here, although just barely, defeating John McCain by about 14,000 votes out of 4.3 million cast. Is it a swing state? North Carolina is considered a swing state. The states electoral outcomes have varied in recent presidential elections. For instance, North Carolina supported Republican candidates Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020, but it also backed Democrat Barack Obama in 2008. The states diverse demographic, including significant urban and rural populations, along with changing political attitudes, contributes to its swing state status. This competitiveness makes it a key target for campaign efforts from both major parties. In state and local elections, North Carolina often exhibits similar competitive dynamics, with control of the state legislature and governorship frequently shifting between parties Has it given the US a president? North Carolina has not produced a US President. While the state has contributed significantly to American history and politics, including being the birthplace of US presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk, neither of these presidents is formally regarded as coming from North Carolina in the context of their presidential careers. Advertisement If there is any memorable election for the state? A memorable presidential election involving North Carolina was the 2008 election, where North Carolina played a pivotal role in the outcome of the presidential race. In this election, Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate, won the state by a narrow margin, securing North Carolinas 15 electoral votes. This victory was significant as it marked the first time North Carolina had supported a Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter in 1976. The win was crucial for Obamas overall victory and highlighted North Carolinas status as a competitive swing state. The states shift in political alignment demonstrated its growing influence in national elections. Advertisement Republican candidate wins with 55.2% of the vote, marking a third consecutive GOP victory in the state read more Donald Trump secured Ohios 17 electoral votes in Tuesdays election, defeating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The Associated Press called the race in Trumps favor at 9:08 pm EST on November 6, 2024. Trump received approximately 55.2% of the vote, while Harris earned 43.9%. This marks the third consecutive victory for a Republican presidential candidate in Ohio, following Trumps decisive wins in both 2016 and 2020. About Ohio Ohio, a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, became the 17th state to join the Union on March 1, 1803. The 34th-largest state by area, Ohio is home to nearly 11.8 million people, making it the seventh-most populous and tenth-most densely populated state in the US. Its capital and largest city is Columbus, with major urban centers including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, and Toledo. Known as the Buckeye State after the Ohio buckeye trees, residents are also called Buckeyes. Ohio derives its name from the Ohio River that forms its southern border. Advertisement Who are the voters? In Ohio, approximately 79.65% population is White, 12.34% of the population identifies as Black or African American, 4.27% two or more races, 2.35% Asian, 1.2% other race, 0.16% Native American, and 0.03% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Is it Democrat or Republican? As far as presidential elections are concerned, Ohio has leaned Republican in recent elections, with Donald Trump winning the state in both 2016 and 2020. When it comes to state elections, the state has a mix of Democratic and Republican leadership at various levels. For example, Ohio has a Republican governor, but the states US Senate and House delegations include members from both parties. Overall, Ohios political landscape is dynamic and can shift, making it a crucial state for both parties in national elections. Is it a swing state? Ohio is often considered a swing state, meaning it does not consistently vote for one party and can lean either Democratic or Republican depending on the election. Historically, Ohio has been a key battleground in presidential elections due to its diverse electorate and significant number of electoral votes. Has it given the US a president? Ohio has given US seven presidents, earning it the moniker the Mother of Presidents. The states presidential roster includes William Henry Harrison (9th President), who served in 1841, Ulysses S Grant was the 18th President who served from March 4, 1869 March 4, 1877, a key Union general during the Civil War, Rutherford B. Hayes served from March 4, 1877 March 4, 1881 and was the 19th President, known for ending Reconstruction, James A Garfield served from March 4, 1881 September 19, 1881 and was the 20th President, who was assassinated in 1881, Benjamin Harrison term was from March 4, 1889 March 4, 1893 and he was the 23rd President, noted for his advocacy of protective tariffs, William McKinley served from March 4, 1897 September 14, 1901 and was the 25th President, who led the nation during the Spanish-American War, and Warren G Harding term was from March 4, 1921 August 2, 1923 and was the 29th President, whose administration was marked by scandals. Advertisement If there is any memorable election for the state? A memorable election involving one of the seven US Presidents from Ohio is the 1880 presidential election, which featured James A Garfield. Garfield, a Republican congressman from Ohio, won the presidency in a remarkably close race against Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. The election was notable for its extremely narrow margins and the significant role that Ohio played. Garfield secured the presidency with a slim electoral majority, and Ohios support was crucial in his victory. The 1880 election was also interesting as Garfields victory marked the end of a period of intense political competition and factionalism within the Republican Party, and it highlighted Ohios influence in national politics. Garfields presidency, however, was tragically cut short by his assassination in 1881, adding to the historical significance of the election. Advertisement Republican candidate former President Donald Trump has won Oklahoma, as per CNN and AP read more Republican candidate former President Donald Trump has won the state of Oklahoma, according to calls by CNN and AP. Trump has won Oklahomas eight Electoral College votes in the race to reach the 270-mark. Trump won Oklahoma in 2020 election as well. Catch all updates on the US election results in live coverage Oklahoma, located in the South Central region of the United States, ranks as the 20th-largest state by area and the 28th most populous among the 50 states. Its residents, known as Oklahomans, call Oklahoma City their capital and largest city. The name Oklahoma originates from the Choctaw words okla, meaning people, and humma, meaning red. Informally referred to as The Sooner State, this nickname pays homage to the Sooners settlers who claimed land in territories previously owned by American Indians, following the Land Rush of 1889. Advertisement Who are the voters? Approximately 70% of voters are White (non-Hispanic), while around 9% are Black or African American. Hispanic or Latino voters make up about 10%, and Native Americans account for roughly 7%. Asian voters represent about 2%, with other races comprising approximately 2%. Is it Democrat or Republican? Oklahoma is predominantly a Republican state. So far as presidential elections are concerned, in the 2020 election, Donald Trump won Oklahoma with approximately 65% of the vote, while Joe Biden received about 33%. Similarly, in 2016, Trump again secured the state with around 65% against Hillary Clintons 29%. In 2012, Mitt Romney claimed victory with approximately 60% of the votes, while Barack Obama garnered around 34%. Even in 2008, despite Obama performing relatively better, John McCain won with about 65% to Obamas 34%. Republican candidates also have consistently won a majority of statewide offices, including the governorship and both US Senate seats. While there are Democratic voters and officials in the state, the Republican Party has dominated in both local and national elections, especially in the last couple of decades. Is it a swing state? Oklahoma is not considered a swing state. It has consistently leaned Republican in recent presidential elections, with Republican candidates winning by significant margins. While there may be some competitive local races, the states overall voting pattern has favored the Republican Party for many years. This trend makes Oklahoma more of a solidly red state rather than a swing state. Has it given the US a president? Oklahoma gave the US one president. William Howard Taft served as the 27th president from 1909 to 1913. Taft was born in Ohio but had strong connections to Oklahoma, particularly through his involvement in its early statehood and development. While not born in the state, his presidency is often noted in discussions about Oklahomas historical significance. Advertisement If there is any memorable election for the state? One of the most memorable elections for Oklahoma was the 1932 presidential election, when Franklin D. Roosevelt won a landslide victory. This election marked a significant shift as Oklahoma transitioned from a Republican-leaning state to a Democratic stronghold during the Great Depression, reflecting the economic struggles and desires for change among Oklahomans. Ahead of the November 5 polls, Trump said he is open to some of RFK Jrs controversial ideas such as imposing a ban on fluoride in the US water systems read more With less than 48 hours left for polling, former US President Donald Trump didnt rule out banning some vaccines if he returns to the White House. The proclamation from the Republican presidential nominee came after he said that Robert F. Kennedy Jr would have a big role in the administration. While speaking to NBC News on a phone call, Trump said he is open to some of Kennedys controversial ideas such as imposing a ban on fluoride in the US water systems. Kennedy ran for the presidency as an independent in this years election cycle before he dropped his bid and endorsed Trump. Advertisement The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy is notorious for spreading conspiracies and falsehoods about vaccines and other public health matters. In the past, he frequently linked vaccines to autism, even though multiple studies have debunked the theory. While speaking to NBC News, Trump did not outrightly say that he would stop the vaccine ban. 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, the former president commented on the matter. He went on to decline talking about the specific roles Kennedy might play if he came back to power. Will the Trump administration take Kennedys approach to healthcare? While addressing a rally in Arizona on Thursday, Trump made it clear that Kennedy would have a prominent role in the office and insisted that the political scion can do anything he wants. Two sources close to the Trump campaign have said that Kennedy is going to work on health and womens health. Meanwhile, on Friday, Kennedy tweeted that on Trumps first day in office, his administration will push for a fluoride ban, claiming it is industrial waste that leads to problems like cancer and other diseases. Well, I havent talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me, Trump said Sunday when he was asked about that plan. You know, its possible. Advertisement Soon after RFK Jr launched his crusade against fluoride, major health groups emphasised that the practice of water fluoridation was safe. The Trump team have been embracing RFK Jrs fringe views in recent days. On an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience last week, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Trumps running mate, also spoke about his experience with the Covid vaccine, expressing scepticism about it. Once Trump spoke about the 2020 polls, he could not stop. He soon revived debunked conspiracy theories from the controversial polls and suggested anew that voting machines would be hacked this election read more In yet another provocative remark, just days ahead of the November polls, former US President Donald Trump said that he should have stayed in the White House, despite losing the 2020 elections against current US President Joe Biden. The proclamation from the former president came during one of his final rallies of the campaign in Lititz in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Trump made the comment shortly after he denounced public polls that showed him behind his rival Vice President Kamala Harris. The Republican presidential nominee went back to his most problematic impulses and referred to Democrats as demonic. We had the safest border in the history of our country the day that I left, Trump said. I shouldnt have left, I mean honestly, we did so well, we had such a great he exclaimed before abruptly cutting himself off. Advertisement Once the business-mogul-turned-politician spoke about the 2020 polls, he could not stop. He soon revived debunked conspiracy theories from the controversial polls and suggested anew that voting machines would be hacked, and efforts to extend polling hours in Pennsylvania what his own team has pushed for amounted to fraud. Trump slams Iowa polls and others The former president also took out time to slam a series of recent polls notably a Des Moines Register poll in Iowa that put him four points behind Harris in the state. While the poll does not suggest that the vice president would outrightly win the Republican stronghold, it indicated that Harris is leading the race there. You really do inflict damage, like you do with this person in Iowa, Trump said of the Selzer poll done for the Des Moines Register on Saturday. It is called suppression. They suppress. And it actually should be illegal," he added. He went on to slam media, suggesting that he would have no concerns about reporters being shot at if there were another assassination attempt against him. To get to me, somebody would have to shoot through fake news, and I dont mind that much, because, I dont mind. I dont mind, Trump said from behind panes of bulletproof glass, which was followed by laughs from some supporters. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. As Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump stand essentially tied in polls on the eve of Election Day, here are five reasons why the contest is so close read more Members of the media use a screen to watch the presidential debate, as Republican presidential nominee, former US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris attend a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on September 10, 2024. Reuters File The 2024 US presidential election remains too close for any candidate to have a definitive lead. In the decisive battleground states, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump are essentially tied, according to the latest New York Times/Sienna College poll. In modern US history, there has never been such a close contest when findings of polls in all battleground states are within margins of error, according to Times Chief Political Analyst Nate Cohn. Advertisement Across the key battlegrounds collectively or nationwide, neither Kamala Harris nor Donald J. Trump leads by more than a single percentage point. Neither candidate holds a meaningful edge in enough states to win 270 electoral votes, notes Cohn. Here are five things have led to such a close contest. 1. Harris has raised more funds Vice President Harris has mounted a fierce opposition to former President Trump. While Trump was the clear favourite to win the election for months in polls, Harris brought the race to a race to razor-thin margins after taking over the Democratic ticket from Biden. Even though Trump has the worlds richest man Elon Musk along with a battery of billionaires backing him, Harris has raised more money. The Harris campaign has raised $538.8 million compared to Trump campaigns $390.2 million, according to Forbes. Moreover, the base of Harris donations is also much wider. While Trump is reliant on cash-rich political action committees (PACs) of Musk and others for donations, much of Harris donations have come from commonfolk, indicating that while Trump is being propped by billionaires and Harris being supported by common voters. The Harris campaign has more than 2.4 times the number of donors as the Trump campaign, a gap of nearly 4.3 million donors, according to Politico. Advertisement 2. Anti-incumbency mood favours Trumps Even as Harris is ahead of Trump in fund-raising, Trump is riding on anti-incumbency wave. In nearly every poll, voters have said that they dont like the direction in which the nation is headed. They hold economy as the most important issue and Trump in post polls has had a lead in perceived ability to handle the economy. Moreover, most of the people across Western democracies are looking for a change and that works in favour of Trump, just like it worked in favour of the Liberal Party in the United Kingdom and right-wing parties elsewhere in Europe, including in France and Germany. Advertisement 3. Trumps nationalism Riding on an anti-immigrant platform, Trump has pitched himself as a strongman with all the solutions to everything that ails the United States. Trump has successfully tapped into anxieties around immigration and the Joe Biden administrations poor record at tackling illegal immigration. He has fused the anti-immigrant sentiment with racial and religious nationalism to build a solid core base of White, Christian Americans. Ironically, Trump has also made inroads among Hispanic and Black Americans, who have historically been pro-immigrants. 4. Harris appeal among women voters The 2024 US presidential election has propped a clear gender division. While men mostly support Trump, women mostly support Harris. Advertisement For women in particular and young persons in general, abortion rights have emerged as the most important issue in battleground states, according to the latest Times/Sienna poll. Trumps far-right anti-abortion platform and his running mate JD Vances continuing tirade against women have pushed more and women towards Harris. 5. Ukraine, West Asia wars have backers on both sides The wars in Ukraine and West Asia have also had an impact. Several American voters have been miffed for Harris for either turning blind to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza or for not doing enough to help Israel fight Hamas. Trumps far-right platform has also made aid to Ukraine a political issue. They say that Ukraine has unjustly dried US coffers of money that could have been used domestically. Advertisement Trump, who has fawned over Russian ruler Vladimir Putin over the years, has indicated that he would end the support for Ukraine and pressurise Ukraine to make a deal with Putin to end the war. The donkey and elephant, representing Democrats and Republicans, owe their iconic status to 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast. His satirical work transformed these animals into symbols of stubborn resilience and lumbering strength, capturing the essence and follies of both parties. First used to criticise, they became unlikely emblems, proudly adopted by each side read more Since the 19th century, the Democratic donkey and the Republican elephant have been enduring symbols in American politics, resurfacing every election cycle in cartoons, campaigns, and even on memes. But how did these symbols come to represent the two major political parties, and why have they endured despite their seemingly mocking origins? The answer lies in the work of one of Americas first great political cartoonists, Thomas Nast, whose biting satire and vivid imagination shaped these icons. Advertisement Origins of the Democratic Donkey The Democratic Partys association with the donkey dates back to Andrew Jacksons 1828 presidential campaign. Nicknamed a jackass by his opponents, Jackson a military hero and the first Democratic president did not shy away from the label. Instead, he embraced it, even featuring a donkey on his campaign posters. The image was simple but effective, portraying Jackson as a stubborn but determined man willing to carry the burdens of the common people. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wears socks with the donkey, a symbol of the Democratic Party at the United States Capitol in Washington, US, December 6, 2022. File Image/Reuters The donkey gained new traction in the 1870s when Thomas Nast popularised it as a symbol of the entire Democratic Party through his illustrations for Harpers Weekly. Nasts sharp, critical cartoons helped cement the donkey as a symbol of the Democrats, characterising the party as obstinate yet resilient. In one of his notable cartoons from 1879, Nast showed the donkey dangling precariously by its tail, on the brink of financial chaos. This caricature offered a critique of Democratic policies during the economically turbulent Gilded Age, a theme he would revisit in later works. The Republican Elephant The story of the Republican elephants origin is also connected to Nasts artistry. While the elephant had appeared in Civil War-era imagery as a symbol of bravery in combat, it was Nasts 1874 cartoon Third Term Panic that firmly linked the creature with the Republican Party. In this cartoon, Nast mocked the New York Heralds rumours that US President Ulysses S Grant was contemplating a third term, portraying the paper as a donkey wearing a lions skin and stirring up fear among the other animals. Republican delegates from across the US gathered in Charlotte on August 23, 2020 for Republican National Committee. File Image/Reuters Among these was an elephant labeled the Republican Vote, shown teetering at the edge of a pit, suggesting the party was at risk of following Grant blindly. The cartoons impact was profound; the elephant was quickly adopted as the GOPs emblem in subsequent political art. Seeing the elephant had already been a Civil War slang term for facing combat or significant challenges, so Nasts use of the animal resonated with audiences. Advertisement Over time, the symbols initial suggestion of panic and instability faded, and the elephant came to signify the partys strength, endurance, and loyalty. Nast and his legacy Beyond his political cartoons, Thomas Nast left an indelible mark on American culture. Known for his uncompromising satire, Nast was a fearless critic, using his art to expose corruption in figures like William Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall. His 1871 cartoon of the Tammany Tiger tearing apart justice was a memorable attack on New Yorks political machine, symbolising the ferocity with which Nast pursued what he saw as abuses of power. Nasts influence extended well beyond the realm of political satire. He is also credited with shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, transforming the traditional St Nicholas figure into the jolly, rotund Santa we recognise today. How both parties have embraced these mascots Although Nasts work initially cast both parties symbols in a critical light depicting the Democrats donkey as stubborn and the Republicans elephant as cumbersome and easily led these icons have become cherished symbols for their respective parties. Considering how poorly the two animals come across in Nasts original cartoons, it is interesting to see that both of the major American political parties have embraced their mascots. Advertisement A protester holds a sign with a donkey and and elephant crossed out, symbols of the Democrat and Republican parties, respectively, as people rally in support of a $15 minimum wage at Seattle Central Community College in Seattle, Washington, March 15, 2014. File Image/Reuters Indeed, Nasts donkey and elephant now adorn pins, posters, and merchandise at rallies and conventions across the country, embodying the self-awareness with which both parties have come to celebrate their identities. Even today, these animal symbols carry an implicit commentary on the traits associated with each party: resilience and steadfastness for Democrats, strength and reliability for Republicans. Through his satire, Nast managed to create symbols that, while initially unflattering, came to be embraced by both sides. Also Read: How did red and blue become synonymous with Republicans and Democrats? With inputs from agencies The US will vote on Tuesday to elect its next president, with Kamala Harris facing a tough challenge from her Republican rival Donald Trump. Not just in the US, the Democrat nominee has people cheering for victory in India, too. A small village in Tamil Nadu where her maternal grandfather lived some 100 years back is holding daily prayers for her read more A woman walks past a banner of US Vice President Kamala Harris installed alongside a road in the village of Thulasendrapuram, where Harris's maternal grandfather was born more than a century ago, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, July 27, 2024. File Photo/Reuters The world is waiting with bated breath for the United States presidential election on Tuesday (November 5) which has pitted Democrat nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump. The two rivals are engaged in a close fight to become the next US president. It is not just in the US that Harris supporters are hoping for her victory. Thousands of kilometres away, a tiny village in Tamil Nadu is praying for the Democratic presidential nominee to defeat Trump. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. Kamala Harris India connection Kamala Harris mother, Shyamala Gopalan, hailed from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She went to university in Delhi before emigrating to the US in 1958 at the age of 19. Gopalan earned her masters degree at the University of California, Berkeley and went on to become a noted breast cancer research scientist. The Democrat often remembers her mother as her inspiration. In 1963, Gopalan married Donald Harris, a fellow graduate student who had come from Jamaica. Harris and her younger sister Maya were born and raised in the US. Gopalan lived in the US until she died in 2009 from cancer. Harris had visited Chennai at the time to immerse her mothers ashes. In her memoir The Truths We Hold, Harris recalls, we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture. All of my mothers words of affection or frustration came out in her mother tongue. I love this country with all my heart. And I believe in its promisebecause Ive lived it. I grew up as a child of the Civil Rights Movement. My parents would take me to marches when I was a toddler, where crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life came together pic.twitter.com/oEfh7cFBys Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 1, 2024 Advertisement The US VP has talked about the South Indian food she ate at home while growing up and revealed her fondness for idli and dosa, as per The Guardian. She confessed to Indian American actor Mindy Kaling in 2019 that she had never made dosas before. Recalling her childhood visits to India, Harris has said, I would hold my grandfathers hand on long walks on the beach with his retired buddies and [they] would debate the issues of the day. Advertisement Throughout these walks, I recall my grandfather teaching me lessons about not just what it means to have a democracy, but to keep a democracy. And I do believe, it is these lessons that I learned at a very young age that first inspired my interest in public service. Harris maternal grandparents belonged to Thulasendrapuram, a sleepy village roughly 300 km from Chennai. It is the residents of this village who are conducting prayers for her victory in the upcoming US presidential election. Kamala Harris ancestral village prays for her win Thulasendrapuram is around 14,000 km from Washington DC but that does not stop the villagers from claiming Harris as their own. It is here that her maternal grandfather PV Gopalan lived some 100 years back. While some reports claim Harris visited Thulasendrapuram as a young child, its residents cannot confirm the same, according to an NPR report. Advertisement Even though the village has not found mention in Harris speeches, its residents are holding daily prayers for her victory. A larger banner displaying the US VP has come up at the centre of the village. Several banners and billboards with Harris face, wishing her good luck in Tamil have been erected across the village, reported The Guardian. J Sudhakar, a leader and husband of a local councillor, distributes sweets after offering prayers for US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Sri Dharmasastha temple in her ancestral village Thulasendrapuram in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu on July 23, 2024. File Photo/AFP Arulmozhi Sudhakar, a local body representative in the village, told NPR in August, that Harris is the daughter of the land. I can relate to [Harris] struggles as a woman politician, she said adding that she admires the Democratic nominees ability to smile while facing all the political challenges. Advertisement Nerves are running high in the small village in the Tiruvarur district as the US edges closer to the election outcome. The challenges posed by Harris rival Trump and the trends from key swing states have become a part of the daily conversations. Whether she wins or not is irrelevant to us. The fact that she is contesting is historic and makes us proud, M Murukanandan, a local politician, told The Guardian. To mark Harris historical candidature, a unique environmental memorial a water tank for collecting and harvesting rainwater is being renovated, symbolising the villages pride in her, reported Down To Earth (DTE). It will have a plaque with Harris name. The tank is near Dharmasastha Kovil, a Hindu temple to which Harris aunt Sarala donated Rs 5000 for its renovation a decade ago in her nieces honour. The wall of the temple bears Harris name. A new village bus stop, named after Harris, is also under construction. The media attention on the village has worked in its favour. According to the NPR report, residents say that after the village appeared on TV in 2020, a local bank adopted Thulasendrapuram for welfare works. Speaking to Sky News, N Krishnamurthy, an 80-year-old retired bank manager, said, She has brought such glory to this village. No one has ever done so much for us - even if they tried for decades and centuries. Its unimaginable! Our village is world famous because of her, and we repeatedly thank her, wish her all the best and our blessings are always there. Residents, especially women, have a sense of pride. For some, she is an inspiration. Balaambika, a villager, told Sky News that Harris brought fame to womanhood - all the women here are so proud of her achievements. The excitement in the village is a reminder of how villagers took to the streets when Harris became the vice president four years ago, celebrating with music and firecrackers. Children were seen carrying placards with Harris face and a communal feast was organised. People shout slogans as they celebrate after Kamala Harris was sworn in as US Vice President during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States, in the village of Thulasendrapuram, Tamil Nadu, January 20, 2021. File Photo/Reuters No relatives of Harris currently live in Thulasendrapuram. However, villagers say that her familys ancestral ties to the village continue to exist. Murukanandan told The Guardian that he and others from the village recently contacted Harris aunt to convey good luck and express their hope that the Democrat will finally visit Thulasendrapuram. She agreed to pass on our wishes, he said. We also asked her to encourage Harris to visit our village after winning the election. We hope everything will be possible. With inputs from agencies Get all the latest updates of US Elections 2024 Political observers from all sides will be closely monitoring the Tuesdays developments, eagerly awaiting early indicators of which party will take control of the next Congress read more Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. AP File Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump are gearing up for a frantic final push ahead of Election Day. While Harris will dedicate all of Monday to Pennsylvania, culminating in a late-night rally in Philadelphia featuring Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, Trump has scheduled four rallies across three states, starting in Raleigh, North Carolina, and making two stops in Pennsylvania at events in Reading and Pittsburgh. However, the focus will quickly shift to Tuesday when political observers from all sides will be closely monitoring the developments, eagerly awaiting early indicators of which party will take control of the next Congress. Advertisement According to The Hill report, election forecasters have identified several key contested seats some considered toss-ups and others leaning toward one party that will determine whether Republicans keep the majority or Democrats return to power after two years in the minority wilderness. Many of these key races are in the Eastern time zone, where polls close first and results are typically reported quickly, though there are exceptions. For example, Pennsylvania has several tight races, but its mail-in ballot rules are likely to delay the results past Election Day. In contrast, Iowa and Nebraska, situated in the Central time zone, are expected to report their outcomes on election night, added the report. Here are some of the races that might serve as an early indicator of which side has the edge: Virginias 2nd and 7th districts The two suburban battleground seats in Virginia could easily be divided between the parties, providing little insight into national trends. However, if one party wins both, it would signal positive momentum for that side. I think most likely we split Virginia one way or another. But obviously, you start to get some wind in your sails if you could win two either party, The Hill quoted a Democratic strategist as saying. In the Virginia Beach area, first-term Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans is up against Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal in Virginias 2nd District. The GOP is confident about retaining the seat, so a loss could indicate significant Democratic gains. Advertisement Meanwhile, the 7th District is an open race following Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanbergers decision to run for governor. Democrats are optimistic about holding the seat with Army veteran Eugene Vindman, who played a role in Trumps first impeachment. The Republican candidate is Derrick Anderson, a former Army Green Beret. If were winning Virginia-7, or coming close to winning, we think were going to have a really good night," GOP strategist told The Hill. In a sign of the importance of the state, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) campaigned with Vindman in the district late last month. And Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will stop in Virginia on Monday, the day before Election Day. Advertisement Iowas 1st and 3rd congressional districts According the The Hill, two Republican incumbents in Iowa, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the 1st District and Rep. Zach Nunn in the 3rd, are facing challenging reelection bids, giving Democrats rare pickup opportunities in this GOP-dominated region. The Cook Political Report labels both races as toss-ups. Holding both seats would signal a strong night for Republicans, while a win for Democrats in at least one would suggest positive momentum. Nunn, a first-term lawmaker who won with 50% of the vote in 2022, is up against Democrat Lanon Baccam, a veteran of the Afghanistan War and son of Tai Dam refugees. Advertisement Election experts note that Baccam has gained traction thanks to Harriss recent campaign efforts, which have energised minority voters in small Midwestern cities like Des Moines, located in the 3rd District, added the report. Democrats believe they have an even better chance against Miller-Meeks, who is in a rematch with former state representative Christina Bohannan. Miller-Meeks won her first election by just six votes in 2020 and has faced criticism from conservatives in her party, including a primary challenger this year. Additionally, Democrats are hopeful that Iowas strict new abortion ban will mobilize left-leaning voters for both challengers. Iowa-1 is probably the more likely thing, The Hill quoted the Democratic strategist as saying. The only thing that freaks me out about Iowa is that weve seen time and time again that Iowa closes towards Republicans and against Democrats. And that could happen, he added. Advertisement Five New York districts to give early signs Both parties will be closely monitoring New York particularly Long Island and the Hudson Valley on election night, as five districts with first-term Republican incumbents will provide early insights into the overall House battlefield. Republican Reps. Nick LaLota, Anthony DEsposito, Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Brandon Williams are all defending seats in districts that President Biden won in 2020, making them prime targets for Democratic pickups. Our offensive opportunities rest in New York, The Hill quoted the Democratic strategist as saying. Some of those races will be more consequential indicators than others for control of the House. The GOP could retain House control while still losing some of the seats. But for Republicans, it is crucial for Lawler to fend off a challenge by former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) if they want to keep the majority. The area, which includes Rockland County, broke for Biden by 10.1 percentage points in 2020, before Lawler secured the district by less than a point in 2022. Cook Political Report moved the district from a toss up to lean Republican in October, reported The Hill. A Jones victory, meanwhile, could be a sign that Democrats are on the path to taking control of the lower chamber. According to the report, New Yorks 1st Congressional District is also a focus, where Rep. Nick LaLota is challenged by Democrat John Avlon. More daunting for Republicans are New Yorks 4th Congressional District, represented by Anthony DEsposito, and the 22nd Congressional District, led by Brandon Williams. Democrats believe they can win these districts, especially since Biden secured them by margins of 14.6 and 7.4 percentage points, respectively. Victories for Laura Gillen, DEspositos opponent, and John Mannion, who is running against Williams, would signal strong momentum for the party, added the report. However, if both incumbents manage to retain their seats, it could pose a significant obstacle for Democrats seeking a majority. North Carolinas 1st Congressional District First-term Rep. Don Davis (D) is up against Republican Laurie Buckhout in a newly competitive district in northeastern North Carolina, which has a significant Black population. Once a Democratic stronghold, the district is now considered a toss-up. According to The Hill, Democrats claim internal polls show Davis is safe. However, with North Carolina being a battleground state in the presidential race, the outcome in the 1st District could be influenced by the broader contest at the top of the ticket, added the report. Since the hurricane, Trump has really reallocated a lot of his get-out-the-vote efforts to this district, from Western North Carolina, The Hill quoted the GOP strategist as saying. If Trump could push Laurie Buckhout over the edge, it also helps him win the state, said the GOP strategist Strategists are also looking to the district for clues about the Black vote, with trends there being more impactful in the presidential race than for House control. Ohios 9th and 13th congressional districts Two key races in Ohio could give early hints into who will control the House. In the 9th Congressional District, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D), the longest-serving woman in congressional history, is battling Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin. Trump won this district by 2.9 percentage points in 2020, making it a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans. In the 13th Congressional District, Rep. Emilia Sykes (D) is up against Republican Kevin Coughlin. Biden won this area by 2.8 percentage points in 2020, and Democrats are determined to hold onto it. According to The Hill, citing the Cook Political Report, both seats are classified as lean Democrat, and the party is optimistic about defending them this cycle. We think theyre going to be OK given the numbers that were seeing, the Democratic strategist was quoted as saying. Democrats, however, will also be looking closely at the margins of victory and the voter demographics as a gauge of what to expect elsewhere. And GOP operatives say Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, gives them a downballot boost across the state. Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is among the most vulnerable Republican incumbents this cycle, facing state Sen. Tony Vargas (D) in a rematch of their 2022 race. Results are anticipated on election night. A Democratic strategist labeled the race as a must win for the party to have any chance of flipping control of the House. Its tough to see a path to the majority without us winning Nebraska-2. I know weve said this every cycle, as Democrats, that were finally going to get Don Bacon. But I feel (better) about it than I ever have, The Hill quoted the Democratic strategist as saying. Vargas is getting a boost from Harris, who is leading Trump by double digits in the district. Election experts believe her presence will help mobilise Black and other minority voters in Omaha, benefiting downballot Democrats. However, Republicans are optimistic that Bacon, who has previously faced tough races, can secure a victory in a district that Biden won in 2020. Once he goes back on air and reminds voters who he is, and his bipartisan bona fides, voters instantly snap back and they remember: Oh, yeah. I like Don Bacon. I like what hes done. I voted for him last time and Im going to vote for him again, the Republican strategist was quoted as saying. Maines 2nd District Three-term Democrat Jared Golden is a recurring target for Republicans in Maines vast 2nd District, one of the most rural in the US. Despite their efforts, they havent succeeded in unseating the former Marine and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, who has carved out an independent identity by defying his party on key issues. Trump won the district by 6.1 points in 2020, and with him back on the ballot, both parties will closely watch the returns for potential downballot effects. According to The Hill, Republicans are optimistic about challenger Austin Theriault, a 30-year-old state representative and former NASCAR driver. They cite internal polls suggesting Golden is losing support among independent voters, with one GOP strategist claiming those numbers are cratering, added the report. Democrats, however, are confident Golden will prevail, referencing their own polls that show a rebound in his support among Democratic voters. They assert that independents have not turned away from him. Golden is going to have probably the closest race hes ever been in. I think hes going to squeak it out, though, the Democratic strategist told The Hill. We havent seen it collapse there for him, which is encouraging. Maine is one of just two states with ranked-choice voting, which can lead to delays in the results. But this year, Golden and Theriault are the only two candidates on the ballot, leading campaign operatives to believe the outcome will be known before voters go to sleep. Its just a head-to-head this time around, so it should be easier to call, the Democratic strategist said. With inputs from agencies Although Election Day is coming up on November 5, becoming president-elect involves dealing with many factors beyond just the vote before one of the candidates can be officially elected read more (File) This combination of images shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at separate campaign events on October 23, 2024, in Duluth, Ga., and Aston, Pa., respectively. AP And we both know hearts can change, a line from the famous number November Rain sung by the rock band Guns N Roses, aptly echoes what might be going on in the minds of two US presidential candidates in 2024Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. It is both the fear of failure and the thrill of success that may be dominating their thoughts. Yet, despite November 5 knocking on the door, there remains a long way for either of them to become officially the president-elect of the United States. Advertisement What It means to be President-elect The term president-elect refers to the person who has won the United States presidential election and is waiting to take office. While the US Constitution does not clearly state when someone becomes president-elect, the Twentieth Amendment mentions the term, which gives it a formal status. The official confirmation happens after Congress certifies the votes of the Electoral College, typically in early January after the election. The media has used the term president-elect since at least the late 1800s, often applying it to the candidate who seems likely to win, even on election night. A candidate becomes the president-elect in the United States by winning enough Electoral College votes in the presidential election. This process starts on Election Day, which is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. On this day, voters choose electors who are pledged to support their preferred candidate. Each state has a specific number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress, adding up to a total of 538 electoral votes nationwide. To win the presidency, a candidate needs at least 270 of these votes. After the election, the electors gather in their state capitals in December to cast their official votes for president and vice president. These votes are then sent to Congress for verification. In early January, Congress counts the electoral votes in a joint session. Once the results are confirmed, the candidate with the majority of electoral votes is declared the president-elect. This announcement marks the end of the electoral process and sets the stage for the inauguration, which takes place on January 20 of the following year. A candidate is officially recognised as president-elect once they secure a majority of the electoral votes, usually when the electors cast their votes in the first week of December. Election process and transition timeline Elections in the US take place in early November. Then, the Electoral College votes in mid-December, and the inaugurationthe ceremony where the new president takes the oath of officeusually happens on January 20. The only constitutional rule about the president-elect is that they have to take the oath of office. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 helps manage the transition process, allowing the General Services Administration to identify the winning candidate and set up a smooth transfer of power. This law also provides office space for the president-elect and encourages cooperation between the outgoing president and the new one. Advertisement Its important to note that presidents who are re-elected do not get called president-elect since they are already in office. However, if a sitting vice president is elected as president, they are referred to as president-elect. History of the term The term president-elect dates back to the 1790s. Some of the founding fathers used it in letters regarding the 1796 presidential election. Back then, it was common to refer to candidates as president-elect even before the official results were known. Major newspapers began using the term regularly in the late 1800s and the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933 confirmed its status in the Constitution. Advertisement Responsibilities during the transition The role of the president-elect is very important during the time between the election and the inauguration. During this period, the president-elect prepares for their new role by forming a transition team made up of advisers and policy experts. This team helps create plans based on the president-elects campaign promises and key issues raised during the election. Effective communication is also a vital part of the president-elects job. They engage with the public and the media to share their plans and reassure everyone about a smooth transition. This includes addressing important national and global issues, allowing the president-elect to show they are ready to lead. Advertisement Appointments and working with Congress During this transition, the president-elect focusses on selecting key people for their administration like Cabinet members and agency heads. These nominees must go through Senate confirmation hearings. The transition team conducts background checks to ensure the nominees align with the president-elects goals. Building relationships with Congress is essential as well. The president-elect often reaches out to lawmakers to gain support for their plans paving the way for cooperation once they are in office. National security and public engagement National security is a top priority during this transitional period. The president-elect receives regular briefings from national security agencies to stay updated on important threats and issues. Engaging with the public and foreign leaders is also key. The president-elect might meet with other world leaders to strengthen international relationships and demonstrate continuity in US foreign policy. Advertisement Finally, the president-elect helps plan their inauguration. This event marks the official transfer of power and gives them a chance to express their vision and goals for the upcoming term, laying a foundation for their presidency. The role of the president-elect is essential for ensuring a smooth transition of power and preparing for effective governance. Through careful planning, smart appointments and open communication, the president-elect positions themselves to lead the nation from their very first day in office. The US presidential polls have begun and the township of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire has already declared a tie between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. What if this happens on a national level and each secures 269 votes in the Electoral College? read more Kosovo artist Alkent Pozhegu works on a mosaic made of grains showing portraits of US Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump, in Gjakova, Kosovo. The close race between the two have got many asking about a possibility of a tie in the US polls. Reuters Polls have opened across different states of America with millions lining up to cast their vote for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. In the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, which was the first to complete in-person voting, the results are in and it is a tie between the two, each polling three votes each. Notably, four years ago, all votes went to Joe Biden. Advertisement The results of this hamlet is indicative of just how close the contest is between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. So close, that many are wondering about the possibility of a tie between the two. Could this happen? And if yes, what happens next? We explain the process and procedure. Is a tie between Trump and Harris a possibility? Before we deep dive into this question, one needs to understand the process of how the US election works. To win the race to the White House, Trump or Harris need to secure 270 Electoral College votes. However, for a tie to occur, both will need to receive 269 votes of the total 538 from the Electoral College. One must note that US voters dont actually cast a ballot for their president. Instead, they vote for electors members of an Electoral College who back their choice of candidate for those roles. So, the question is is this possible? Can Trump and Harris both receive 269 votes each? This scenario is unlikely; it hasnt happened in modern American politics it did happen back in 1800. In 1800, candidates Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr were tied in the electoral vote tally, triggering a contingent election in 1801. Jefferson ended up winning that poll. Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump looks on as Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris face appears as a video plays on a screen, during a rally at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. The chance of a tie between the two are low, but not impossible. File image/Reuters However, a 269-vote tie can happen in some scenarios. One such scenario is if Harris wins Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada and a single electoral vote in Nebraska, all of which Joe Biden won in 2020, but she loses Pennsylvania and Georgia. The other scenario where a tie could happen is if Trump were to win all of Nebraskas Electoral College votes. However, this seems unlikely because the states 2nd Congressional District favours Harris as of now. As Drew McCoy, president of NewsNation partner Decision Desk HQ said, Its like winning the lottery kind of a thing. Its possible, but its probably nothing that you plan on. Advertisement He added: Its not a high probability event, but its not an impossible one. But what happens if there is a tie? While improbable, in the case of a tie, the decision for the next president and vice president is taken out of the publics hands. Unlike what many think the popular vote should be the next way to decide the American president, the decision is moved to the hands of Congress. A contingent election will be held, as per the 12th Amendment of the US Constitution. It states that if no candidate gets a majority of the Electoral College votes, the new Congress, which would have just been sworn in on January 3, chooses the president. The Senate would choose the vice president. Simply put, the House of Representatives, the lower House of the US Congress would elect the president and the choice of vice president would be given to the Senate. Supporters of Donald Trump at Lancaster Airport in Lititz, Pennsylvania. A battleground state, Pennsylvania, has 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. AFP When and how would this contingent election be held? In case of a tie between Harris and Trump, the contingent election would be held in January, after members are sworn in. As per an analysis by the Congressional Research Service, a contingent election would occur on January 6. It will be this vote that will then decide who takes the oath of office on January 20. For this 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, DC would not participate.) The first candidate to receive 26 votes would then become president. Advertisement On the other hand, the Senate will be tasked with electing the vice president, with each Senator allowed to cast a single vote. (Washington, DC would not participate in contingent elections.) The first candidate with 51 votes is then declared the winner. It is because of this scenario that theres a possibility that in January 2025, the US could have Trump as president and Tim Walz as vice president or Harris as president and JD Vance as her vice president. This is why the results of the Congressional elections are important. But has this ever happened where the president and vice president are of different parties? It happened between 1797-1801 when President John Adams (a Federalist) and Vice President Thomas Jefferson (a Democratic-Republican) held the offices. Advertisement Marchers carry balloons spelling Kamala ahead of the 2024 presidential elections in, North Carolina. Reuters What do experts say? 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, told The Hill that despite all the hoopla and hype about a close election, the chance of a tie in 2024 is low. The system as a whole is very precarious, Brettschneider said. Its not as stable as it should be. With inputs from agencies The idea of non-citizen voting is not new, though only a few cities across the US allow it, and only in local elections read more As Takoma Park nears its city council election, candidate Ambroise Agosse is making a final push to secure the support of undecided voters. In a throwback to classic campaign strategies, Agosse has taken to the streets, visiting homes door-to-door with pamphlets in hand. His approach is not just about meeting residents. Its about connecting with the diverse population of Takoma Park, a city that has long welcomed immigrants. A multilingual campaign for a multicultural city Advertisement Agosses campaign materials reflect his commitment to reaching out to all of Takoma Parks residents, regardless of their background. His flyers and pamphlets are printed in English, Spanish, French and even Hindi. Agosse is reaching out to American citizens and immigrants alike, including those who may be undocumented, recognising their presence and contributions to the community. Takoma Park, located just outside Washington, DC, is one of the few cities in the United States that allows non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. This policy, adopted in 1993, includes both documented and undocumented immigrants, giving them a voice in local governance. Agosse believes that this right is essential for those who live, work and contribute to the community, even if they are not citizens. People who live there, who contribute to the city. So when it comes to the election, they want to give them a chance to express their voice, says Agosse. story of Takoma Park as a sanctuary city Since 1985, Takoma Park has been a sanctuary city, providing refuge and support to immigrants from around the world. Today, approximately 30 per cent of its population is made up of immigrants, making the city a unique blend of cultures and backgrounds. Agosses campaign is centred around these communities, especially in Ward Six, where many non-citizens reside. By appealing directly to immigrant communities, Agosse aims to represent their interests in city governance. Right to vote for non-citizens Not everyone supports the idea of allowing non-citizens to vote and the issue remains deeply divisive, particularly among Republicans. Former President Donald Trump has strongly opposed policies like those in Takoma Park, which he views as undermining American citizenship. Trump and his supporters argue that allowing non-citizens to vote is a dangerous trend that could erode national security and American identity. He has vowed to abolish sanctuary cities and promises to take sweeping actions against illegal immigration if re-elected, a stance that has intensified the debate on immigration in the US. Advertisement Immigration and voting rights The idea of non-citizen voting is not new, though only a few cities across the US allow it, and only in local elections. The turnout among undocumented immigrants tends to be low, as many are wary of drawing attention to themselves. However, there have been isolated instances of voter fraud involving non-citizens. For example, a Chinese student in Michigan once posed as a US citizen and cast a ballot in a presidential election, highlighting the potential for misuse, especially in tightly contested races. Despite such rare incidents, the issue remains contentious and immigration policy is a major concern for American voters. Many worry about the economic impact of undocumented immigrants, including job competition and the use of welfare services. There are also concerns about safety, as some accuse immigrants of contributing to crime and drug trafficking. Trump has leveraged these anxieties, declaring November 5th as a potential Liberation Day if he returns to office, promising to launch the largest deportation programme of criminals in American history. Advertisement Fear among immigrant communities Trumps stance on immigration has left many immigrant families feeling anxious. A lot of us are scared because Trump says the first to be deported will be the Venezuelans, understand? says Jesus, a Venezuelan immigrant who preferred not to disclose his full name. Jessika Ocampo, another immigrant, expressed the fear and uncertainty that families face during each election cycle. Every four years, its terrifying. Of having the knowledge of having to know where the I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention is. So if my husband gets taken, I know where to go. Because its terrifying having to tell my kids why were voting a certain way. Because those elections are so important of where their dad is, where their dads status could end up, says Jessika. Advertisement An issue too big to ignore Both Democrats and Republicans have acknowledged that immigration is one of the most pressing issues in America today. Each party has pledged to address illegal immigration, but neither has offered a clear, comprehensive solution. The inclusion of non-citizens in local elections has only added complexity to the debate, raising questions about who should have a say in shaping American communities. As Takoma Park residents prepare to vote, Agosses campaign has highlighted the diversity of voices and the evolving nature of American democracy. However, the broader national debate over immigration and voting rights remains unresolved, reflecting the deep divisions and challenges facing the United States today. Advertisement Feldstein was hired by the Prime Ministers Office media team soon after the war began. While his exact employment status remains unclear, the Israeli official served as a spokesperson in the IDF and then as a spokesperson for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir read more In a major turn of events, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus close aide Eliezer Feldstein is seen as the prime suspect of leaking sensitive security documents from the PMs office. The intelligence leak is currently being investigated by the Israeli court since the documents were allegedly part of the orchestrated campaign to thwart a hostage deal. The speculations about the intelligence leak started brewing even before Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court Judge Menahem Mizrahi partially lifted a gag order on details of the security breach. While the details are still scarce, the leak is touted as one of the most serious security breaches in the countrys history. Advertisement According to The Jerusalem Post, four individuals are currently under investigation, including civilian Eliezer Feldstein. The Israeli official is a close associate of Netanyahu and had been informally working for him. The investigation began after significant suspicions arose in the Shin Bet [Israel Security Agency] and IDF, also in light of media publications indicating that classified and sensitive intelligence information was taken from IDF systems and illegally removed, the judge wrote. This raised concerns about serious harm to national security and risking information sources. As a result, there could have been damage to the security forces ability to achieve the goal of releasing the hostages, as part of the war objectives," the judge added. Who is Eliezer Feldstein? According to The Jerusalem Post, Feldstein was hired by the Prime Ministers Office media team soon after the war began. While his exact employment status remains unclear, the Israeli official served as a spokesperson in the IDF and then as a spokesperson for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Netanyahus office made it clear that since Feldstein did not pass a Shin Bet security clearance vetting process, he served in an advisory capacity and was not officially an employee of the Israeli PMO. Amid the chaos, Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said in a press conference alongside MK National Unity Party head Benny Gantz that Netanyahu was either complicit in leaking classified information in an attempt to thwart the hostage deal or he is completely incompetent to lead the country. If Netanyahu knew, he is complicit in one of the most serious security breaches in the law book. If Netanyahu didnt know, what does he know? Lapid asked. It is suspected that Netanyahus people published secret documents and falsified documents to torpedo the possibility of a hostage deal, to build a public relations campaign against the families of the hostages," he added. Advertisement One suspect released The ruling revealed that one of the one of the suspects has been released from detention, while the remand for the other three was extended. The three suspects were prevented from meeting with an attorney and there were reasonable grounds regarding the defendants guilt, as well as alleged evidence to that effect. At issue is the endangering of sensitive information and information sources, as well as hampering achieving the goals of the war in the Gaza Strip," the judge said in the ruling. The case revolves around the two reports from the German newspaper Bild and the British Jewish Chronicle, which stated that they had been espousing at the time that Hamas did not intend to go through with a hostage deal and that it was planning on smuggling hostages out of the Gaza Strip and into Egypt. Advertisement During the hostage deal negotiation, Netanyahu used this assertion to emphasise his claim about the necessity of soldiers remaining along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border. Hamas eventually rejected the deal stating that a ceasefire-hostage deal should be based on the terms initially agreed by the two warring parties. The leak of the classified document came at a time when the Israeli PM has been accused of repeatedly stalling on a hostage deal to avoid the collapse of his coalition government. Not only this, many believed that Netanyahu wanted to continue staying in office since he considered it the best way of avoiding prosecution in fraud, bribery and breach of trust cases filed in 2019. The premier has denied any wrongdoing in the case. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to visit India in January 2025 to attend the Republic Day as the Chief Guest and make progress on talks for key defence deals, according to reports read more Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto may be the Chief Guest on the Republic Day on January 26, 2025, according to reports. Subianto has been interested in boosting India-Indonesia relations and has had eyes on a number of defence deals, such as the acquisition of BrahMos missiles. If the deal is finalised, Indonesia would be the second country after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos missiles from India. India and Indonesia have held initial discussions on the sale of BrahMos missiles and while Indonesias budget constraints had held back the country so far, Prabowo has hinted at increasing defence spending, according to Economic Times. Advertisement The increased defence spending could make way for a deal. The ET further reported that if Prabowo visits India as the Chief Guest, an Indonesian military contingent would also participate in the Republica Day parade. There are a number of other defence deals on the cards as well, such as the sale of Akash air defence systems, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and helicopters, according to The Hindu. Even amid these reports, no formal invitation to be the Chief Guest has been extended so far, according to the newspaper. However, preparations are underway for a meeting between Prabowo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Brazil later this month. Prabowo has also been keen to implement Indian schemes like mid-day meals and digital inclusion schemes in Indonesia. If the visit materialises, Prabowo would be the fourth Indonesian leader to visit India. In 1950, the then-Indonesian leader Sukarno was the Chief Guest on the first Republic Day, followed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011 and President Joko Widodo in 2018. Advertisement OPPO and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have expanded their existing partnership to further develop AI imaging technology. The enhanced collaboration, marked by increased funding and technology investment from OPPO, upgrades the PolyU-OPPO Joint Innovation Lab to the Joint Innovation Research Centre. Key takeaways from the expanded partnership include: Increased Investment: OPPO has committed to investing at least RMB 30 million over the next five years. OPPO has committed to investing at least RMB 30 million over the next five years. Focus on AI Imaging: The partnership will concentrate on advancing AI imaging technology through joint research and development. The partnership will concentrate on advancing AI imaging technology through joint research and development. Talent Development: The collaboration will support the training of PhD and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a new generation of experts in AI imaging. The collaboration will support the training of PhD and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a new generation of experts in AI imaging. GBA Integration: The partnership contributes to the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) by strengthening academia-industry collaboration. Previous achievements of the Joint Lab include: Development and implementation of leading imaging algorithms, such as AI super-resolution and HDR imaging, which have been incorporated into OPPO products Exploration of cutting-edge technologies like image restoration, detail enhancement, and interactive image and video editing Cultivation of talented PhD and postdoctoral researchers who are contributing to OPPOs AI imaging advancements. This strengthened partnership between OPPO and PolyU aims to drive innovation in AI imaging technology and contribute to the technological advancement and talent development within the GBA. Regarding this, Jason LIAO, President of OPPO Research Institute, said: In the three years of collaboration between OPPO and PolyU, we have witnessed significant technological breakthroughs and notable achievements in talent cultivation through the Joint Lab. Adhering to our mission of Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World, OPPO is dedicated to deepening the integration of academia-industry cooperation in the field of AI through this renewal, bringing more innovative intelligent imaging experiences to global users. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said: To address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, PolyU will officially establish the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025. This is an important move to implement the Universitys innovation development strategy, aiming to meet growing technological needs and support talent nurturing. The Department of Computing, which houses the Joint Innovation Research Centre will also join the new faculty. The new structure will effectively promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration among research teams and create more impactful outcomes. We believe that this in-depth cooperation with OPPO will enable us to fully seize opportunities and actively promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer. The mobile robotic platform developed by Reutlingen University together with Fraunhofer IPA in the experimental OR in Strasbourg enables the autonomous transport of medical material and instruments. A medical emergency requires complicated surgery. But the closest specialist is hundreds of kilometers away. These days, this kind of situation could be a life-or-death issue, but just a few short years from now, surgeons might be able to operate on patients remotely, with support from a robot with haptic feedback. The hospital would operate its own 5G network, ensuring low-latency connections to exchange data continuously during the operation. Researchers worked on these and other scenarios in the 5G-OR (Establishing the next generation of a 5G-enabled operating room ecosystem to improve patient outcome) project, which has just concluded. These days, economic pressures mean that hospitals are forced to build efficient new infrastructure and processes while also finding fresh new ways to use technology to connect and share data, says Johannes Horsch, a project manager working in health technology research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA at the Mannheim location. The French-German project 5G-OR, which brings public and industrial research together, addresses both aspects. It is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. A Roland Berger survey conducted in July 2024 showed that seven out of ten hospitals in Germany posted losses last year. In addition to consolidating their services and modernizing their infrastructure, many hospitals view collaboration and mergers as an especially important building block in putting themselves on a secure financial footing now and for the future. Shortages of healthcare professionals present another challenge. Hybrid high-tech operating rooms in Germany and France The 5G-OR project brought engineers, entrepreneurs, surgeons and anesthesiologists together across national borders at three locations: Mannheim, Berlin, and Strasbourg. The experts developed three high-tech hybrid operating rooms with intraoperative imaging systems. Aside from Fraunhofer IPA, the project also involved the Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) in Strasbourg on the French side, in Germany Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Reutlingen University, SectorCon GmbH, and KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, the private French research and technology institute b<>com, and the French start-up Rhythm Diagnostic Systems, otherwise known as RDS. The teams main objectives are to lower the rate of complications arising from medical procedures and streamline workflows in the OR. Medical errors still occur in some eight to twelve percent of all hospital stays today, Horsch explains. The introduction of 5G technology enables secure, flexible and reliable wireless communication and the exchange of data through a powerful data pipeline. This level of connectivity reduces errors and enhances efficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze data more effectively during surgery and support the use of robotics in medicine. Prof. Sascha Treskatsch, head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at Charite, Campus Benjamin Franklin, also believes in this research from the user side: Processing large volumes of multimodal data records in real time will revolutionize patient monitoring and thus therapy in clinical settings, and especially in the operating room during anesthesia. 5G-OR is the basis for this. The international team put four relevant applications into practice as part of the project: AI-assisted monitoring of vital signs : Patients wear a smart patch throughout treatment, from the operation through to follow-up care at home. Sensors in the patch track vital signs and communicate them wirelessly to a monitored platform, where they are analyzed using AI. This makes it possible to detect potential complications early on. 5G-OR is also laying the foundation for a completely new kind of high-frequency data processing in real time, which will enable widespread use of AI. : Patients wear a smart patch throughout treatment, from the operation through to follow-up care at home. Sensors in the patch track vital signs and communicate them wirelessly to a monitored platform, where they are analyzed using AI. This makes it possible to detect potential complications early on. 5G-OR is also laying the foundation for a completely new kind of high-frequency data processing in real time, which will enable widespread use of AI. AI-supported analysis of surgical data : During the operation, AI can be used to analyze endoscopic images or video sequences, for example, along with data from surgical instruments and processes. In this way, the progress of the operation can be determined and potential anomalies or risks identified. These kinds of analyses also streamline workflows in the operating room. : During the operation, AI can be used to analyze endoscopic images or video sequences, for example, along with data from surgical instruments and processes. In this way, the progress of the operation can be determined and potential anomalies or risks identified. These kinds of analyses also streamline workflows in the operating room. Robot-assisted telesurgery: High-tech operating rooms allow surgeons to operate on patients remotely, with support from a robot with haptic feedback. 5G ensures high bandwidths for the huge volumes of data involved, along with a low-latency connection for exchanging data in real time during the operation. Especially in light of the wave of consolidation sweeping hospitals across Germany, this application can help in emergencies when specialists are not available locally. The system can also be used locally outside the OR, for example to protect medical staff from risks such as X-ray radiation or infections. Mobile robotic support in the operating room: A mobile robot developed specifically for OR settings transports medical supplies and instruments. It eases hospital staff workloads by handling logistical tasks during the operation. Methods long ago adopted in industrial factories require the utmost in accuracy, safety, flexibility and reliability when used in an operating room. Campus-wide 5G networks make this a reality by providing data in real time. The focus now is on transferring these applications and technologies into clinical practice. This includes extensive testing, reviews of medical approvals, and finding paths to market through industry partners and start-ups. The project team also plans to expand the network. Their aims here are twofold: to get broader user feedback on the one hand and strengthen international collaboration on the other. Close collaboration between Germany and France within the project is not just important. Its vital, Horsch says. Through these efforts, we are enabling the cross-border exchange of data and accelerating international consensus on the use of AI in operating rooms. In this way, 5G-OR is contributing to advances in surgical practice and to improving patient safety in Europe. PS1-Inspired PS5 Consoles: Sony To Open Second Round of Pre-Orders for Retro Models Sony is planning to open the second round of pre-orders for its highly popular PlayStation 1-inspired PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro consoles. The initial wave of pre-orders quickly sold out when it opened on Sept. 26, 2024, in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary for the PlayStation 5. The development comes after an alert was found on Sony's product page. PS1-Themed PS5 and PS5 Pro Consoles This was what revealed the second round of pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro consoles that sport the look of the classic PlayStation 1. Pre-orders will reportedly go live for a second time on Oct. 29, 2024, at noon ET. The PS-1-themed anniversary consoles are limited-time models and include a variety of accessories that celebrate three decades of gaming. The items look to be paying tribute to the original console that launched in 1994 in Japan, according to Engadget. Read Also: 'Black Myth: Wukong' Physical PlayStation 5 Version Now Open for Pre-Orders The 30th Anniversary PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro models sport a sleek gray color scheme that features the classic PlayStation logo. The product pages show the message "Please check back on October 29th from 9 AM PDT." This particular message can be seen on the product pages of the PlayStation 5 Slim Bundle which costs $500 and the DualSense controller which costs $80. What is worth noting is that the message is not seen on the PlayStation Pro bundle or the PlayStation Portal product pages. PlayStation's 30th Anniversary The 30th Anniversary models come with 1 TB of internal storage along with one DualSense controller that all have a one-year warranty. People who are eager to buy the products can only buy one console per order as it is a sale running through PS Direct, Laptop Mag said. Anyone who has tried to get one of Sony's restocks of pre-orders before knows the difficulty of actually trying to secure one for themselves. It is recommended to pre-load the deals page and log into your PlayStation account so that you are ready to make the purchase when they go live. PlayStation platform business CEO Hideaki Nishino also talked a little bit about the recent celebrations. He said that for this year, they had to create something that "honored the history and joy that PlayStation has brought us all." There is also a 30th-anniversary collection that has a PlayStation 5 Pro bundle with the upgraded console, two controllers, a charging station, a console stand, a sticker, and a matching cover for those who purchase the Pro disc drive, according to The Verge. Related Article: Microsoft Reveals Plans To Release More Xbox Games for PlayStation, Nintendo Platforms Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Yemen rejects 'proposals' to withdraw support for Gaza: Official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's ruling Ansarullah movement has rejected "proposals" to withdraw its support for Gaza and the Palestinian resistance, a senior official with the group has said. In an interview with Shehab News, Nasr al-Din Amer, the deputy chief of the Ansarullah media authority, revealed that there is significant pressure to divide the Resistance front, with promises of economic and political incentives on the table. However, the official emphasized that these proposals have been firmly rejected. He did not say who has made the offers. Amer highlighted that the Islamic Ummah draws its strength from unity of the Axis of Resistance, which he described as a source of concern for the Israeli enemy. The Yemeni official further mentioned that Ansarullah is currently conducting the fifth phase of its campaign of strikes against Israeli targets, and is actively enhancing its military capabilities to do so. "If the conflict escalates and some countries participate in support of the enemy, the nature of Yemen's support (for the Resistance) will change and turn into a direct battle, rather than just a support front," he warned. Amer cautioned regional countries about the United States' attempts to drag them into conflict, saying joining this war would not be in their best interest. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 1,800 Zionists killed since start of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm: Israeli sources IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The death toll among Zionists since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm has reached 1,802, according to Zionist sources. The Zionist organization known as the "Israel Insurance Association" has admitted that 902 Zionist settlers and 900 officers and soldiers, along with security forces, were killed during Operation Al-Aqsa Storm and the subsequent war, as reported by Al Jazeera on Sunday. This announcement about the casualties of the Zionist regime occurs amid significant censorship regarding the true number of casualties among Zionist soldiers and settlers. This situation has continued since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm more than a year ago. The army of the occupying regime, in its efforts to maintain the morale of its internal front, publishes the actual number of casualties from military clashes with resistance fighters in a highly discreet manner. Previously, Zionist media outlets reported that the number of wounded announced by the regime's army significantly differs from the figures provided by the hospitals. Accordingly, the Zionist regime's Channel 12 reported that the army had instructed hospital officials not to release any casualty statistics without prior coordination with the army. 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 Hezbollah launches extensive attacks on Israeli positions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has carried out a series of widespread attacks targeting Israeli military installations and settlements in northern occupied territories. The Lebanese resistance movement said that the assaults on Saturday were part of their support for Gaza, the Palestinian resistance, and in defense of Lebanon. At 7:30 AM, the group targeted enemy military gatherings in the Israeli settlement of Zar'it with missile strikes. In a subsequent announcement, Hezbollah confirmed attacks on enemy forces stationed in the settlement of Shomera and Even Menachem around the same time. At 8:00 AM, the settlement of Metzuba was struck by Hezbollah rockets, while Israeli military positions in the settlement of Bar'am were also targeted. The settlement of Rosh HaNikra was also targeted with rockets. By 10:00 AM, the settlement of Shlomi was hit with a barrage of rockets. In another statement, Hezbollah said that its fighters had targeted and destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank at the entrance of the settlement of Metula. Reports suggested that Hezbollah carried out the operation using a guided missile, resulting in the deaths of the tank's crew members. Hezbollah has said its retaliatory airstrikes will not cease until the Israeli regime stops attacking the Palestinian people in Gaza. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drone penetrates occupied Golan Heights airspace IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A drone has reportedly entered the airspace of the occupied Golan Heights from Syrian territory, causing sirens to sound across different locations. Al Jazeera cited Israeli sources as saying that sirens sounded in the southern occupied Golan Heights, fearing a possible drone incursion. The Israeli regime's military stated it had detected an unidentified aerial object entering the occupied Golan Heights from the east. Some Israeli sources claimed that a drone had entered from Syria, flown in that area briefly, and later exploded in an open field without being intercepted. In a related incident, the regime's news outlets reported sirens sounding in Haifa, Acre, and surrounding areas in northern occupied territories early Sunday. The Israeli regime's military further reported that 10 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon toward Haifa. Additionally, a trooper was killed in northern Gaza on Sunday after a grenade explosion. Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced on Sunday that it had launched a drone strike on a key site in the occupied Golan Heights. It emphasized that the operation was conducted in support of Palestinian and Lebanese people targeted by the Israeli regime's atrocities. In a separate statement, the group said it had also carried out a drone attack targeting a strategic position in the Jordan Valley. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq emphasized in both statements that it will continue and escalate its anti-Israel operations as long as attacks on Gaza and Lebanon go on. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah once again warns Israelis about drone attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah has once again warned the Israeli regime and settlers about drone attacks on the occupied territories. In a video released late on Saturday, Hezbollah addressed Israeli soldiers and settlers, telling them to "Look up", Lebanese Islamic Resistance media reported. Simultaneously with the resumption of Hezbollah rocket attacks on the Zionist settlements in occupied Palestine, warning sirens were heard in the occupied territories. Israeli news outlets also reported the activation of warning sirens in the West Galilee region in the north of occupied Palestine. Hezbollah also announced in a statement that it has carried out 26 counter-operations to prevent the advance of the Zionist regime. 6125**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon death toll nears 3,000 amid continuous Israeli attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Israel has conducted fresh attacks on Lebanon following airstrikes leaving dozens of people dead in a span of 24 hours that pushed up the total death toll to nearly 3,000. The latest airstrikes hit areas across Lebanon on Saturday night through early Sunday, according to Al Mayadeen news network. Israeli warplanes bombed a bridge in a mountainous area that connects Akkar District to the town of Hermel, both located in northern Lebanon near the border with Syria. Fighter jets also struck Marj village in east Lebanon. To the south, four towns namely Houmine El Tahta, Kfar Fila, Jwaya, and Aadloun were bombed as well. On Saturday night, the Lebanese health ministry announced that 71 people had lost their lives in Israeli attacks in 24 hours. According to the ministry, the total death toll from the Israeli aggression on Lebanon now stands at 2,968 since early October last year. The number of the wound has exceeded 13,300. The majority of the casualties have been caused in the intensified Israeli air campaign that began on September 23, 2024, when the regime started targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The Hezbollah resistance movement has responded to the regime's aggression by conducting drone and missile attacks on Israeli settlements and military targets. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 26,000 missiles targeted Israeli bases in a year: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A Zionist news outlet says more than 26,000 missiles have been fired at different areas in occupied Palestine since October last year. The missiles were respectively launched from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen against Israel, the Palestinian Samaa news agency quoted the Israeli Channel 12 as broadcasting early on Sunday. The launched missiles do not include those fired from Iraq to the occupied Palestine, the report said. Since October 2023, the Israeli regime has been waging a genocidal war against Gaza. The death toll in the strip has passed 43,000. After over a year of massacre in Gaza, Israel has not yet achieved its two goals, namely the destruction of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the release of the Israeli captives. 1483**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resistance fighters target Israeli positions in West Bank 445 times IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian fighters attacked Israeli positions in the occupied West Bank 445 times in October, according to a Palestinian center. In a report released on Sunday, the Palestinian Statistics and Information Center known as "Maati" said seven settlers were killed and 17 others injured during a shooting operation in Tel Aviv. The most important attack by the resistance forces was carried out by Mohammed Misk and Al-Hamad al-Haimuni from Al-Khalil. Two car-ramming operations as well as 45 operations of throwing explosives and two operations of disabling Zionist military vehicles were carried out during this period. The report added that there have been 255 stone-throwing operations and direct confrontations with the Israeli forces, nine Molotov cocktail-throwing operations, and 14 operations against Zionists' aggression throughout the West Bank. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza offensive IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's army has acknowledged the death of two troopers from the Givati Brigade during its offensive in the northern Gaza Strip. The occupying army stated on Saturday night that the two troopers from the Givati Brigade were killed in northern Gaza, and another soldier was seriously injured. The Israeli regime's military also previously announced that in the last 24 hours of battles on the fronts of Lebanon and Gaza, 21 more Israeli troops had been injured. The occupying army added that 17 of these military forces were injured in battles in southern Lebanon, while four troops were wounded in the Gaza Strip. The Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades declared that the Palestinian fighters targeted an Israeli military bulldozer D9 type with a Yasin 105 anti-tank rocket in a hybrid ambush near the Al-Fakhoura school in the west of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, and then detonated an anti-personnel bomb among a group of occupying troops, resulting in casualties among all those military forces. Some 780 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 5,019 others injured since October 2023, according to figures published by the Israeli military. However, media reports revealed that the real number of casualties of the Israeli military forces is much higher than the official figure. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address America bases on target if US helps Israel attack Iraq: Al-Nujaba IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Haider al-Lami, a member of the political office of the Iraqi Al-Nujaba movement has said the resistance group would target America bases in case of any US help to the Zionist regime's potential attack on Iraq. According to IRNA, in an interview with a media outlet, Al-Lami also warned America that this group will respond to any attack from American and Israeli bases against his country. He played down the Zionist regime's recent threats, saying "Israel's threats to target the Iraqi resistance do not scare us". Our goal is to support Palestinians and our attacks on the Zionist targets will end only when the regime stops attacking Gaza, he noted. In the past weeks and months, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of resistance factions, targeted sensitive and important positions of the Zionist regime in Eilat, located in the south of occupied Palestine. This group has warned repeatedly that it will intensify its operations against the Israeli positions in the occupied territories if the Zionist regime continues with its genocidal campaign in Gaza and Lebanon. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu on the Lebanese Border: "With or without an agreement, the key to returning our residents in the north safely to their homes, is to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani, strike at any attempt to rearm itself and respond vigorously to any action Israel - Prime Minister's Office Events and Speeches The 37th Government 03.11.2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Lebanese Border: "With or without an agreement, the key to returning our residents in the north safely to their homes, is to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani, strike at any attempt to rearm itself and respond vigorously to any action against us." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, toured 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 held an assessment with the commanders regarding the operational picture as well as defensive and offensive plans for the continuity of activity in the sector. The Prime Minister also met with reserve commanders the Northern NAHAL Brigade (#228) and spoke with them about their combat to date. Prime Minister Netanyahu: "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 border line, 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. 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. Our heroic reservists have an immense part in the achievements we have made. They are putting their lives on hold, leaving their wives and children, and sometimes losing jobs. They are losing friends. But I sat with them just now and I was greatly impressed. One must see their readiness and their fighting spirit. I met with brigade, battalion and company commanders. One of the brigade commanders told me: 'We have the privilege to defend our country. We are making history.' This spirit of sacrifice and heroism deserves our support. They support us so much and sacrifice so much on behalf of the country; the country should pay them back. Therefore, I have brought here, to this tour, the Director General of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), to prepare a national Government plan to support the reservists and especially their families. I want to say that their sacrifice and heroism, and that of the regular army, are the foundation to ensuring our future and our country." The Prime Minister was accompanied by his Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman, his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, PMO Director General Yossi Shelley, and his Spokesperson, Dr. Omer Dostri. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah attacks Israeli base in Haifa with drones Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 10:30 PM The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement presses ahead with its retaliatory operations against Israel, targeting the regime's military positions deep inside the occupied territories. In one of its latest operations, the group targeted the Israeli army's Eliakim training base south of Haifa with a squadron of drones. "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, and as part of the Khaybar series of operations and with the call of 'We are at your service O Nasrallah', at 06:00 pm today, Sunday 03-11-2024, the Islamic Resistance launched an air attack with a squadron of attack drones on the 'Eliakim' base (which contains training camps belonging to the Northern Command of the Israeli enemy army) south of the occupied city of Haifa, hitting their targets accurately," Hezbollah said in a statement. Hezbollah also targeted a group of Israeli forces in the Metulla settlement with a guided missile, killing and injuring them. The resistance group targeted the Beit Lid military base east of the occupied city of Netanya with a barrage of missiles. The headquarters of Israel's Western Brigade Command in the Ya'ara Barracks was also targeted with a drone. The movement's air defense unit forced an Israeli Hermes-900 drone to leave Lebanon's airspace over the Iqlim al-Tuffah region. Hezbollah also carried out several more operations, targeting Israeli soldiers in a number of settlements across the occupied territories. 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 US Air Force B-1B bomber joins air drill with South Korea, Japan Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 6:56 PM A US Air Force B-1B bomber has joined a military air drill with the South Korean and Japanese forces. The American long-range strategic bomber conducted drills near the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's military said on Sunday. The drill mobilized the US B-1 bomber, F-15 and F-16 jets from the Republic of Korea (ROK), 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. As part of the joint military drill with America, South Korean and Japanese warplanes escorted the US bomber to a designated location south of the Korean Peninsula in the eastern airspace of the island of Jeju, "demonstrating an overwhelming capability to swiftly and accurately strike simulated targets," it added. The US B-1B Lancer is a supersonic heavy bomber known for its high-speed performance with a payload of 34,000 kilograms of munitions, including both conventional and precision-guided weapons. The B1 is one of the US Air Force's three strategic bombers, along with the B-2 Stealth Bomber and the B-52 Stratofortress. The latest drill was the fourth time the bomber had flown to the Korean Peninsula this year, the military said, adding that this drill was the second time a trilateral aerial exercise was conducted. North Korea strongly opposes joint US military exercises on the Korean Peninsula as a threat to the nation. Pyongyang has vowed to respond to the threat. Three days before this drill, North Korea had launched one of its most powerful and advanced solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which experts say could reach the US mainland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli airstrike kills 3 people in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 5:40 PM Lebanon says three people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a densely populated neighborhood near the southern city of Sidon. The health ministry said Sunday that an attack on Haret Saida "resulted in an initial death toll of three people killed and nine others injured." The ministry said the Israeli military issued no evacuation warning before the attack. In the nearby town of Ghaziyeh, south of Sidon, another Israeli raid hit a building, where officials managed to rescue a child from beneath the rubble. Further south, in the town of Khiam, the Lebanese Red Cross recovered five out of 21 bodies that have been trapped under the rubble for around one week, officials said. Emergency teams had been previously unable to access the town, some six kilometers from the border, where Hezbollah fighters are battling Israeli ground forces. The remaining dead bodies will be recovered on Monday, according to officials. The Israeli military has made it incredibly difficult for emergency services to get into the town of Khiam and recover the bodies from under the rubble. Officials say the town is under intense, constant shelling and airstrikes by the Israeli military. Sidon has been struck multiple times in the past few days. At least five people were killed and 13 wounded last Sunday in an Israeli strike on the southern city of Lebanon. Israel invaded Lebanon on September 23. Ever since, the military forces have killed more than 1,930 people in the country, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures. Health officials say the real toll may be higher due to gaps in the data. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel once again besieges and bombs three main hospitals in north Gaza Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 4:46 PM Three partially functioning hospitals treating severely wounded patients and sheltering displaced Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza have been encircled and bombed by Israeli troops in the besieged territory. Latest media reports on Sunday indicated that Israeli forces bombed al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia and also shelled Kamal Adwan and the Indonesian hospitals in Beit Lahiya. The hospitals are now out of service after coming under intense Israeli fire. Israeli bombardment of Kamal Adwan Hospital resulted in injuries and damage to vital medical equipment. "We were sleeping in the morning when we heard a loud bombing sound. Stones and sand were flying at us," a resident of Beit Lahiya was quoted as saying. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, stated that there was extensive shelling and demolition of residential blocks surrounding the hospital and the Yemen al-Saeed area throughout the night. The explosions caused significant damage, even to the hospital itself, where nearly all doors and most windows were shattered. The blasts created a sense of terror and fear among patients in Kamal Adwan Hospital, and unfortunately, the situation is ongoing, he said. "We have not received any medical delegations," Abu Safiya added. "Currently, we have 120 injured patients in the hospital, most of whom require urgent surgeries, but sadly, we are unable to provide assistance. We are in urgent need of increased international pressure to help the healthcare system fulfill its duties in accordance with applicable humanitarian laws," he said. In recent weeks, hospitals in northern Gaza have been paralyzed once again, with Israeli troops fighting in the nearby Jabalia refugee camp. All three hospitals were besieged and raided by Israeli troops about 10 months ago. The medical facilities still have not recovered from the damage, yet they are the only hospitals that are even partially operational in the area. In its yearlong campaign in Gaza, Israel has notably carried out an open campaign against hospitals, besieging and raiding at least 10 of them across the Gaza Strip, some of which have been targeted multiple times. Most prominently, Israel twice raided Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Strip. However, the focus on Shifa has overshadowed raids on other facilities. The Indonesian Hospital is Northern Gaza's largest hospital. Today, its top floors are charred, its walls pockmarked by shrapnel, and its gates strewn with piled-up rubbleall remnants of Israel's siege in the autumn of 2023. Zaher Sahloul, the president of MedGlobal, who has also worked in Gaza during the Israeli aggression, stated that the sense of safety that should surround hospitals has been destroyed. "This war has become a scar in the minds of every doctor and nurse." In northern Gaza, since October 6, the Israeli Forces have been carrying out a ground offensive and imposed a tightened siege, particularly around the area of Jabalia. The occupation army has also prevented any ambulances from entering northern Gaza. Intense operations are ongoing amid a near-total lack of humanitarian aid, as well as severe communications and internet disruptions. The Israeli aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip began in October last year. Since then, more than 43,300 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children. Unrelenting Israeli air and artillery strikes have already pushed the blockaded territory to the brink. Lack of food, water, and urgent medical supplies are also taking their toll on the Gaza population. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel ramps up attacks on north Gaza as UN warns of 'apocalyptic' crisis Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 2:48 PM Israeli forces have ramped up their deadly airstrikes on northern Gaza, where United Nations officials have described the conditions as "apocalyptic." The Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 13 people since morning, Palestinian officials said. In a joint statement, UN agency heads said the "the situation unfolding in north Gaza is apocalyptic." "The area has been under siege for almost a month, denied basic aid and life-saving supplies while bombardment and other attacks continue," they said. The heads of the humanitarian, health, and other agencies warned that "the entire Palestinian population in north Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence." The UN officials also warned that the humanitarian efforts could not keep up with the scale of the needs in northern Gaza. "Basic, life-saving goods are not available. Humanitarians are not safe to do their work and are blocked by Israeli forces and by insecurity from reaching people in need," they said. The officials called on Israel to "cease its assault on Gaza and on the humanitarians trying to help." Rachael Cummings from Save the Children International also said Sunday that "the convoys of food and water are being denied into the north. "It is absolutely catastrophic," she said. "People are being constantly bombarded with aerial attacks and of course, we know that the food and the water is not sufficient," Cummings said. UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, said earlier that more than 50 children were killed in the attacks on Jabalia in the north in the past 48 hours. It said that "the horrific level of child deaths in North Gaza" opens yet "another dark chapter in one of the darkest periods of" Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli forces struck Gaza children during polio campaign: WHO Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 2:41 PM Israeli forces have struck a clinic during a polio vaccination campaign, injuring several Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization (WHO) said six people, including four children, were injured following a strike on the Sheikh Radwan clinic on Saturday. A humanitarian pause had been in place at the clinic to carry out the second and final round of the poliovirus vaccination, according to the WHO chief. "We have received an extremely concerning report that the Sheikh Radwan primary healthcare center 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 the strike. "This attack, during a humanitarian pause, jeopardizes the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination," he said. He insisted on the importance of not attacking the specified areas. "These vital humanitarian-area-specific pauses must be absolutely respected. Ceasefire!" UNICEF, the UN's children's agency which is helping to lead the vaccination rollout, condemned the strike on the Sheikh Radwan clinic. "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," it said in a statement. The second phase of the vaccine rollout began on Saturday after being postponed in October due to intense Israeli bombardments, mass displacement and lack of access in the region. Gaza recorded its first case of polio in 25 years in August, which left a baby boy paralyzed and prompted the rollout of the program. In a separate incident in Jabalia, UNICEF said a car driven by a staff member "came under fire by what we believe to be a quadcopter", according to the agency's head, Catherine Russell. She said the driver was unhurt but was left "deeply shaken" and called for Israel to launch an investigation. Vaccine targets 'unlikely' Meanwhile, 15 UN and humanitarian organizations have described the present situation in north Gaza as "apocalyptic" nearly a month after an Israeli ground offensive began. About 15,000 children under 10 years old in towns across north Gaza, such as Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, "still remain inaccessible" and will be missed by the vaccination campaign, compromising its effectiveness, the agencies said. The WHO had aimed to give 119,000 children in the area a second dose of the oral polio vaccine. The first round of the vaccine campaign successfully reached 559,000 children under 10 years old over three phases in south, central and north Gaza between September 1 and 12. However, the area agreed in the latest humanitarian pause "has been substantially reduced" compared to the first round of vaccinations and is now limited to just Gaza City, according to the WHO. From the start of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, medical experts stressed that delays in administering the second dose could jeopardize overall efforts to halt transmission of the contagious, potentially deadly disease. To interrupt transmission of disease, at least 90 percent of all children need to be given a minimum of two doses. The UN human rights chief said last week that the Gaza war's "darkest moment" is unfolding in the north of the territory. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed since the Israeli military launched a ground offensive in Beit Lahia as well as neighboring Jabalia and Beit Hanoun on 6 October, saying it was acting against regrouping Hamas fighters. At least 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from north Gaza towards Gaza City for safety, the WHO said. UN agencies have described the situation in Gaza as "apocalyptic", with the entire Palestinian population in the area "at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence". Israel launched its genocidal war on October 7, 2023. More than 43,314 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since then, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It said, that since October 2023, more than 102,000 Palestinians have been injured in the Israeli onslaught. Most of the helpless Palestinian victims have been women and children. Despite the Israeli blockade on 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 polio campaign for Gaza children. The first dose of vaccinations was in September with more than 200 teams on stand-by 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. Gaza's health officials had successfully eradicated polio 25 years ago, but the ongoing war triggered multiple health crises. Recently, a 10-month-old was diagnosed with the paralyzing poliovirus, prompting health officials to organize a campaign in the besieged occupied Palestinian territory. Vaccinations 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. UN agencies have warned the health workers that they will not be able to gain access to all of the children who require a final dose of the vaccine in Northern Gaza. "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. The resumption of vaccinations in northern Gaza follows the implementation of the first two phases of the second round in central and southern Gaza, which reached 451,216 children - 96 percent of the target in these areas. To interrupt poliovirus transmission, at least 90 percent of all children in every community and neighborhood 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. The WHO has also cautioned that having a significant number of children miss out on their second vaccine dose seriously jeopardizes efforts to stop the transmission of the virus and could also lead to further cases in the Gaza Strip and neighboring countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military issues displacement order for Lebanon's Baalbek region Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 2:18 PM The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, warning that it is planning to strike positions belonging to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah in the area. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the new forced displacement order in a post on X on Sunday, calling on all the residents of Duris, a village located almost in the vicinity of Baalbek, to immediately evacuate there. "You are located near Hezbollah facilities and interests, against which the Israeli military will operate in the near future," the Israeli military spokesman said. "For your safety and the safety of your family members, you must evacuate the building and its surroundings immediately and stay away from them for a distance of no less than 500 meters within the next four hours," he added. The Israeli military has previously issued a displacement order for the entire city of Baalbek and its outskirts. Baalbek, a significant urban center in the Bekaa Valley, is renowned for being home to some of the best preserved Roman temples. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, it has a population of over 100,000 residents. On Thursday, Israeli strikes in two towns in the Baalbek region killed at least 19 people, including eight women. The latest evacuation order came as sirens were activated along the border as dozens of missiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into the occupied territories since the morning. Also on Saturday, Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles targeting three Israeli military bases in northern occupied territories. The resistance group also carried out missile and drone attacks against five Israeli settlements in the Galilee, the occupied Golan Heights. 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 Iraqi resistance launches drone strikes on Israeli targets in Jordan Valley, Golan Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 11:18 AM Iraqi resistance fighters have conducted separate drone strikes on strategic targets within the Israeli-occupied territories in response to the usurping regime's ongoing atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza and bloody offensives in Lebanon. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement published on its Telegram channel on Sunday confirmed that it had carried out an operation aimed at a vital target in the Jordan Valley. The alliance said the drone strike was launched in continuation of resistance against the occupying Israeli regime, in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese nations, and in response to the massacres that the Zionist entity is perpetrating against ordinary people, including women, children, and the elderly. The resistance coalition noted that it will continue to target and destroy important installations across the occupied lands. Hours later, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq reported a second drone strike on another key Israeli target located in the same occupied territory. "The fighters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, today Sunday 3-11-2024, attacked, for the second time, a vital target in the occupied Jordan Valley using drones," the group said in a follow-up statement. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also announced a new operation against a strategic Israeli position in the Golan Heights using bomb-laden unmanned aerial vehicles. The Iraqi resistance vowed to continue its operations against Israeli targets with increasing intensity. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has stepped up attacks targeting Israeli positions as the regime's military intensifies its assaults on Gaza and Lebanon. The alliance has been conducting numerous operations against sensitive targets lying across the occupied territories since October 7 last year, when the Israeli regime began waging a genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. At least 43,314 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in the brutal Israeli military onslaught so far. The coalition has also carried out retaliatory attacks against the US occupation bases across Iraq and neighboring Syria due to Washington's unbridled political, military, and intelligence support for Israel's atrocities in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN says humanitarian situation in Lebanon worse than during 2006 war Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 10:24 AM The present situation in Lebanon has become worse than during the 2006 war, according to the United Nations humanitarian agency. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Saturday that "the humanitarian situation in Lebanon has reached levels that exceed the severity" of the last Israeli war on Lebanon in 2006, with many more now killed and displaced. The situation has escalated anew, due to the Israel regime's forced displacement orders for the residents of eastern Baalbek and southern Nabatieh, OCHA said. The toll on the population has been exacerbated by the destruction of critical infrastructure, including healthcare, it added. "Humanitarian structures are also struck," said Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in a social media post early Saturday. "Even fleeing (and taking care of those who flee) are becoming difficult and dangerous as the war continues to spread," he said. The Lebanese government says some 1.2 million people have been displaced, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports said at least 842,648 people had been forced to flee their homes. The 33-day Israeli war on Lebanon in 2006 killed 1,191 people, while more than 900,000 fled their homes, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The statement came as the Lebanese Health Ministry updated the death toll from Israeli attacks on the country to at least 2,968 people. Another 13,319 have been wounded, mostly women and children. Prior to the 33-day war, the Israeli forces had invaded Lebanon two times, in 1978 and 1982. In response, each time the United Nations Security Council called on the Tel Aviv regime to pull out the Israeli forces from Lebanon and established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah swiftly opened a support front for Palestinians in Gaza following Israel's October 7, 2023 attack against the besieged territory, which has so far killed over 43,000 people, most of them women and children. Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in frequent exchanges of fire across the border almost daily for a year when the Israeli attacks on Lebanon intensified in September, causing significant casualties and destruction in the area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nov. 2: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 8:27 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 43,400 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 Saturday, November 2, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Nov. 2: Carried out a complex ambush targeting a D9 bulldozer with an Al-Yassin 105 shell and a group of regime soldiers with an anti-personnel explosive, near Al-Fakhoura School, west of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip. Detonated a previously rigged house with Israeli infantry patrol party inside near Al-Fakhoura School west of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Targeted two Israeli military bulldozers of the "D9" type with two Yassin 105 shells near the Al-Qimma company west of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Targeting an Israeli armored personnel carrier with a Yassin 105 shell near the Saftawi junction west of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Nov. 2: Targeted "Sderot", "Meflasim" and settlements of the Gaza envelope with a rocket barrage. Sniped an Israeli soldier in the vicinity of the Civil Administration east of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Nov. 2: Targeted a convoy of Israeli military vehicles north of Al-Nusseirat camp with regular 60mm mortar shells. Engaged in fierce clashes with a special unit of Israeli forces using machine guns and explosive devices in the Jamasin neighborhood of Balata camp in Nablus, occupied West Bank. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Nov. 2: Targeted an Israeli military command and control headquarters in the "Netzarim Axis" with several Haseb-111 missiles. Islamic Resistance in Iraq's operations on Nov. 2: Targeted a key Israeli military site in the occupied Golan Heights with a barrage of drones. Targeted a key Israeli military site in the occupied Jordan Valley with a barrage of drones. Targeted a key Israeli military site in occupied "Eilat" (Umm Al-Rashrash). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel killed over 50 children in Gaza's Jabalia in 48 hours: UNICEF Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 5:50 AM UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has said that the Israeli killing of more than 50 children in "deadly" 48 hours in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip is another "dark chapter" of the "terrible" Israeli war against the besieged territory. In a statement published Saturday on the UN agency's website, Russell said Israeli forces not only killed a large number of Palestinians, children included, but also, cut humanitarian aid and attacked UN staff. "This has already been a deadly weekend of attacks in North Gaza. In the past 48 hours alone, over 50 children have reportedly been killed in Jabalia, where strikes leveled two residential buildings sheltering hundreds of people. She also highlighted the dangers humanitarian workers face, especially those involved in sensitive campaigns such as polio vaccination. "And this morning, the personal vehicle of a UNICEF staff member working on the polio vaccination campaign came under fire by what we believe to be a quadcopter while driving through Jabalia-Elnazla. The car was damaged. Fortunately, the staff member was not injured. But she has been left deeply shaken. "Meanwhile, 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 underway," she added. Russell condemned the attacks on Jabalia, the vaccination clinic, and UNICEF staff members as part of the broader Israeli genocidal tactic of indiscriminate strikes on civilians in the Gaza Strip. "The attacks on Jabalia, 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. "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," she warned. She emphasized that international humanitarian law mandates the protection of civilians, civilian structures, humanitarian workers, and their vehicles during conflicts. Displacement or evacuation orders do not excuse any party from their obligations to differentiate between military and civilian targets, ensure proportionality, and take all feasible precautions in attacks, according to Russell. "Yet these principles are being flaunted over and over again, leaving tens of thousands of children killed, injured, and deprived of essential services needed for survival.," she lamented. She urged an end to attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers, and the remaining civilian facilities and infrastructure in Gaza, highlighting the dire situation in North Gaza, where the entire Palestinian population, particularly children, faces imminent threats of death from disease, starvation, and continued bombardment. "UNICEF is asking Israel for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on its staff member, and that actions to be taken to hold accountable those found responsible," she said. The Israeli regime launched its genocidal war on the defenseless people of the Gaza Strip in October 2023 following a retaliatory operation by the Hamas resistance movement. Last month, Israeli forces intensified their attacks launching a sweeping air and land assault on northern Gaza, killing and wounding more Palestinians, many of them innocent children. The overall death toll caused by the relentless Israeli attacks has reached 43,314 so far, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It said, that since October 7, 2023, more than 102,000 Palestinians have been injured in the Israeli onslaught. Most of the helpless Palestinian victims have been women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 40-plus Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on 100s of residential buildings in N Gaza: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 1:42 AM The Gaza Strip's Government Media Office says more than 40 Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed during Israeli attacks on hundreds of residential buildings in the northern part of the coastal sliver. The fatalities have occurred over the space of just 48 hours, the office reported in a statement on Saturday. The Israeli military has bombed and destroyed 254 residential structures at the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in northern Gaza throughout the period, deploying internationally banned ammunition from warplanes and tanks, it noted. "Explosive barrels were planted among citizens' homes and detonated remotely," the statement said. "The occupation also used missiles with immense destructive power against homes," the office said, noting that the projectiles, which were "mostly covered with asbestos and zinc sheets," reduced the targets "to rubble in an unimaginable humanitarian disaster." "We condemn the Israeli occupation's intentional and systematic crimes against humanity, targeting civilians, children, and women in acts of mass murder and genocide." The office further denounced the regime's allies, including the United States, the UK, Germany, and France, as countries that were "complicit in the ongoing genocide," holding them fully responsible for the continuation of the regime's atrocities. The most recent victims of the aggression are among the 43,300-plus Palestinians, who have been killed as a result of the regime's October 2023-present genocidal war on entire Gaza. Women and children comprise the majority of the victims. "We demand that the international community and all international organizations exert maximum pressure on the Israeli occupation to stop its crimes against humanity and end the genocidal war against defenseless civilians in the Gaza Strip," the statement concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pro-West Sandu Declares Victory In Moldova's Tight Presidential Runoff By RFE/RL's Moldovan Service November 03, 2024 CHISINAU - Pro-Europe incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu has declared victory over Russia-friendly challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo, in balloting marred by accusations of of Russian interference and voter fraud. With 98.8 percent of ballots counted in the November 3 election, the Central Election Commission said Sandu had 54.97 percent of the vote to Stoianoglo's 45.03 percent, a lead of almost 165,000 votes in preliminary results. "Moldova, you are victorious!" a jubilant Sandu, who was boosted by votes in the capital, Chisinau, and from diaspora votes, said shortly after midnight. "Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova! In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost," she added. Stoianoglo, who has not conceded, had held the early lead, but it continued to narrow as votes were being counted from the large cities, where Sandu has most support. In addition, votes from the diaspora West could favor Sandu as they are reported. The Central Election Commission reported that turnout surpassed 54 percent, stronger than in the first round and also higher than in the 2020 presidential runoff. Sandu won the first round on October 20 with 42 percent of the vote compared to 26 percent for Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor-general who received backing from the pro-Russia Socialist Party of Moldova. In comments to reporters after casting her ballot at a Chisinau polling station, Sandu said she voted "with Moldova." "Thieves want to buy our vote, they want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater than any of their malice," she said. "The power of Moldova is in each of you, go out to vote with faith and hope. Heads up, Moldovans!" Following the close of most polling stations, Stoianoglo said the large turnout proved that Moldova is not just "a point on the map with simple spectators, but a country of responsible people." As Sandu was declaring victory, Stoianoglo called for calm, saying "democracy means, first of all, maturity in the face of the result." The vote came amid accusations of Russian meddling in both the presidential race and a referendum on Moldova's potential further integration with the European Union -- a direction Sandu and her supporters strongly support. The pro-EU side scored a razor-thin victory in the referendum -- the "yes" vote getting 50.38 percent - but Sandu quickly alleged that "criminal groups together with foreign forces" tried to "buy 300,000 votes," making the final result significantly closer than pre-vote polls had indicated. Surveys also indicated that Sandu would take an easy victory in the first round of the presidential election, but Socialist challenger Stoianoglo surprised with a better-than-expected total, forcing the runoff vote. Sandu's national security adviser posted a statement to X, claiming "massive interference" by Russia in the runoff vote. "An effort with high potential to distort the outcome," Stanislav Secrieru said in his post. He gave no details. Moldova has 3.02 million registered voters, including those in the diaspora. Voters in the West were credited with helping the "yes" side eke out the narrow victory in the EU referendum and helped Sandu in the runoff election. According to the CEC, foreign voting went to Sandu by a large margin, with the incumbent winning 81 percent to 19 percent over the challenger. Votes in Chisinau also went to Sandu by a 57-43 percent margin. While the position of president is technically a ceremonial position in Moldova, holders of the office often wield considerable political influence. A president may serve for two consecutive four-year terms. Scattered irregularities were reported during the early voting hours on November 3, including incidents of purported photographing of ballots -- which voters in the past have used to prove their choice in potential vote-buying cases. Angelica Caraman, head of the election commission, said that as of 4 p.m., 18 cases of alleged electoral corruption had been officially reported, while police authorities said they had registered at least 126 complaints of electoral violations. Police authorities said in a statement that outside the country, voters were being transported in large groups to two polling stations in Moscow as well as polling stations in the Belarusian capital, Minsk; Baku, Azerbaijan; and Istanbul, Turkey, including by airplane. Moldovan voters in those countries are known to typically support pro-Russian groups. Election authorities called on citizens to report any attempts to transport voters to polling stations in an organized manner. Similar violations were flagged by independent observers from Promo-Lex, a democracy watchdog. There were also reports of apparently fake bomb threats called into polling stations in Moldova and in several countries, including in Britain, Germany, and Romania. Elsewhere outside the country, polling stations for Moldovans in Japan and China were among the first to close. In Tokyo, officials reported Sandu winning by 58-7, while in Beijing, Sandu had 59 votes out of 73 cast. Sandu, 52, is a Harvard graduate and former employee at the World Bank. She became Moldova's first female president with a landslide victory in 2020, running on a strong pro-EU message and vows to fight corruption. But her support may have slipped during her first term amid an economy that was ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and rising tensions with Russia. As president, Sandu was instrumental in securing Moldova's candidacy for future EU membership, an achievement given extra urgency following Russia's full-scale invasion of bordering Ukraine a few months earlier. Throughout her presidency, Sandu has been criticized by pro-Kremlin political parties who have accused her of stoking conflict with Moscow. Stoianoglo, 57, from Gagauzia -- an autonomous region of Moldova with pro-Russia sentiment -- was Moldova's prosecutor-general between 2019 and 2021. He campaigned on a law-and-order theme, although critics have slammed him for what they say was a failure to address high-level corruption during his time in office. Stoianoglo has claimed he holds no political affiliation and has rejected accusations that he is "Moscow's man." His reaction to the war in Ukraine has been ambiguous -- expressing a "negative attitude" toward the conflict but not directly condemning Russia for the invasion. Although he has often taken anti-EU stances, he is also a Romanian -- and thus EU -- citizen, and his daughter reportedly works at the European Central Bank. After media reports revealed that he possessed a Romanian passport, he argued that he obtained it in 2019 in an "apolitical context," without elaborating. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the end of World War II and many Moldovans also hold Romanian citizenship, which gives them the opportunity to travel freely to the EU and work there. Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries with a sizeable Russian minority and a Moscow-backed separatist region, Transdniester, located on the left bank of the Dniester River. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-presidential- runoff-russian-interference-claims-/33185440.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 Only Half of 101 Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Strip Still Alive - Reports Sputnik News 20241103 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Sees Benin's Interest in Cooperation on Army Modernization - Ambassador Sputnik News 20241103 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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. "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. "These are events of historic proportions, given the difficult geopolitical situation and the fact that the previous similar visit was made back in Soviet times in 1988," he emphasized. The Russian diplomatic mission in Cotonou is monitoring reports on the redeployment of US troops from Niger to Benin, Evdokimov highlighted. "The embassy is monitoring reports of the redeployment of American troops from Niger to Benin. Until now, Cotonou has not commented on this issue. Unlike our Western colleagues, we recognize Cotonou's right to freely choose its partners in the sphere of defense and security," the ambassador stressed. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No: 229, 3 November 2024, Regarding the Situation in Sudan Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and the attacks against civilians in Al Jazirah state in violation of humanitarian law. We believe that a ceasefire must be established without further delay to restore peace and stability. We call for immediate measures to be taken to ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. We strongly support Sudan's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity. Turkiye will continue to provide humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel sends troops into Syria, detaining alleged Iranian agent By VOA News November 03, 2024 Israel said Sunday it launched a ground raid into Syria, seizing a Syrian it claimed was involved in Iranian networks supporting militants in the region. The Israeli raid into Syria was its first during the current 13-month Middle East conflict. Syria did not immediately confirm the operation. The Israeli army did not say where the raid occurred or when, but identified the man seized as Ali Soleiman al-Assi and said he had been living in the southern Syrian region of Saida. Israel 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. 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. Elsewhere on the war front, an airstrike on a clinic in northern Gaza, where children were being vaccinated for polio, wounded six people, including four children, Palestinian officials said. The Israeli military denied responsibility. The alleged Israeli drone strike occurred Saturday. The area has been encircled by Israeli forces and largely isolated for the past year. Israel had 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, saying Hamas uses them to hide militant fighters, allegations denied by Palestinian health officials. Hamas fighters are also operating in the north, battling Israeli forces. 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. She said the 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. local time. 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." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the border with Lebanon on Sunday, saying that Hezbollah militants in Lebanon must be pushed back beyond the Litani River, with or without a cease-fire deal in place, and that the Iran-backed group must be prevented from rearming. The river is about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border. "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. Israel continued to launch strikes in eastern Lebanon and in Gaza, while Israel said more than 100 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory Sunday. Several were intercepted, and some fell in unpopulated areas. More than a year ago, Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages in their Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the current war. Israel says it believes Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including 35 the military says are dead. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated a terror group by the United States and other Western countries. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 03 November 2024 - Day 984 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 the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to withhold the pressure of the Russian occupation troops. The situation in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhivsk directions remains tense - Russia is focusing the main offensive efforts there. In addition, the Russian occupiers are actively attacking the Lyman direction today. So far, 160 combat clashes have taken place. Today Russia made a rocket strike with one rocket, 62 air strikes, dropping 84 cab. In addition, the zagarbniki attacked 582 kamikaze drones and carried out more than 3,500 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Russian terrorists four times unsuccessfully stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk district, also dropped air bombs on Muravsk, Koval and Zrubanka. Sixteen times Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions in the Kupyans komu direction. Near Golubivka, Sinkivka, Stepovoi Novoselivka, Kolisnikivka, Brestovoye, Zagrizovoye, Kruglyakivka, Cherry and Pershotravnevoye, the Defense Forces units repelled ten assaults. Six clashes are underway. In the Lyman direction today, Russian troops have attacked Ukrainian defenders nine times in the areas of settlements of Grekivka, Terna and Dibrov. In Toretsk and in the direction of Scherbinivka, Russian forces tried four times to improve his position in the Toretsk direction, to the same time the Russian aggressor's aviation bombarded the areas of the settlements of Druzhba, Toretsk, and Petrivka. On the pokrovs komu direction throughout this day the Russian aggressor 27 times attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of mirolubivki, fox, ray, suhogo yaru, novogrodivki and vysnevogo. The four clashes are still ongoing. According to preliminary estimates, today the Russian occupiers on the Pokrovsky direction lost 213 soldiers killed and wounded. The artillery system, a combat-armored vehicle and three units of the Russian occupant's vehicles have been destroyed. Also Ukrainian defenders have caused significant damage to four artsystems and a Russian tank. In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day, 72 Russian attacks were recorded. Fourteen of them are going on. Mainly the fights continue in the areas of novoselidivka, vovchenko, kreminnoi balka, antonivka and katerinivka. Eleven times today the Russian forces attacked the front edge of Ukrainian defense in the direction of Labor in the Vremivsky direction, two attacks are ongoing. Three times unsuccessfully, Russian forces tried to attack the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the Pridnipro direction. Defense Forces of Ukraine continue operations in the Kursk direction. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov region, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 47th Mechanised Brigade, 17th Tank Brigade of the AFU, 4th Border Detachment of the Ukrainian Border Service, and foreign mercenaries near Malinovka, Makarikha, Odnorobovka, and Goptovka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 30 troops, two motor vehicles, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 30th, 60th, 63rd, 92nd, 116th mechanised brigades, and 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU near Petropavlovka, Golubovka, Pershotravnevoye, Kupyansk (Kharkov region), and Terny (Donetsk People's Republic). Five counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 14th, 44th mechanised brigades, and 3rd Tank Brigade of the AFU were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 460 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun. Three ammunition depots were wiped out. Units of the Yug Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on formations of the 23rd, 28th, 33rd, 54th, 67th, 72nd mechanised brigades, 3rd Tank Brigade, 46th, 81st airmobile brigades, 79th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU, and 119th Territorial Defence Brigade near Andreyevka, Konstantinovka, Dalneye, Chasov Yar, Ilyinka, Berestky, Kurakhovo, Seversk, and Dronovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Four counter-attacks launched by units of the AFU 33rd Mechanised Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 520 troops, 12 motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and two ammunition depots. As a result of active offensive operations, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Vishnevoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the 32nd, 93rd mechanised brigades, 25th Airborne Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, 35th Marine Brigade, and 122th Territorial Defence Brigade near Dimitrov, Petrovka, Novoselidovka, Shcherbinovka, Dzerzhinsk, and Nelepovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Ten counter-attacks launched by formations of the 35th, 42nd, 100th, 117th, 150th mechanised brigades, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, 49th and 425th assault battalions of the AFU were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 500 troops, one tank, one UK-made Spartan armoured personnel carrier, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, four pickup trucks, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer as well as one M113 armoured personnel carrier, one MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, and one 105-mm M119 gun made by the USA. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 152nd Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, 37th Marine Brigade, and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Uspenovka, Velikaya Novosyolka, Razdolnoye, Makarovka, and Ostrovskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault battalion of the AFU 23rd Mechanised Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 105 troops, one tank, three motor vehicles, and one French-made 155-mm Caesar self-propelled artillery system. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 110th Mechanised Brigade, 141st Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 124th and 126th territorial defence brigades near Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region), Ponyatovka, Tokarevka (Kherson region), and Nesteryanka (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, two motor vehicles, and one ammunition depot. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces destroyed one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counter-battery radar, struck one train with AFU hardware on a loading station, infrastructure of military airfields, power objects and oil base, which supply AFU, UAV workshops, as well as engaged manpower clusters and military hardware in 140 areas. Air defence units shot down four U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile, and 47 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 647 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,216 unmanned aerial vehicles, 585 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,031 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,484 MLRS combat vehicles, 17,245 field artillery guns and mortars, and 27,956 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. Units of the Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. Units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled three counter-attacks of the enemy towards Malaya Loknya, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops killed and wounded. Army Aviation and artillery strikes inflicted losses on manpower clusters and hardware of the 21st, 41st, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 112th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU, and 17th National Guard Brigade near Aleksandriya, Bondarevka, Guyevo, Daryino, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Melovy, Nizhny Klin, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Novy Put, Staraya Sorochina, and Plyokhovo. Operational-Tactical Aviation and missile troops delivered strikes at concentration areas in Sumy region and reserves of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 103rd, 106th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Andreyevka, Basovka, Belovody, Zhuravka, Miropolye, Obody, Pavlovka, and Khoten. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 150 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one electronic warfare station, and five motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 29,250 troops, 180 tanks, 102 infantry fighting vehicles, 106 armoured personnel carriers, 1,063 armoured fighting vehicles, 785 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, 59 EW stations, 12 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 25 units of engineering 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 EXPLAINED: What is China's United Front and how does it operate? Praising it as a 'magic weapon,' Xi Jinping has expanded the murky influence operations. By Paul Eckert for RFA 2024.11.03 -- Evidence is mounting of clandestine Chinese influence operations in the heart of America. Just in the last few months, a former aide to the governor of New York state and her husband were arrested for alleged illicit activities promoting the interests of China; a Chinese democracy activist was arrested and accused of spying for China; and a historian was convicted of being an agent for Beijing. The three separate cases of former Albany functionary Linda Sun, dissident Yuanjun Tang and author Wang Shujun took place in New York alone. And they were not the first cases of alleged Chinese influence operations targeting immigrants from China in the Big Apple. Those cases came to light as a detailed investigation by the Washington Post revealed that China's diplomats and pro-Beijing diaspora were behind demonstrations in San Francisco that attacked opponents during President Xi Jinping's visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, summit last November. All bear the hallmarks of China's "united front" influence operations conducted by government ministries, party operatives and local proxies - but in a veiled manner. "United front work is a unique blend of influence and interference activities, as well as intelligence operations that the CCP uses to shape its political environment," said the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party in a report published last November. What is the United Front Work Department? Coordinating this overseas influence and interference work is Beijing's shadowy United Front Work Department, or UFWD, set up in 1942, even before the Communists took over control of China. Headed by Shi Taifeng, a Politburo member, it seeks to promote China's political interests through an extensive network of organizations and individuals around the world, experts say. It spares no effort trying to push Beijing's view - and crush dissenting opinions - among people in Taiwan and Hong Kong, ethnic minorities such as Mongolians, Tibetans and Uyghurs as well as among religious groups. How does the UFWD operate? The United Front Work Department is engaged in a mixture of activities, from interfering in the Chinese diaspora and suppressing dissidents to gathering intelligence, encouraging investment in China and facilitating the transfer of technology, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, or ASPI, said in a report. It uses quasi-official organizations and civil society groups based overseas to blur the line between official and private, giving China plausible deniability in many cases, witnesses told the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which advises Congress on China. It funds Confucius Institutes - Chinese-language study centers on university campuses around the world - many of which have been shut down in the United States. It also funds diplomats' engagement with foreign elites and its police force's perpetration of "transnational repression" - clamping down on dissidents or opponents outside China's borders, the review commission said in a 2023 report based on expert testimony. United front groups often have innocuous sounding names, like the Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification or the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Many appear to be ordinary overseas Chinese community organizations, and are found in business and even in multinational corporations. Lurking behind or within them, though, are government or party agencies - very often China's powerful intelligence, security and secret police agency. "United front groups are used - very specifically - to hide the Ministry of State Security," said Peter Mattis, head of the non-profit Jamestown Foundation. "This is why I like to think of the United Front Work Department as the tall grass that is sort of deliberately cultivated to hide snakes," he told RFA. What is the history of China's 'united front' work? Under the Moscow-led Comintern in the 1920s, the Chinese Communist Party adapted Soviet revolutionary Vladimir Lenin's concept of forming a "united front" - forging temporary alliances with friends and lesser enemies in order to defeat greater enemies. After Mao Zedong's Communists took power in 1949, united front work focused internally on co-opting Chinese capitalists and intellectuals, who were brought to heel and persecuted in the 1950s under Mao's vicious ideological campaigns. Xi Zhongxun, the father of current President Xi Jinping, played a key united front work role with top Tibetan Buddhist figures, trying to influence the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. What role has Xi played? While China denies meddling in the affairs of foreign nations, experts say that under President Xi, China's overseas influence activities have become more aggressive and technologically sophisticated. In 2017, Xi famously repeated Mao's description of united front work as a "magic weapon" for the party's success. But two years before that, he established a "leading small group" to coordinate top-level united front work and carried out a major expansion and reorganization of the UFWD. "We will build a broad united front to forge great unity and solidarity, and we will encourage all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to dedicate themselves to realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation," Xi told the 20th Party Congress in 2022. That congress saw Xi's top ideological theorist, Wang Huning, who ranks fourth in the Politburo, appointed to lead the national-level united front system, the House Select Committee report said. Xi has built up the power and capacity of the UFWD, which controls 11 subordinate government agencies, including the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the State Ethnic Affairs Commission and the State Administration for Religious Affairs, according to Australia's ASPI. What are some examples of the UFWD's efforts in the U.S.? In New York, prosecutors say that Linda Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, received millions of dollars in cash, event tickets and gourmet salted duck from the UFWD. In exchange, Sun tried to remove references to Taiwan in state communications, and obtained unauthorized letters from the governor's office to help Chinese officials travel, prosecutors say. In California during Xi's visit in November, the Washington Post reported, the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles paid for supporters' hotels and meals and directly interacted with aggressive actors who punched and kicked anti-Xi protesters and attacked them with flagpoles and chemical spray. U.S. stopovers by Taiwan leaders have drawn similar protests. Who are the targets of united front work? Sun and Hu represent a key demographic in the UFWD's crosshairs: the Chinese diaspora. The activist Tang had access to the overseas Chinese dissident and pro-democracy community and its network of supporters. United front pressure and harassment tactics - including threats against family in China - are deployed against diaspora members of China's persecuted ethnic and religious minorities: Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and members of the banned Falun Gong movement. Citizens of Taiwan have for decades been pressured by united front efforts to support unification with the Communist-controlled mainland. The recent imposition of draconian national security legislation in Hong Kong has made citizens and exiles who oppose those authoritarian steps in formerly free Chinese territory targets of united front pressure. These targets are not alone and the list is growing, with Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand also grappling with Chinese influence campaigns that smack of united front work. "There's no clear distinction between domestic and overseas united front work: all bureaus of the UFWD and all areas of united front work involve overseas activities," the report from Australia's ASPI said. "This is because the key distinction underlying the United Front is not between domestic and overseas groups, but between the CCP and everyone else," it said. The Chinese Embassy in Washington told Radio Free Asia that the United Front's domestic role is to "promote cooperation between the (Communist Party) and people who are not members of it." Outreach to the diaspora "helps give full play to their role as a bridge linking China with the rest of the world," the embassy spokesperson's office said in an e-mailed statement. "Its work is transparent, above-board and beyond reproach," it said. "By making an issue out of China's United Front work, some people are trying to discredit China's political system and disrupt normal exchange and cooperation between China and the United States." Additional reporting by Jane Tang of RFA Investigative. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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 Defence continues to support sanctions against North Korea Issued by Defence Media 4 November 2024 Australia's contribution to multinational efforts to enforce United Nations (UN) Security Council sanctions against North Korea continues, with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft deployed for Operation Argos. The RAAF P-8A will operate from Kadena Air Base in Japan conducting airborne surveillance to monitor and detect illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods in the region. Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN said Australia remained deeply committed to enforcing UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. "We will continue to operate where required to enforce these sanctions, in accordance with international law, alongside partner nations," Vice Admiral Jones said. Since 2018, Australia has deployed RAAF maritime patrol aircraft 14 times and Royal Australian Navy surface vessels 12 times under Operation Argos. Commanding Officer of No. 11 Squadron, Wing Commander Adam Saber, said the Squadron had experience operating in the region, having contributed to Operation Argos a number of times since it commenced. "The versatility of the P-8A aircraft, its interoperability with partner nations, and its exceptional reliability make it well suited for Operation Argos," Wing Commander Saber said. "I am very proud of the dedication, professionalism, and drive of 11 Squadron personnel that underpins all our operations." Australia continues to work alongside partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States who all conduct operations in support of UN Security Council Resolutions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French aircraft carrier's planned deployment panders to NATO's expansion into Asia-Pacific: experts Global Times By Guo Yuandan Published: Nov 04, 2024 12:25 AM The French Navy's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is set to depart for deployment to the "Indo-Pacific" and possibly make "historic" calls to Japan and the Philippines, Naval News reported, a move that experts believe is an attempt to pander to NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific, which is detrimental to regional peace and stability. The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort are expected to embark soon on a months-long journey that will take them to the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and possibly the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, and could make historic calls to Japan and the Philippines which would mark firsts, according to Naval News, a Paris-based news outlet. The "historic visits" to Japan and the Philippines indicate that France is catering to the US' "Indo-Pacific Strategy" to a certain extent, which is an obvious signal, as the two countries are both allies of the US in the Asia-Pacific region, serving as pawns for the US to suppress and contain its strategic rivals, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. According to a military source, one of the sequences envisaged could bring together local and less local partners such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, India, Canada, Japan and the UK around an exercise "that could focus on the theme of maritime security in the Indonesian straits," Naval News said. "The fact of investing in the area with first-rate assets over time shows that we are becoming credible in the area and that we are becoming, as a Pacific nation, a contributing nation," said another French navy officer, the media outlet added. As its naval officers have said, France has long been trying to showcase its national strength in the world, Zhang said, so the deployment of the French CSG in the Asia-Pacific region is also clearly geared toward expanding its political and military clout. Zhang noted that apart from the US, France possesses the world's only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, as well as several nuclear submarines including nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, giving it a certain nuclear strike capability. France's naval power sits at the forefront of the world, following such powers as the US and Russia, and is comparable to that of the UK, whose operational capabilities also hold sway in the European region as well, Zhang added. Zhang said that the France's so-called deployment is just a staged show because its strength in this area is limited. Recent years have seen an increasing number of NATO member states dispatching aircraft carriers and warships in an attempt to strengthen their military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will be deployed to the "Indo-Pacific" region at the head of a CSG, which will conduct a series of operations and exercises with partners and allies - including a port visit in Japan, the official website of the UK government said in April. The Italian navy flagship, the aircraft carrier Cavour, made its first-ever port call in Japan in August and conducted a joint exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSD), Kyodo News reported. "Whether NATO countries are ramping up their military presence or performing frequent exercises in the Asia-Pacific region, such actions will undoubtedly fuel the militarization of the Asia-Pacific region, which will negatively affect the peace and stability that has been maintained in the region for decades," Zhang stressed. The recent conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have particularly made the people of the Asia-Pacific region cherish regional peace, and neither the countries nor the people of the Asia-Pacific region want external forces to build up their military presence in the region to sow discord and intensify regional tensions, Zhang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Terror ringleader behind Taftan attack eliminated: Police IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Zahedan, IRNA -- The Iranian police spokesman has announced that the ringleader of a terrorist group responsible for the deadly attack on a police convoy in southeastern Iran has been killed. "We have fulfilled our promise to avenge the pure blood of our police martyrs," Brigadier General Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi said on Sunday. He added that the main members of the assassination team were either eliminated or apprehended in less than a week. The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the deadly ambush on Iranian police vehicles in Sistan and Baluchestan's Taftan County last week. Ten law enforcement officers were martyred in the attack. The police spokesman said that two additional terrorists were arrested over the past 24 hours, including the one who shamelessly recorded the scene of the attack. Six individuals who supported the terrorists were also taken into custody, he said, adding that they confessed to a number of killings over the past years. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US cruel pressures against Iran continue up to now: Iran FM spox IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Zahedan, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh has stated that the US provided all-out support to the Saddam regime during the eight-year-long war imposed on Iran, emphasizing that the US's unlawful interference and cruel pressures against Iran continue up to now. In a post on his X account on Sunday, Baghaei said that the 13th Aban anniversary "National Day of Countering Global Arrogance" is a reminder of Iranians' collective epic struggle to live in dignity and freedom, free from any foreign interference and alien domination. He added, "Our nation cannot afford to forget the US's long and dark history of unlawful and destabilizing interventions, in particular the 1953 US-UK-instigated coup d'etat that overthrew Iran's first democratically elected government and reinstated the monarchical dictatorship." "The US's all-out support for Saddam regime during 8 year-long imposed war. US's unlawful interference and cruel pressures against Iran continue up to now, including in the form of inhuman sanctions and unlimited support for Israeli rogue behavior," he further noted. "We have learned, though, that living in dignity and preserving national sovereignty and territorial integrity requires steadfastness and perseverance by counting on national potentials and capabilities," Baghaei underlined. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to host rescue and relief exercise in Caspian Sea IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Navy is slated to host the Caspian Sea combined rescue and relief exercise. The main stage of the Caspian Sea combined rescue and relief drills will be held with the presence of the Iranian and Azeri navy forces and hosted by the Iranian northern fleet on Monday. The exercise, dubbed "AZIREX2024" with the slogan of cooperation for peace and friendship, will be held on Monday. The drill aims to consolidate sustainable collective security and its foundations in the region, expand multilateral cooperation among the participating countries, and show their goodwill and ability in line with joint support for peace and friendship and maritime security. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran will 'certainly' launch Operation True Promise III against Israel: IRGC commander Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 5:26 PM A high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran will "certainly" launch another attack against Israel in response to the occupying regime's latest act of aggression against the country. The IRGC's Deputy Commander Brigadier General Ali Fadavi made the remarks on the occasion of the National Day of the Fight against Global Arrogance, also known as the National Student Day, which marks the 1979 takeover of the US embassy by Iranian university students, at Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran on Sunday. "Details cannot be discussed, but it will certainly be carried out," Fadavi said, referring to the possible attack against Israel, expected to be named Operation True Promise III. He further noted that Iran has been defending the oppressed and fighting the oppressor for over 45 years, stressing that it will continue to do so. Iran believes that it should stand on the right side of history, he added. The senior IRGC commander went on to say that one major aspect of the Gaza war was that the people of the world realized that they had been lied to for 76 years. As a result, demonstrations have been held on the streets of 91% of the countries of the world, he noted. "The people of the world understood that the Zionist regime is the occupier, and they occupied the Palestinian land, evicted the people from their homes, and killed the people, women, and children," he said. Fadavi's remarks came a day after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned the United States and Israel that they would definitely receive a crushing response for their aggression. The Islamic Republic launched some 200 missiles towards the Israeli entity's military, and espionage and intelligence bases all over the occupied territories on October 1 as part of Operation True Promise II. The operation came in response to the regime's assassinations of senior leaders of the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance and a senior IRGC commander. In the early hours of October 26, Israel targeted two Iranian border provinces, Ilam and Khuzestan, as well as Tehran. The country's integrated air defense system successfully intercepted and countered the aggression. Iran has said it will respond to the recent Israeli act of aggression against the country and will not abandon its rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran kills ringleader of terrorist group behind deadly attack on border guards in southeast Iran Press TV Sunday, 03 November 2024 4:35 PM Iran's police have killed the ringleader of a terrorist group responsible for the deadly attack on a police convoy in Iran's southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Ten Iranian border guards were killed after gunmen carried out a surprise attack against police vehicles in the Gohar Kuh district of Taftan County last Saturday and opened fire on them. Police spokesman General Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi said on Sunday that the leader of the terrorist group was identified and killed by an anti-terrorist unit in a complex intelligence operation earlier in the day. Over the past 24 hours, he added, police also arrested two other terrorists and six individuals who were supporting them. He emphasized that the detainees have confessed to committing terrorist acts in Iran over the past years and will be punished. The police official noted that the main members of the terrorism group have been detained in less than one week. "We fulfilled the promise we made to avenge the pure blood of the martyred police," Montazer al-Mahdi said. In a statement last week, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force's Quds Base said it had arrested four terrorists and taken down four others involved in the bloody attack. It added that several other terrorists were also injured. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council "condemned in the strongest terms" the "cowardly terrorist attack on a patrol unit of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Goharkooh region of the city of Taftan." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian President Says Cease-Fire Could Affect Tehran's Response To Israeli Strike By RFE/RL November 03, 2024 Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said that if a cease-fire were reached by Israel and Tehran-allied groups in the region, the action "could affect the intensity" of any retaliatory strike by Iran's military, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained his tough stance during a visit to the Lebanese border on November 3, saying the Hezbollah extremist group must be pushed back beyond the Litani River and be prevented from rearming. Israel for the past several months has been striking suspected sites of Hezbollah -- which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Much of Hezbollah's leadership has been killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and around the capital, Beirut. The attacks on Hezbollah have intensified since the Israeli Army invaded the Gaza Strip following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by its Hamas rulers that killed around than 1,200 Israelis and took some 250 hostages. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel, saying it will continue its attacks until a cease-fire is reached in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks inside Lebanon have killed nearly 3,000 people, according to officials there, and have destroyed much of Gaza, with a reported death toll of 43,341. Many leaders in the West and elsewhere have feared a wider war erupting in the Middle East, especially with Israel and Iran trading tit-for-tat air strikes against each other. Many are awaiting Tehran's next move following Israel's October 26 strike against military sites inside Iran. "If they [the Israelis] reconsider their behavior, accept a cease-fire, and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response," Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the IRNA state news agency. But he added that Tehran "will not leave unanswered any aggression against its sovereignty and security." Pezeshkian, who took office in late July, has been labeled a moderate by some Western observers of the Iranian political situation. A day earlier, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened Israel and the United States with "a teeth-shattering response" to recent Israeli attacks on Iran and its proxy groups - which it referred to as its "resistance front" -- in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said that "I want to be clear: With or without [a cease-fire] agreement, the key to restoring peace and security in the north, the key to bringing our northern residents back home safely, is first and foremost to push Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River, secondly to target any attempt to rearm, and thirdly to respond firmly to any action taken against us." Israel "will definitely do everything that should be done...whether in terms of military, weapons, or political work," he said. The Litani River is some 30 kilometers inside Lebanon from the border and would create a buffer zone between Hezbollah forces and Israeli territory, which Netanyahu has insisted upon. In a report by Axios on November 2, a U.S. official and a former Israeli official said the U.S. administration had warned Tehran in recent days that it won't be able to restrain Israel should Iran launch another attack against the U.S. ally. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-president-ceasefire-impact-response- israel-strike-pezeshkian-2024/33185824.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 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/11/03 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 2-3 2.PLA activities 27 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels, and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 2, 2024 2 November 2024 21:23 2071-02-11-2024 This interaction wasn't scheduled. It is provoked by the statements that we heard coming from the Kiev regime. The fact is that the "Foreign Minister" of Ukraine, Andrey Sibiga, said something about Ukrainian POWs on social media. He linked all of that to the October 30-31 "summit" in Montreal, Canada, which focused on returning Ukrainian prisoners of war. This event was attended by representatives from over 45 countries, including Foreign Minister of Canada Melanie Joly, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrey Sibiga, and Foreign Minister of Norway Barth Eide. They (for some reason, these Western countries) discussed ways to return Ukrainian POWs to Ukraine. Following this meeting, Sibiga posted a comment on social media saying that the past week one country had allegedly expressed a desire, during that meeting in Canada, to become "a protecting power in accordance with the Geneva Conventions to help Ukrainians in Russia." He also said - at least the Western media cited him as saying - that three neutral countries had expressed their willingness to act as "protectors of Ukrainians in Russia". We received a large number of questions today. We decided to answer all these questions at once and share with you what this is all about. Why would the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry discuss the fate of Ukrainians and POWs in Canada? This is not a rhetorical question. It appears to make no sense and to be unanswerable only at first glance. In fact, there is an answer, and the answer has been provided earlier. This is a staged political show which they need to put on, because Ukraine is seeing the first signs of social unrest. People are asking questions: where are the POWs who were supposed to be exchanged? Without answering this question and keeping the actual state of affairs under wraps, the Kiev regime is creating a semblance of ongoing international efforts, which, from the point of view of the people on Bankovaya, are supposed to put Russia under some kind of pressure. Now, let's look at the facts, because we have seen the lack of integrity, rude behaviour and insolence of the Kiev regime, which subsequently morphed into extremism and terrorism. That could still be viewed as logic, albeit a morbid one. What happened today is beyond good and evil. It is nothing short of absurdity. POW exchanges take place routinely according to an established arrangement. You yourself witnessed them and received reliable information from Russia, the Kiev regime, and everyone else involved in this process. There are corresponding mechanisms in place that include the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation and the appropriate mechanisms with the involvement of the Russian Defence Ministry. There are the established channels and authorised persons who deal with these matters. In 2022, Moscow and Kiev reached agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war with the assistance of international mediators. More than 45 exchanges have been carried out since then and about 3,000 servicemen from each side returned home. What is happening now? The Kiev regime is sabotaging the process, which was institutionalised and was producing results. Why is that? It's because they are now focused solely on exchanging nationalist battalion members. They are interested in units and servicemen whom we describe as extremist, terrorist, and nationalist. Who are they? These include Azov, Aidar, Right Sector, Kraken, and Donbass, as well as foreign mercenaries who took part in hostilities against Russia as part of the Foreign Legion (Polish Volunteer Corps, Georgian Legion, Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, Belarusian Volunteer Corps, Russian Volunteer Corps, Karelian National Battalion, and Siberian Battalion). I reiterate that their interest lies primarily in prisoners of war from nationalist and extremist battalions and units, or foreign mercenaries. Conversely, the Kiev regime shows no interest in members of the Ukrainian armed forces themselves, namely their own citizens, conscripts, and ordinary servicemen. In the context of negotiations between the Russian Defence Ministry and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, established in Ukraine under the auspices of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, we consistently advocate for the resumption of constructive dialogue and the intensification of prisoner exchanges. We emphasise that this interaction is humanitarian in nature and not intended to secure any political advantage. We further assert that, for the Kiev regime, this process is politically motivated. They exploit it as a media tool to promote their interests, evidently avoiding genuine, result-oriented efforts in favour of endless international political performances. For example, this year, the Russian Ministry of Defence submitted proposals to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War to transfer 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war to Ukraine as part of exchanges. How many of these individuals has the Kiev regime claimed? They agreed to accept only 279. You can do the math - the Kiev administration has disregarded the fate of nearly 700 individuals who could have been reunited with their families in Ukraine. Or perhaps the Kiev regime harbours an aversion towards them? Meanwhile, they continue to visit Canada and travel globally, ostensibly to urge and negotiate international mediation efforts and, as Andrei Sibiga stated, patronage of Ukrainian citizens in Russia. There exists a concept known as "political tourism," which refers to visits and business trips that yield no practical results. Its purpose remains unclear. The Kiev regime's political tourism is even more egregious, as it is predicated on the blood of its citizens, its servicemen - not those who have harboured hatred for years, nor the thugs ready to shoot indiscriminately, but those forcibly conscripted under the guise of saving Ukraine, thrust into these "meat assaults." They exhibit no concern for their fate. Simultaneously, to distract the mothers, wives, fathers, children, and prisoners of war in Ukraine, they proceed to the "stronghold" of Russophobic nationalism - Canada - and claim to have assembled a "team" of countries. Perhaps the representatives of these states, well-intentioned as they may be, are being misled to create the illusion of some effort being exerted. There exists a straightforward path: if they wish to reclaim their POWs, all necessary channels are institutionalised and operational. They simply choose not to pursue it. Concurrently, they persistently demand the inclusion of nationalists and mercenaries in exchanges, against whom Russian law enforcement possesses ample evidence of serious crimes, including shooting civilians, robbery, and sexual assault (concerns about which the West typically voices, yet disregards in this instance). We have heard both publicly and during these "vigils" in Montreal that Russia is allegedly refusing to include Ukrainian Marines in the exchange lists. This is categorically false. We are prepared to publish a list of 29 Ukrainian Marines returned by the Russian side during exchanges. Why is this information being concealed by the Kiev regime? This raises significant questions. We will indeed publish this list. Moreover, Russia has repeatedly proposed to exchange a considerably larger number of Marines, notably from the 36th Separate Marine Brigade which surrendered in Mariupol in 2022. Their relatives in Ukraine are likely to be unaware that their loved ones, held as prisoners of war in Russia, have been proposed for exchange by the Russian side. The Kiev authorities simply withhold this information and deceive them. The Kiev regime exhibits no interest in the exchange and return of these citizens - its own servicemen. We are aware that the command of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry routinely excludes servicemen from certain units of the Ukrainian armed forces from exchange lists, deeming them unworthy of exchange, traitors who abandoned their positions in defiance of orders and voluntarily surrendered, as well as those conscripted into territorial defence forces. They deliberately choose not to reclaim them. This also pertains to those conscripted into the territorial defence forces. Notably, I wish to focus on the 36th Detached Marine Brigade once again. They participated in the combat operations in Mariupol in 2022 and indeed voluntarily surrendered at the Azovstal plant. However, this is just one example. I propose that we undertake this work on behalf of Ukrainian journalists and their media outlets. It seems they are prohibited from discussing it. Therefore, it falls upon us to do so. Let us identify all the units deemed by the Kiev regime ineligible for return to Ukraine. Military Unit 3041 (Chernobyl NPP protective force) refused to fulfil their mission, voluntarily laid down their arms, and surrendered in 2022. The Kiev regime does not wish to repatriate them. Ukrainian servicemen from the 102nd (conscripted from the Ivano-Frankovsk Region), 111th (from the Lugansk Region), 126th (from the Odessa Region), and 118th (from the Cherkassy Region) detached territorial defence brigades have been prisoners of war for over a year. Their relatives should be aware that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga travelled to Montreal at their expense. Meanwhile, he could have easily utilised the existing mechanisms from Kiev to resolve this issue. However, they remain indifferent to the plight of their citizens and they do not care about Ukrainian prisoners of war. Their priority is to reach Montreal and address their own concerns, perhaps to solicit more funds or "stash" their money at some accounts. Then they feign concern for Ukrainian prisoners of war, claiming they are eager to "cobble together" this very international coalition. This problem could be resolved immediately, but they choose not to. They disregard their conscripted citizens, forcibly sending them into these "meat assaults," tearing them from their families. Under these circumstances, the Kiev regime seeks to maintain a genuine media blackout to justify all their actions. This is why they propagate "tall tales" on international platforms, within various international organisations, at specially convened roundtables and symposiums, asserting in official materials that Russia allegedly refuses to agree to exchanges. Today, I have provided specific facts and figures. These are the individuals the Kiev regime has rejected. These are their citizens and servicemen. When you hear claims that Russia is unwilling to conduct exchanges and release their people, know that this is false. The figures and facts speak for themselves. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has, regrettably, become a mere tool in the hands of Ukrainian "politicians," the group entrenched on Bankovaya Street. Why have they turned a functional mechanism into a mere "noise-maker"? To avoid engaging in real exchanges (they have no need for these individuals) and to perpetually create the illusion of activity (such as the Montreal meeting), substituting genuine efforts with this international legal "claptrap," continually disseminating misinformation in Ukrainian society that the "international community will soon come to the rescue" and resolve the POW issue. I wish to reiterate that Moscow has never abandoned this work and dialogue regarding prisoner exchanges. The authorities on our side and our appointed representatives are actively engaged. They have consistently worked in line with the objectives set by the country's leadership at the highest level. Our position remains unchanged and widely known, including in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian society must recognise how it is being deceived once again by the Kiev regime, Mr Zelensky, and the entire "cabal." I observed that a few hours ago, head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov disclosed that he had received over two thousand letters from residents of Ukraine, requesting him to rescind his earlier order not to take Ukrainian servicemen prisoner. Mr Kadyrov has officially announced that this order has been revoked, and those who wish to surrender to Russian forces will live. However, the citizens of Ukraine must understand (when they write and send their appeals) that their own leaders are essentially leaving them to the mercy of fate. Even when the Russian Federation offers to exchange these individuals, they are rejected. The people of Ukraine have been driven to such desperation that they are willing, using their personal data and feedback, to write appeals to constituent entities of the Russian Federation (notably to Ramzan Kadyrov) in an attempt to resolve the plight of their loved ones. President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel announced that he had legally authorised the dispatch of 60 individuals to Ukraine. This indicates that the President of the Czech Republic seemingly has no regard for his own citizens. From the Czech perspective, it appears these are 60 "dispensable" individuals. This is the reality of the situation. Subsequently, the Czech leadership and representatives of the Kiev regime will feign concern for the fate of prisoners of war on international platforms. Answers to media questions: Question: You mentioned that some prisoners of war are considered traitors by Kiev. Are these POWs willing to return, knowing the consequences they might face as traitors, even being shot? Maria Zakharova: We cannot speak on behalf of each individual. I have cited the figures - approximately seven hundred individuals proposed for exchange were ignored by the Kiev regime which has shown no interest in considering or discussing them, let alone accepting them. The individuals proposed for exchange who have made their own decisions and requested this, are being denied their constitutional and legal rights by the Ukrainian "leaders," the Kiev regime. I believe it would be futile to discuss morality and justice in the context of Bankovaya Street, given the numerous stories and variations that have already emerged. The existing mechanisms are under the scrutiny of our country's Defence Ministry and the Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia, Tatyana Moskalkova. We are responding to statements made by diplomatic and foreign policy missions. Since the "meeting" in Montreal, we have heard pronouncements from the foreign ministry heads of these countries. Accordingly, we address this information jamboree (for lack of a better term) through diplomatic channels and similarly from the Russian Foreign Ministry. This is not merely an event under a non-existent motto or slogan but is, in fact, a false flag operation. It is the complete opposite of reality. There are Ukrainian servicemen whom our country has proposed for exchange, yet the Kiev regime has rejected them. Instead, they organise "meetings" worldwide, feigning the need to gather a "community" to pressure Russia and to "patronise" the Ukrainian prisoners of war on Russian soil. I will not delve into specifics. They lost their conscience long ago and likely have no shame remaining. The international community, represented by the Western patrons of the Kiev regime, chooses to ignore their treatment of prisoners of war and their conditions. We uphold international humanitarian law concerning individuals classified as prisoners of war. They do not require "patronage." The Kiev regime should simply fulfil its obligations to its citizens - those who, in fact, placed their trust in it and were defenceless against these oppressors, who forcibly removed people, men, from their homes and apartments. You have all seen the hundreds, thousands of videos circulated globally. Yet, for some reason, the Western minority overlooks this. Simultaneously, they organise such "meetings" to express sympathy for the Kiev regime and concoct tall tales about how to "patronise" Ukrainian servicemen who are Russian prisoners of war. Question: Am I correct in understanding that there have been no requests from the countries mentioned by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to act as patrons of Ukrainian citizens? Maria Zakharova: I am not aware of any such requests. Today, the Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Grigory Karasin, stated that we remain open to dialogue. Furthermore, I would like to add that if there is an inclination on anyone's part to mediate, it would be prudent for these mediators to approach the Kiev regime with the facts we have presented today. I wish to reiterate that we have never declined any offers of good offices. We are always appreciative of those who show compassion on the battlefield. Such high ideals are commendable, especially when individuals are not compelled to "head to the battlefield" in the words of the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, but when instead people speak of the necessity and existence of a humanitarian dimension, of peace, and of political and diplomatic means of resolving conflicts. We have consistently valued such efforts and intentions. However, I would like to emphasise that mediation is required to persuade the Kiev regime to reclaim their citizens, whom it currently rejects. I have provided the specific brigades, their names, and their numbers. This is more than a mere statement criticising or disavowing the comments of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga. These are concrete facts that Ukrainian society needs to engage with. If mediation is actually necessary, it should occur between the Kiev regime and the Ukrainian citizens. This is where there is a total lack of mutual understanding. People in Ukraine have been deceived for years, first through depleting their forces and mobilising Ukrainian men, lowering military draft age, sending people to death, and then refusing to accept those who surrendered or were taken captive, not revealing the truth to people, and pretending like they care. Therefore, they should travel to Montreal - this is where international mediation is necessary for the Kiev regime to finally fulfill its constitutional obligations to the Ukrainian people. We have observed "mediators" in Ukraine's internal political scene, those who arrived from abroad, on multiple occasions. All "Maidans" took place with their involvement. Foreign ministers from various countries, particularly Western ones, assumed the role of mediators between the Ukrainian people and their government, leadership, and the ruling elite. This is a glaring example. Let them establish contact between the forcibly mobilised citizens of Ukraine and the Kiev regime, and make attempts to explain the government's stance to the Ukrainians. We have not heard any such statements or intentions from foreign countries; our only source of information comes from social media posts by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga. We, for our part, have provided specific figures. The Kiev regime should clarify its position not only to the international community, since it has set this as a task, but also to its own citizens. Question: While addressing a UN Security Council meeting, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said that 5.3 million refugees moved from Ukraine to Russia during the first year of the special military operation alone. Moreover, as those people themselves told our publication, many of them relocate to Russia after a certain period of living in the EU countries. Why do you think Ukrainian citizens prefer Russia, despite the special military operation? Maria Zakharova: The point is that Ukraine, through the NATO interference, has literally been torn apart by its own internal affairs which have pitted groups of Ukrainian society against each other. This process has been ongoing for years. These are artificially provoked and staged "Maidans" that grew into actual political actions led by the US secretaries of state, the foreign ministers of Germany, Poland and France, as well as the ambassadors of NATO countries. They set people against each other, those who were seeking friendly, fraternal and historical relations with their neighbours, including Russia and other nations. And still, they did not refuse to integrate into the pan-European space and interact with other regions of the world. These people were pitted against those who believed that Ukraine should solely be embraced by the Western community. This was done through intentional and deliberate efforts, including through disseminating fake information. As a result, people no longer felt at home in Ukraine, realising that they would find not simply a temporary refuge but their true home in Russia, which protected their rights. You mentioned [this occurring since] the start of the special military operation, citing Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya. To remind, since the beginning of the special military operation, a vast number of people have sought our protection and support, or have relocated here as they realised that their real Motherland is Russia, and not the country that has mistreated them for years while pretending to be their homeland. Since 2014, millions of people have sought Russia's protection. They arrived and stayed here, received citizenship, made efforts to improve their lives, and returned to Ukraine to wait it out, believing everything would work out. But they were still aware that they were not welcome there but erased and disregarded. We sent vast amounts of humanitarian aid. Remember the way we were ridiculed when first vans with humanitarian aid arrived in Ukraine? Western media claimed that was the beginning of the invasion; they were talking nonsense about "transferring weapons" while we were sending textbooks, medications and power generators for people there to keep warm. Russia was protecting them, delivering food and water, providing jobs and spots in kindergartens and schools, as well as the entire social package, rights, and opportunities. As for Western countries, things happened just like in a renowned fable by Ivan Krylov - with the summer over, they started deporting Ukrainian citizens and discontinuing social support programmes and priority employment. Western Europe had nothing more to offer to Ukrainian citizens there. Certain European countries refused to accept them at all. All this was needed in order to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia: they used Ukraine and its citizens as a tool, showing them at rallies, using them as protesters near Russian embassies, setting them against our compatriots, and destabilising the work of businesses, companies and organisations that were oriented towards Russian markets. They needed Ukrainian citizens, including as a free labour force. Those who fit in and more or less met the qualification requirements stayed there, while the rest are being driven out from Western Europe. We will not talk about children; this is a separate issue as to what happened to kids who disappeared and where they were. I believe that over these past years, we have supported our motto "We don't abandon our own" through practical steps and actions, no matter what it cost us. Question: Reports have emerged saying that Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski proposed that Ukraine buy weapons from Poland on credit, while previously they were supplied for free. What do you think is behind such a cooling trend in relations between Poland and Ukraine now? Maria Zakharova: Do you think that everything else provided to Ukraine was done for free? Ukraine has been in bondage for decades, paying with its mineral wealth, the land that is given over for growing GMO foods, with all kinds of experiments conducted and soil exported, and finally, with its citizens. Remember the Generalplan Ost developed in the Third Reich: Slavs were supposed either to be used for slave labour or exterminated if they did not fit. Isn't it what the West is doing with the Ukrainians now? Those who are fit to provide services to Western Europe, Canada and the US will be kept, while the "unsuitable" (as NATO views them) will be disposed of. These are the similar ideas that emerged 80 years ago. Moreover, future generations will have to pay for the West's crimes with their money and particularly with their resources (they will actually have no money). Ukraine used to be a rich and free country washed by seas, with amazing arable lands and vast opportunities for everything such as agriculture and livestock farming. Ukraine was always considered a breadbasket, a land that boasted natural resources. Now all this has already been put under control, having been sold directly to Western transnational companies or through loans, as they view it in the West, putting the country into bondage for centuries with its people lacking the right to their own resources. Question: Additionally, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrey Sibiga stated that Moscow allegedly denies international observers and medical personnel access to prisoners of war and civilian hostages. How can you comment on this? Maria Zakharova: This is the same very lie. This is why he had to leave for Montreal. He had to make a statement somehow and come with something. They collected fake information, drafted guidelines, and started telling stories. I am citing real figures and names of brigades, from which Ukrainian servicemen were taken prisoners - those who gave up and were surrounded. They all were taken [captive] in a different way. Are they saying they are unable to monitor them via international observers? They even refuse to take them and listen to them. They are either interested in cutthroats and monsters who can be engaged in other directions simultaneously, or foreign mercenaries for which the westerners pay to them via these loans. They have to report to the West somehow for mercenaries. Who will Zelensky report to for Ukrainian citizens who were pulled away from their wives, mothers and children? He told them lies on numerous occasions, and treats them like a doormat. This is why this is an absolute lie. We have the commissioner for human rights, who is in touch with her Ukrainian counterpart. When allowed, the latter starts to fulfil his humanitarian functions, but then the situation "changes". They do not care about the people; they are expendables for them. This is obvious. Question: There is someone behind the decision not to bring back prisoners of war like in the case with the Gaza Strip hostages. Do you think the United States might be behind this? Because they do not care about them just like about the prisoners in the Gaza Strip, where the war is ongoing and people being killed. Maria Zakharova: Which independence of the Kiev regime can we talk about? They get out of control only when they need money or something else, resorting to the topic of nuclear weapons, for instance. Vladimir Zelensky demanded that he be provided with a nuclear bomb otherwise they will assemble it themselves. He was given $50 billion in exchange. Only in this case can we talk about them getting out of their western sponsors' control. As for other issues, the Ukrainian regime is totally dependent on western decisions; they do not belong to themselves. There have never been any precedents when the government prohibited itself from any communication with the other party with regard to peace talks or holding any talks at all - because no state or state officials tie their own hands with their nation's destiny at stake. Then it became clear that, first, the British insisted on having no talks; then the Americans made them sign a corresponding executive order. This is why they are totally under the US and Anglo-Saxon influence. Question: Can you cite the latest number of prisoners of war Russia and Ukraine have? Maria Zakharova: These figures are within the competence of our Ministry of Defence. I have provided them to you. They were declared for an exchange. I cited a specific figure which Russia was ready to provide to Ukraine for a swap. I hope you will have enough courage to write about this. Let me repeat once again in case you failed to record. This is important. A total of 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war were declared for a swap, only 279 were taken. If you, as Western journalists and human rights activists, are concerned about the destiny of Ukrainian citizens then ask the Kiev regime and their foreign and other ministers as well as diplomats as to why they abandoned 700 servicemen. I see you smiling. I hope this is not a grin and you genuinely care about this subject. Question: I would like you to clarify whether the swap of servicemen and the swap of civilians differ from each other or negotiations are held only with regard to prisoners of war? Maria Zakharova: I have never heard of any detentions of civilians. If you imply civilians who face criminal charges then this is not about the detention of civilians but rather about crime and punishment. As regards prisoners of war, I have already mentioned mechanisms that exist between Russia's Ministry of Defence and the corresponding agency under Ukraine's Ministry of Defence. Issues dealing with civilians are in the competence of the commissioner for human rights. There might be different situations. There is a commissioner for children's rights, who is also in touch with the Ukrainian party, international officials and the UN with regard to children, search for them, bringing them back to parents, and measures to resolve social issues. We have already held three briefings involving Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova (1, 2, 3). I believe we have had enough questions for another briefing; I think we can think about holding it. For each direction there are commissioners as well as mechanisms to resolve all of these issues. Question: The thing is that there are no Russian civilians, only prisoners of war in Ukraine, whilst you have more civilians than prisoners of war here. Maria Zakharova: Which civilians are you referring to? Are there a lot of Ukrainian civilians in Russia? What do you mean? Question: Those living in new regions, or occupied territories. Maria Zakharova: We have regions of the Russian Federation. You can call them "new", as you wish. We call them our regions. Who are you talking about? Those who are facing criminal charges against or even sentenced as involved in criminal cases, do you refer to these people as civilians? Question: Yes. Maria Zakharova: Commissioners for human rights are taking care of their destinies. But do not say that they are under detention; they are in custody as part of criminal or administrative proceedings. As for the Kursk Region residents, we can say that they are being detained by representatives of the Kiev regime in regions which the latter has occupied by force, without due process of law. This is not the case with Ukrainian civilians in our territories. Question: Several proceedings have been made close court in Rostov-on-Don recently following statements made by Dmitry Gordon. If these proceedings remained open, would it have been easier to find new terms for their swap? Maria Zakharova: Does the United States hold some proceedings behind closed doors? We also do sometimes. This is normal, with every country having its own procedures. You have proceedings held behind closed doors, so do we. Any country has such proceedings. What we speak about now is that the Kiev regime does not bring back their civilians declared for a swap, let alone show any interest in their fate. You have mentioned holding the proceedings behind closed doors, which otherwise could be helpful somehow. Almost 700 people have been declared. Bring them back. But they do not do this. What are you talking about? Why are you steering the conversation away from the subject matter? Almost 700 Ukrainian prisoners of war could be brought back to Ukraine. What does this have to do with closed or open court? What can be more open or closed? What do you want [me to say]? Their names? Question: This is the only chance to see them. Their lawyers claim they have no access to certain Ukrainian defendants. Maria Zakharova: I have just said that some 700 people were ready to be brought back to Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities do not take them. This is why we are having this conversation with you today, to let you know about this so that you could ask this question to the lawyers you have been referring to or Ukrainian representatives you are communicating with. Why don't they take them back? It is seemingly much more interesting to ask questions, give news conferences and interviews telling about Russia conducting trials behind closed doors and the destiny of Ukrainian citizens becoming unknown. Here we have seven hundred people that we provided for a swap to the Ukrainian party. Nobody is taking interest in their destiny, calling them different names. Representatives of the Kiev regime are unwilling to bring them back to their motherland. I totally understand why you are asking this question. You have a right to it. And I have a right to say that by asking such questions you are steering the situation away from the urgent problem that can be resolved - not through Montreal, but between authorised structures and officials of two countries. Does the Kiev regime need international mediation? We have never declined this. But there are specific destinies of a large number of people that the Kiev regime should not disown. These are their civilians; most of them were mobilised rather than recruited. That's the point. I understand that it is uncomfortable to learn about it, but it is something to be confronted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Reports 'Hottest Situation' In East As Russia Claims It's Taken Key Village By RFE/RL November 03, 2024 The Ukrainian military reported fierce battles near the industrial town of Kurakhove and acknowledged that Russian forces carried out over 100 assaults around a key Donbas village, though it did not comment on Moscow's claim to have captured it. The comments on November 3 follow a night in which Russia and Ukraine again launched drone attacks against each other, with Russian drones damaging buildings and power lines in Kyiv in the early morning hours. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said Ukraine launched nearly 20 drones at targets in southern Russia, but it claimed all were intercepted. The overnight mutual barrage comes as Russian forces accelerate their battlefield advances, pushing back Ukraine's exhausted and outmanned defenses in the eastern Donbas region. On November 3, Russian troops claimed to have captured a Donbas village located less than 6 kilometers from Pokrovsk, a major logistics hub. Russian forces "liberated the settlement of Vyshneve following offensive operations," the Russian Defense Ministry said. Kyiv did not immediately comment on the claim, but Ukraine's General Staff in its daily update acknowledged that Russian forces had launched 19 attacks on the Pokrovsk region. "In containing the pressure, defense forces repelled enemy attacks. The occupiers are focusing their main efforts near [the villages] of Promin and Vyshneve." It added that the "hottest situation" was near the industrial town of Kurakhove. A day earlier, Russian troops claimed to have taken Kurakhivka, another, larger village that is close Kurakhove, on a major reservoir. "Currently, the enemy has attacked the positions of the defense forces 110 times. It is most active in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions, where it carried out more than half of all attacks," it said. Capturing Pokrovsk, a key transit and supply point for Ukraine that connects several major outposts in the Donbas, is one of Russia's main objectives in the region. It is also home to a major coke mine that is crucial to Ukraine's steel production. Ukraine has struggled with manpower as well as an equipment and weapons shortage, hindering its ability to withstand the Russian advances. The U.S. Defense Department announced a new $425 million package of weapons and other equipment for Kyiv, though it's unclear how soon the materiel will arrive or if it will make a difference on the battlefield. The November 1 announcement was likely the last before U.S. Election Day, on November 5, which will prove pivotal to future Western support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has spent months urging Western suppliers to allow Kyiv to use their advanced weaponry to strike deeper inside Russia, and last week he accused them of inaction in response to Russia's alleged plan to deploy thousands of North Korean troops to Ukraine. The United States and allies have ruled out the use of Western weapons to strike deep in Russia over fears that it could result in a nuclear retaliation from Moscow. Meanwhile, a report in The Washington Post said EU leaders were "bracing for a possible rupture of transatlantic relations in the event former President Donald Trump prevails" in the November 5 presidential election. "What will happen if a president is elected for a second time in America who declares NATO obsolete and is no longer willing to keep security promises?" Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democrats, was quoted by the Post as having told supporters. "Then we will be on our own. And by that, I don't just mean us Germans, but we Europeans." Trump, who is in a tight battle with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, has expressed doubts about NATO's viability and has favored what his critics say are pro-Russia policies. Harris has strongly supported continued assistance to Ukraine. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-drones-damage-kyiv- buildings-ukrainian-drones-downed-southern-russia-/33185493.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 (3 November 2024) 03.11.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. Units of the Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. Units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled three counter-attacks of the enemy towards Malaya Loknya, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops killed and wounded. Army Aviation and artillery strikes inflicted losses on manpower clusters and hardware of the 21st, 41st, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 112th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU, and 17th National Guard Brigade near Aleksandriya, Bondarevka, Guyevo, Daryino, Kazachaya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Melovy, Nizhny Klin, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Novy Put, Staraya Sorochina, and Plyokhovo. Operational-Tactical Aviation and missile troops delivered strikes at concentration areas in Sumy region and reserves of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 103rd, 106th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Andreyevka, Basovka, Belovody, Zhuravka, Miropolye, Obody, Pavlovka, and Khoten. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 150 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one electronic warfare station, and five motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 29,250 troops, 180 tanks, 102 infantry fighting vehicles, 106 armoured personnel carriers, 1,063 armoured fighting vehicles, 785 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, 59 EW stations, 12 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 25 units of engineering 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 Troops Liberate Settlement of Vishnevoye Near Donetsk - Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20241103 MOSCO (Sputnik) - Russia's Ministry of Defense reported on the progress of the special military operation. Russia's Tsentr (Center) group of forces has liberated the settlement of Vishnevoye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "As a result of active offensive actions, units of the Tsentr group of troops liberated the settlement of Vishnevoye in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Yug (South) group of forces has eliminated over 520 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day and repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. "The enemy's casualties have amounted to more than 520 soldiers. A total of 12 vehicles, one M113 armored personnel carrier, two US-made M119 guns, two D-30 howitzers and two ammunition depots were destroyed," the statement read. The ministry also said that Russia's Tsentr (Center) group had repelled 10 Ukrainian counterattacks and eliminated more than 500 servicemen. The total number of Ukrainian troops eliminated over the past day topped 1,600. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Captivity, It's Not Just Years That Matter - Every Single Day Counts - Address by the President President of Ukraine 3 November 2024 - 23:02 Dear Ukrainians! Today I would like to address our partners on one of the fundamental elements of peace. Ukraine always rejoices when we manage to bring our people back from Russian captivity. To bring them back home. Warriors and civilians. It is extremely difficult, but we are doing everything to make the exchanges happen. But the hardest part isn't bringing adults home - it's bringing back the children. Young Ukrainians taken from their families. Kids who have been taken from our temporarily occupied territories to Russia. And whom Russia is trying to hide. No one can say for certain today exactly how many there are, but we know there are tens of thousands. These are both very young children and teenagers. Those who have relatives in Ukraine. And those whose relatives, tragically, were killed by Russian strikes. Sometimes, luckily, children manage to reach out themselves - to volunteers, human rights defenders, or relatives back in Ukraine. But in most cases, Russians deprive them of any means of communication, seize and destroy the children's documents, and place them in Russian families of strangers. In captivity, it's not just years that matter - every single day counts. And so does every effort that helps free our people. This week, Canada hosted a conference on the point of the Peace Formula dedicated to this very task of ours - bringing home all Ukrainian captives, all our deported and abducted Ukrainians. More than 70 countries and international organizations participated. There's full support for our people, our country, and our mission. Every prisoner exchange is an achievement. Every child who returns home to Ukraine is a reason for happiness. But we must bring everyone back. Everyone. Our Bring Kids Back UA initiative is in progress. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Vatican - acting as mediator countries - are together with us in this effort, along with many other nations. We want true peace for Ukraine - for our land and for all our people. This is only fair. It is fair to bring home everyone torn away from their home by war. Peace must be lasting. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PRESS RELEASE Paris November 4, 2024 Bureau Veritas strengthens its Buildings & Infrastructure leadership position in Asia-Pacific with an agreement to acquire The APP Group Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire The APP Group, a leading provider of Assurance, Compliance, Independent Verification and Certification (IV/IC), Construction Supervision, Project Management, Strategic Advisory and Asset Management and Optimization Services across the full asset investment lifecycle in the Buildings and Infrastructure sectors in Australia. This strategic move will significantly enhance Bureau Veritas' presence in the Asia-Pacific region and develop its capabilities to support infrastructure projects. This acquisition is aligned with Bureau Veritas LEAP | 28 strategy to expand leadership in Buildings and Infrastructure, diversifying its portfolio and investing in an attractive regional market. Bureau Veritas contributes to safer, sustainable and resilient buildings and infrastructure, delivering dedicated solutions from early-stage feasibility through construction and into asset operations. Its global reach and comprehensive service portfolio empowers clients across the entire asset lifecycle. This acquisition will expand Bureau Veritas Buildings and Infrastructure capabilities by adding significant project management assistance expertise to asset owners, as well as construction management, independent project verification and certification and leverageable scale to support growth in the wider Asia Pacific region. The APP Group has an impressive 35-year track record as a trusted partner to government, infrastructure owners, large corporations and private clients in Australia, and is recognized as a leader in Assurance, Compliance, Independent Verification and Certification (IV/IC) across major Australian transport infrastructure projects. The APP Group brings a team of 500+ and access to a pool of over 200 specialist sub-consultants. It has a strong presence in transport infrastructure, buildings, social infrastructure and facilities and manages a client portfolio of over 200 customers. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia and delivered revenues of 87 million in 2023. Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas, commented: "When closed, The APP Group acquisition will mark a significant milestone in our LEAP | 28 growth strategy for the Buildings & Infrastructure business in Asia Pacific. This move will not only strengthen our position in the Australian market but will also provide us with a robust platform to expand our B&I services across the region. The APP Groups recognized expertise and reputation will perfectly complement our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our clients." Adam Castro CEO, The APP Group, added: The APP Group is an Australian Property and Infrastructure leader and joining forces with a world leader in Bureau Veritas allows for continued growth, whilst leveraging a global network of services, systems and resource capability to support our clients and new market opportunities. This strategic union will not only enhance our service delivery offering and experience to our clients, but also consolidate our position as a partner of choice. We look forward to being part of the Bureau Veritas Group and unlocking new opportunities for our people, clients, partners and the broader communities in which we operate. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be closed by year end. *** About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for its customers excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The companys technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn. About The APP Group The APP Group is a leader in Australian Property and Infrastructure, as a trusted partner, working together with clients and key stakeholders to create possibilities and shape progress for the organizations themselves and the communities they serve. Operating an integrated services model across the full asset capital investment lifecycle in the key sectors: Transport, Property, Social Infrastructure, Modern Methods of Construction, Energy & Utilities and Defense & Security. The APP Group team provide market leading service solutions, expertise and advice to help tackle Australias most complex projects and challenges, backed by a 500 plus-strong nationwide team. For more information, visit www.app.com.au Attachment Terranet presents its updated product development plan for BlincVision, an advanced driver assistance system, with clear goals set for 2025. Customer projects have been initiated, and the goal for the first half of the year is to develop an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to pave the way for volume agreements and meet market demand. BlincVision sets a new standard for anti-collision solutions by combining patented event camera technology with AI-trained software. The system uses minimal data processing, making the technology faster than any other solution on the market. It enables real-time decision-making and raises the bar for safety in the automotive industry. BlincVisions functionality has been demonstrated through a prototype, which has been crucial in bringing the product closer to potential customers, such as automakers or their major suppliers. The next step is to work together with these stakeholders to adapt and integrate the product into the vehicles existing safety systems, enhancing safety and improving the driving experience. Terranet is following its product development plan and communicates the progress frequently. After many years of research and development, a prototype of BlincVision was showcased at the beginning of 2024, first in a lab environment and later outdoors on a moving vehicle. In the fall of 2024, the system was also tested on an accredited test track, where BlincVision performed a full autonomous braking. BlincVision is an anti-collision solution designed to improve or replace other safety systems in a more cost-effective way, increasing safety and saving more lives. With stricter safety requirements in the automotive industry, systems like BlincVision will be crucial for both driver-operated and autonomous vehicles in the future. Terranet is now in a product development phase where all employees are focused on optimizing the prototype with valuable feedback from vehicle manufacturers and major suppliers. This work will lead to an MVP (a first version of the product that can be tested on the market), a product that can be widely offered to vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Once the MVP is fully integrated into a vehicle, work towards volume production can begin. Key milestones in BlincVision's product development for 2025 are as follows: Q1: Proof of Concept results with a partner via MobilityXlab and initiate the next customer project. Proof of Concept results with a partner via MobilityXlab and initiate the next customer project. Q2: Further development of the existing prototype into an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Further development of the existing prototype into an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Q3-4: Verification of the MVP in customer vehicle and adjustments based on market demands. A partnership agreement is signed, initiating dialogue on volume production. We are in an incredibly exciting phase in Terranet's history as we now integrate BlincVision into vehicles from car manufacturers and their suppliers to strengthen safety systems. Autonomous vehicles represent a significant market and are a crucial part of the vision of zero traffic deaths," says Magnus Andersson, CEO of Terranet, on behalf of Terranet Management. For more information, please contact: Magnus Andersson, VD E-mail: magnus.andersson@terranet.se About Terranet AB (publ) Terranet's goal is to save lives in urban traffic. The company develops innovative technical solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Terranets anti-collision system BlincVision laser scans and detects road objects up to ten times faster than any other ADAS technology available today. The company is headquartered in Lund, with offices in Gothenburg and Stuttgart. Since 2017, Terranet has been listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (Nasdaq: TERRNT-B). Follow our journey at: www.terranet.se Attachment Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Transparency Market Research Inc. -, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global multiplex assays market ( ) is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.9 billion by 2031 . As of 2022, the market valuation turned out to be US$ 3.2 billion. This is expected to rise at a moderate CAGR of 6.9%. Various forces might be responsible for such a growth rate of the market. Multiplexed point-of-care testing has been emerging. It simultaneously detects various analytes at a particular site. Due to this, a single specimen is tested more easily and in less time. Consequently, this enhances the efficiency of testing. As a result, the demand for the same is constantly rising. This creates an assertive market force that heavily drives the market under consideration, leading it to moderate growth. In the contemporary medical field, multiplex immunoassays are employed on a large scale. It helps medical professionals to detect the presence of antibodies in humans. These autoantibodies generated can be seen simultaneously, which enhances the efficiency of medical testing. Additionally, the prevalence of autoimmune diseases has been rising, which creates a crucial market driver for the subject market. Download sample PDF copy of report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=49884 The cost-effectiveness of multiplex assays is more than that of singleplex assays. The main reason is the high output-per-volume ratio delivered by multiplex assays. Also, due to the limited conservation of sample volume, the target accuracy is enhanced. This adds value to multiplex assays, proving to be a positive market force. Key Findings from the Market Report The global multiplex assay market is segmented based on product type, the technology used, the type of ingredient, its application, and the end-user industry. The consumable market segment uses edible products that form a substantial market segment area. Multiplex RT-PCR is the market segment that amplifies multiple target sequences. This allows the user to enrich the target by amplifying. The protein assay market segment generates knowledge regarding the concentration level of an array of proteins in the body. Research development is another crucial market segment that signifies the development of the existing structure of multiplex assays. Key Developments in the Multiplex Assays Market In February 2023 , real-time PCR kits were launched by Thermo Fisher Scientific in India to arrest and detect the presence of infectious diseases. , real-time PCR kits were launched by Thermo Fisher Scientific in India to arrest and detect the presence of infectious diseases. In September 2023, GT Molecular, Inc. partnered with F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG. These organizations' strategic alliances helped them gain more competitive space within the market. partnered with F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG. These organizations' strategic alliances helped them gain more competitive space within the market. In November 2023, DiaSorin S.p.A. collaborated with Gilead Sciences. This collaboration resulted in developing a fully automated diagnostic assay for the hepatitis delta virus. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the global multiplex assays market is coarse. There are various players within the market. DiaSorin S.p.A . is one of the key players known for its molecular diagnostics technology. Also, it offers instruments for the same. Additionally, it provides immunodiagnostics. . is one of the key players known for its molecular diagnostics technology. Also, it offers instruments for the same. Additionally, it provides immunodiagnostics. In the case of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., the medical organization provides various laboratory instruments. Additionally, it gives pipettes, burettes, and many other products. Abcam Limited is known for supplying antibodies for clinical applications. It also offers antibodies for research purposes. It offers immunoassays that are essential to the organization's product portfolio. Key Players DiaSorin S.p.A. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Seegene Inc. Meso Scale Diagnostics LLC Abcam Limited Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. QIAGEN Merck KGaA Quansys Biosciences Illumina Inc. Regional Profile In the case of North America , a large number of market players working in the global multiplex assays market can be found. Due to this, the scope of growth of the market in the particular region is more. Further, the medical infrastructure in countries like Canada and the USA has grown. Thus, it proves to be the largest contributor to the subject market. , a large number of market players working in the global multiplex assays market can be found. Due to this, the scope of growth of the market in the particular region is more. Further, the medical infrastructure in countries like Canada and the USA has grown. Thus, it proves to be the largest contributor to the subject market. Similarly, Europe has also developed medical infrastructure, which fuels R&D related to multiplex assays. Therefore, Europe contributes substantially to the subject market, securing a respectable market share. has also developed medical infrastructure, which fuels R&D related to multiplex assays. Therefore, Europe contributes substantially to the subject market, securing a respectable market share. Apart from this, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East are some regions that contribute to the market growth under consideration. Unlock Growth Potential in Your Industry! Download PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=49884 Market Segmentation Product Instruments Consumables Reagents & Kits Micropipettes & Microplates Others Software Technology Multiplex RT-PCR Flow Cytometry Luminescence Fluorescence Others Type Protein Planar Bead-based Nucleic Acid Planar Bead-based Cell Application Research & Development Drug Discovery & Research Biomarker Research & Application Diagnosis Infectious Diseases Autoimmune Diseases Cancer Cardiovascular Diseases Neuroendocrine Diseases Others Others End User Biotechnology & Biopharmaceutical Companies Academic & Research Centers Diagnostic Centers Hospitals Others Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Buy this Premium Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=49884